Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Arthropod Neurobiology

The Department of Entomology College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University invites applicants for one full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor position with a nine-month academic appointment specializing in Arthropod Neurobiology located on the Texas A&M campus in College Station TX. Candidates should have a strong record of scholarly achievement including peer-reviewed journal publications demonstrated success in securing grants or a strong potential to secure extramural funding. This position has duties in Research Teaching and Service with approximately a 60% 30% and 10% distribution of effort respectively. However the appointment may change in accordance with Departmental needs. The anticipated start date is August 01 2026.

The Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University renowned for its strength in arthropod behavior chemical ecology physiology and nutrition genetics immunity insect resistance and evolutionary biology seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Neurobiology to fill a critical gap and synergize with these existing programs. This hire will expand our capacity to tackle modern challenges and position the department at the forefront of interdisciplinary discovery. The successful candidate will benefit from a vibrant and collaborative neuroscience community at Texas A&M University. Intellectual resources include the Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience (TAMIN) the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience and the Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program each with strong groups of neuroscientists and shared core facilities that support cutting-edge neurobiology research.

Arthropod Neurobiology encompasses the study of neural mechanisms underlying sensory perception information processing and behavior in arthropods including insects ticks mites and related taxa. This field seeks to understand how environmental cues are detected by peripheral sensory structures processed within central nervous system circuits and translated into coordinated adaptive behaviors. These behaviors span critical ecological and physiological functions including foraging and feeding locomotion reproduction communication within and between species defense and avoidance responses dormancy and migration nest- and shelter-building thermoregulation and grooming. Contemporary research in this field employs high-resolution imaging in vivo electrophysiology genetic and genomic manipulation (e.g. CRISPR RNAi) and computational/bioinformatic modeling to uncover how neural circuits are assembled how they operate in real time and how they have evolved across arthropod lineages. This integrative approach not only deepens our fundamental understanding of nervous-system function by also informs agriculture ecology and public health.

Key areas of cutting-edge inquiry might include: (1) Integrative Neuroanatomy Mapping entire arthropod brains at cellular resolution to link classic regionsoptic lobes mushroom bodies central complexto specific behaviors across species. (2) Genetic & Molecular Toolkits Leveraging CRISPR transgenics and RNAi for celltypespecific manipulations in nonmodel arthropods. (3) Neuroethology in Ecological Context Investigating how neural circuits adapt to realworld tasks such as navigation learning and social coordination. (4) Vector Sensory Systems & PublicHealth Applications Dissecting the receptor neurons insect vectors use to locate hosts with the aim of developing smart repellents or genetic interventions that block pathogen transmission. (5) Connectomics & Computational Modeling Generating highthroughput electronmicroscopy connectomes and in silico circuit models to understand how networks of thousands of neurons produce robust behaviors with implications for bioinspired robotics and neuromorphic computing.

General Duties and Responsibilities: The incumbent faculty member will have primary responsibility for developing an internationally recognized extramurally funded research program in arthropod neurobiology. They will employ cutting-edge methodologies (e.g. electrophysiology neurogenetics genomics single-cell multi-omics imaging) to investigate neural mechanisms underlying behavior and sensory biology in insects or related arthropods. The incumbent is expected to collaborate with departmental college and university colleagues to leverage interdisciplinary expertise in arthropod behavior chemical ecology physiology and nutrition genetics immunity insect resistance and evolutionary biology. Finally they will disseminate research findings via peer-reviewed publications presentations at professional conferences and outreach to scientific and stakeholder communities.

The successful candidate will contribute to the departments teaching mission by offering courses relevant to arthropod neurobiology. The incumbent will teach at least one 3-credit undergraduate course annually and one or more graduate-level courses on an alternating basis (e.g. Insect Behavior; ENTO 627). They may propose and develop new undergraduate or graduate courses in insect neurobiology or molecular physiology as needs and interests arise. There is an expectation to integrate contemporary neurobiology research findings into coursework to enrich the academic experience of students. Assignment of courses is done by the Department Head in consultation with the Associate Department Head for Academic Programs. Finally the incumbent will advise and supervise graduate and undergraduate students and provide guidance and professional development support to postdoctoral researchers.

With respect to service the incumbent will provide service to the Department of Entomology College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Texas A&M AgriLife Research. They will also participate in departmental committees professional societies and other activities that support and promote the departments mission. Finally they are expected to engage in outreach activities to inform the public stakeholders and potential donors about arthropod neurobiologys relevance to agriculture public health and basic science.

Resources: The Department of Entomology will provide dedicated laboratory and office space within our on-campus entomology facilities. The successful candidate will work with the Department Head to determine specific laboratory requirements including suitable space for sensitive equipment (e.g. confocal microscopes electrophysiology rigs) and potential specialized insect or arthropod rearing rooms. Core facilities on campus including the AgriLife Genomics and Bioinformatics Service and various microscopy centers offer additional support for advanced molecular and imaging techniques.

Funding Outlook/Sources:Arthropod neurobiology aligns closely with the priorities of major federal agencies and foundations supporting neuroscience and behavior research. Strong funding opportunities exist through theNIHfor studies on neural mechanisms sensory processing and behavior and through theNSFfor integrative and comparative work in invertebrate systems. Additional support is available from theBrain Research FoundationandDana Foundationfor innovative or early-stage neuroscience research. Applied avenues for funding are also available through theDoDandDARPAfor projects in bioinspired robotics and sensory technologies and through theUSDA/NIFAfor research linking neuroethology to pest and beneficial arthropod management.

Salary and benefits: Salary iscommensurate with qualifications and experience. Generous funding will be provided to launch a cutting-edge neurobiology research program including resources for specialized equipment laboratory supplies and personnel. Texas A&M University offers a robust benefits package covering health insurance retirement plans and other benefits (see:).

Administrative Relationship: Supervision will be provided by the Department Head of Entomology and the Vice Chancellor and Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The incumbent faculty member shall exhibit collegiality to all faculty staff students clientele groups and local administrators. Additionally the candidate is expected to cooperate and collaborate with faculty (independent of affiliation) as appropriate to the successful execution of their general duties and responsibilities and in support of the Department of Entomology mission and goals.

Ph.D. or equivalent in Neuroscience Biology Entomology or a closely related discipline required or candidates who have completed all Ph.D. requirements except the dissertation will be considered provided they demonstrate clear progress toward completion of the Ph.D.

Preferred qualifications: Demonstrated record of high-impact peer-reviewed research articles. Evidence of ability (or strong potential) to secure external research funding. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Experience or clear potential for effective teaching and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students. Candidates should have hands-on research experience in arthropod neurobiology (e.g. electrophysiology imaging neurogenetics) and an interest in applying neurobiological approaches to agricultural ecological or public health problems. Postdoctoral experience in a subdiscipline of neurobiology is highly preferred. The successful candidate will demonstrate both technical expertise and creativity in developing an independent externally funded research program.