Louisiana Tech University, often called LA Tech, is a dynamic public research university located in Ruston, Louisiana. Established in 1894 as the Industrial Institute and College of Louisiana, it has evolved into a Carnegie-classified Doctoral University with High Research Activity. Nestled in the piney woods of northern Louisiana, the campus spans 235 acres and serves over 11,000 students through six colleges offering more than 100 undergraduate and 34 graduate programs. For job seekers interested in higher ed jobs, LA Tech stands out for its commitment to innovation, particularly in engineering, business, and education.
The university's employment landscape reflects its mission to foster excellence in teaching, research, and service. Jobs at Louisiana Tech University range from tenure-track faculty positions to administrative roles, research support, and staff opportunities. With a focus on student success and regional impact, the institution attracts professionals passionate about contributing to a close-knit academic community in the United States' South.
Louisiana Tech University's roots trace back to the late 19th century when the Louisiana State Legislature created it to provide industrial education. Renamed in 1924, it became coeducational and expanded rapidly post-World War II with engineering and science programs. Today, as part of the University of Louisiana System, it boasts alumni like astronaut Kjell N. Lindgren and Pulitzer Prize winner William Joyce. This history shapes its job market, emphasizing practical, hands-on roles that align with its polytechnic heritage.
Over the decades, LA Tech has prioritized faculty development, with significant growth in research funding from $10 million in 2010 to over $30 million annually by 2023. This expansion has created steady demand for research jobs and professor jobs, making it a stable employer in Ruston, a city of about 22,000 residents.
LA Tech's colleges – College of Business, College of Education, College of Engineering and Science, College of Liberal Arts, College of Applied and Natural Sciences, and Graduate School – fuel diverse career paths. The College of Engineering, for instance, is renowned for nanotechnology and biomedical engineering, leading to specialized faculty and research positions. The College of Business offers AACSB-accredited programs, attracting experts in cybersecurity and entrepreneurship.
Popular programs include aviation, which requires pilots and instructors, and nursing, needing clinical specialists. These areas generate jobs like adjunct professors and lab coordinators, linking directly to university job types.
Careers span faculty (tenure-track, lecturers), research (postdocs, assistants), administration (deans, HR), and support staff (IT, facilities). Tenure-track roles in engineering might involve teaching loads of 2-2 courses per semester plus research. Administrative jobs focus on student services and operations. For an overview, visit university job types.
To understand jobs at Louisiana Tech University, key terms include:
Most faculty jobs require a PhD in the relevant field from an accredited institution. For example, engineering professors need a doctorate in mechanical or electrical engineering. Master's degrees suffice for lecturers or instructors, especially in education or liberal arts. Administrative roles often seek advanced degrees plus experience; a Master's in Higher Education Administration is common for deans.
Research positions demand PhDs with lab experience. Staff roles vary, with bachelor's degrees for entry-level and advanced certifications for specialized positions like IT security.
LA Tech excels in nanoscience (home to the Center for Applied Physics), cybersecurity, and biomedical engineering. Expertise in AI, materials science, or sustainable energy is prized. Faculty must secure grants from NSF or NASA, aligning with the university's $40 million+ annual research expenditure.
Candidates with peer-reviewed publications (5+ for assistant professors), grant funding ($100K+), and teaching portfolios stand out. Industry experience benefits applied programs like aviation. Prior work at R1 universities or collaborations with national labs enhances applications.
Key skills include strong communication, grant writing, mentoring, and data analysis. Technical proficiency in tools like MATLAB for engineers or Blackboard for educators is vital. Soft skills like adaptability and collaboration thrive in LA Tech's team-oriented environment.
Apply through LA Tech's Bullhorn portal or platforms like AcademicJobs.com university jobs. Submit a CV, cover letter, transcripts, and three references. Interviews involve teaching demos and research presentations.
Actionable tips:
Reference how to write a winning academic CV for best practices.
LA Tech's Office of Diversity Programs promotes equity via the President's Commission on the Status of Women, LSAMP for STEM minorities, and Title IX compliance. The ADVANCE grant supports women faculty, with 40% female STEM hires since 2018. Affinity groups and training foster inclusive workplaces.
Ruston's small-town charm offers low stress, with campus perks like free gym, pools, and events at Joe Aillet Stadium. Flexible schedules, 4-day weeks in some departments, and parental leave support balance. Employees enjoy Tech Talks seminars, hiking trails, and proximity to Shreveport (70 miles). Family tuition waivers aid retention.
LA Tech provides TIAA retirement, comprehensive health plans, and sabbaticals. Salaries: Assistant professors ~$85K, full ~$130K. Professional development includes conference funding and leadership programs. Check professor salaries for benchmarks.
Jobs at Louisiana Tech University offer rewarding paths in a supportive environment. Explore higher ed jobs, get advice from higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. With Ruston's appeal and LA Tech's growth, it's ideal for academics seeking impact.
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