Assistant Professor Job in Fungal Biology of Plant-Associated Systems at Texas A&M University, USA

Texas A&M University is inviting applications for a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Fungal Biology of Plant-Associated Systems. The appointment is in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences on the university’s main campus in College Station, Texas.

The position is scheduled to begin August 15, 2027, and carries responsibilities of 60% research, 30% teaching, and 10% service. Texas A&M is seeking a scientist who can establish an independent, high-impact, externally funded, and internationally recognized research program focused on fungal biology and its connections to plants, plant health, and plant-associated systems.

This faculty opportunity is particularly relevant to researchers working in mycology, plant pathology, plant-microbe interactions, fungal genetics, genomics, fungal ecology, microbiomes, and fungal biotechnology. The university has a long-standing strength in fungal biology and intends for this appointment to build on and extend that research excellence.

About the Position

The successful candidate will develop and lead an independent research program investigating fungi associated with plants and plant-related environments. The search is intentionally broad and welcomes researchers studying fungi as pathogens, mutualists, endophytes, saprotrophs, or members of plant and soil mycobiomes, provided the research connects to plant health or plant processes.

Potential research directions include fungal pathogenesis and the molecular mechanisms underlying fungal-plant interactions. Researchers investigating plant immune responses, physiological responses to fungi, disease development, resistance, or symbiosis are encouraged to apply.

The position also welcomes research on the structure, function, and assembly of plant, rhizosphere, and soil mycobiomes, as well as population, evolutionary, and comparative genomics involving fungi and their hosts. Fundamental fungal biology is another important area, including genetics, development, physiology, cell biology, and metabolism.

Candidates working in fungal biotechnology may also be considered where the work fits within fungal-plant interactions. Relevant areas can include natural products, enzymes, synthetic biology, biological control, and biostimulant applications. Research involving fungal detection, diagnostics, and surveillance in plant and agricultural systems is also encouraged.

Soil-associated fungal research is welcome when it addresses plant health or plant processes. Examples include studies of the rhizosphere, nutrient acquisition, plant-microbe feedback, and microbiome-mediated effects on plant performance.

Research Expectations

The successful candidate will be expected to establish a nationally and internationally recognized research program supported by competitive external funding. Evidence of potential to obtain extramural research support will be an important consideration in the selection process.

Texas A&M offers a research environment suited to multidisciplinary investigations that combine biological experimentation with advanced imaging, genomics, computing, structural biology, and molecular analysis. Candidates will have the opportunity to develop collaborative projects that connect fungal biology with plant pathology, microbiology, genetics, genomics, ecology, and related fields.

The position also provides an opportunity to mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers while building a research group around emerging questions in fungal biology and plant-associated systems.

Research Facilities and Resources

The successful candidate will receive laboratory space in the Plant Pathology and Microbiology building, along with a competitive startup package and salary.

Available research infrastructure includes state-of-the-art growth chambers and greenhouses, supporting controlled-environment and plant-fungal interaction studies. Researchers can also access core facilities for Microscopy and Imaging, Genomics and Sequencing, High-Performance Research Computing, the Center for Structural Biology, the Biomolecular NMR Laboratory, and the Protein Chemistry Laboratory.

These resources provide opportunities to investigate fungal biology across multiple scales, from molecular and cellular mechanisms to genomics, computation, plant interactions, and ecological systems.

Teaching and Mentoring

Teaching will account for 30% of the appointment. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to their area of expertise.

Potential teaching areas include mycology, fungal biology, plant pathology, plant-microbe interactions, and microbiology. Faculty members will also chair and serve on graduate student committees and contribute to the mentoring and development of students in relevant academic programs.

The Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology hosts an undergraduate program in Bioenvironmental Sciences as well as graduate programs in Plant Pathology, providing opportunities to engage with students at multiple levels.

Service and Collaboration

Service responsibilities will account for 10% of the appointment. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to departmental and university activities as well as professional service within the broader scientific community.

Collaborative opportunities with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension are available and encouraged. These connections can help faculty translate fundamental discoveries in fungal biology into research and Extension activities relevant to agriculture and plant health.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree by the time of appointment. Appropriate fields include plant pathology, mycology, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, cell biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, computational biology, or another closely related discipline. Postdoctoral research experience is preferred.

Candidates should demonstrate the potential to develop an outstanding, externally funded research program. The search also seeks evidence of strong mentorship and teaching abilities. Prior experience with grantsmanship, teaching, and student mentorship is desirable. Because the position combines research, teaching, and service, applicants should be prepared to explain how their scholarly expertise and future research plans will contribute to the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology and the broader Texas A&M research community.

This Texas A&M faculty position offers an opportunity to build an independent research program at the intersection of fungal biology and plant-associated systems. The broad scope of the search allows researchers with different approaches to fungal science to contribute, from molecular mechanisms and genomics to ecology, microbiomes, biotechnology, and plant health.

The position may be especially attractive to scientists who want access to advanced imaging, sequencing, computing, structural biology, and molecular research infrastructure while maintaining a strong connection to plant and agricultural systems.

The combination of research, teaching, mentorship, and collaboration with Texas A&M AgriLife organizations also provides a pathway for fundamental fungal discoveries to connect with broader agricultural and plant-health challenges.

Application Requirements

Applications will be accepted at apply.interfolio.com/190376. Review of applications will begin November 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should prepare the following materials:

1. Cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in and suitability for the position.
2. Comprehensive curriculum vitae.
3. Three-page personal statement covering philosophy and plans for research, teaching, and service.
4. Contact information for three individuals who can provide a critical evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications.

The three-page statement is particularly important because it gives applicants an opportunity to demonstrate their research vision while also explaining their approach to teaching, mentorship, and academic service.

Applications will begin receiving review on November 1, 2026, and the search will continue until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials before the review date for full consideration.

Questions about the search may be directed to Dr. Sanjay Antony-Babu, Search Committee Chair, Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843.

Key Details

Detail	Information
Position	Assistant Professor in Fungal Biology of Plant-Associated Systems
University	Texas A&M University
Department	Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology
College	College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Location	College Station, Texas, USA
Faculty Rank	Assistant Professor
Appointment	Full-time, nine-month
Tenure Status	Tenure Track
Workload	60% Research, 30% Teaching, 10% Service
Expected Start Date	August 15, 2027
Degree Required	PhD or equivalent doctoral degree
Preferred Experience	Postdoctoral research experience
Primary Research Focus	Fungal biology of plant-associated systems
Research Areas	Mycology, plant pathology, fungal-plant interactions, mycobiomes, fungal genomics, ecology, fungal biotechnology and related fields
Research Facilities	Growth chambers, greenhouses, microscopy, genomics, sequencing, high-performance computing, structural biology, NMR and protein chemistry
Salary	Competitive
Startup Support	Competitive startup package
Application Review Begins	November 1, 2026
Closing Date	Until position is filled
Required Materials	Cover letter, CV, 3-page research/teaching/service statement, three references
Search Committee Chair	Dr. Sanjay Antony-Babu
Job Category	Faculty
Position Type	Full Time
Education	Doctorate Degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Texas A&M fungal biology faculty position?

It is a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology focused on fungal biology within plant-associated systems.

When does the position begin?

The expected start date is August 15, 2027.

What is the appointment distribution?

The position is structured as 60% research, 30% teaching, and 10% service.

What research areas are eligible?

The search encompasses fungal pathogens, mutualists, endophytes, saprotrophs, plant and soil mycobiomes, fungal-plant interactions, fungal genomics, fungal genetics, fungal physiology, fungal ecology, fungal biotechnology, biological control, diagnostics, and related areas connected to plant health or plant processes.

Can soil fungal researchers apply?

Yes. Soil-associated fungal research is encouraged when it connects to plant health or plant processes, including rhizosphere biology, nutrient acquisition, plant-microbe feedback, and microbiome-mediated plant performance.

What degree is required?

Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent degree by the time of appointment in plant pathology, mycology, microbiology, or a related field.

Is postdoctoral experience required?

Postdoctoral research experience is preferred, but the supplied announcement does not identify it as an absolute minimum qualification.

What application materials are required?

Applicants must submit a cover letter, comprehensive CV, a three-page personal statement addressing research, teaching, and service, and contact information for three professional references.

When does application review begin?

The review of applications will begin November 1, 2026.

Is there a fixed application deadline?

The search will remain open until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply before the November 1, 2026 review date.

What facilities are available?

Research resources include growth chambers and greenhouses plus core facilities for microscopy and imaging, genomics and sequencing, high-performance research computing, structural biology, biomolecular NMR, and protein chemistry.