"Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences (Forensic Biology)"

Posting Details

Come and join the Bearkat community!

Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.

SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.

Position Information

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Position Title
Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences (Forensic Biology)

Requisition
202500151F

Rank
Assistant Professor

FLSA status
Exempt

Hiring Salary
Commensurate with education and experience.

Position Category

Position Type
Full-Time Tenure Track

College
College of Science & Engineering Technology

Department
Dept of Biological Sciences

Open Date
11/21/2025

Quicklink
https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/45509

Refer Applicants To

Contact Name
Aaron Lynne

Title
Professor and Chair
Department of Biological Sciences
2000 Ave I
Huntsville, TX 77341

Contact Phone
713-859-9910

Contact Email
aaronlynne@shsu.edu

Position Details

Duties Performed in the Usual Course of the Job

The Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Science and Engineering Technology at Sam Houston State University seeks an individual broadly trained in Forensic Biology and Biology for a tenure track faculty position at the level of Assistant Professor.

Educational Requirements for the Position

The successful candidate will have earned a B.S. and a Doctoral degree in Life Sciences or a closely related field (Forensic Sciences, Physical Anthropology.) Postdoctoral research experience is preferred but not required.

Experience Required for the Position

Teaching responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, courses in Forensic Biology, Biology, Molecular Biology, or Genetics in addition to upper-level undergraduate, as well as graduate, courses in the candidate’s specific area of expertise.

Other Requirements for the Position

Area of research is open, but those with interests in Forensic Biology, Molecular Genetics, Forensic Genetics, or Molecular Biology are strongly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be required to develop an externally funded research program involving undergraduates and masters-level graduate students in addition to conducting collaborative research within the Department of Biological Sciences.

Sam Houston State is a comprehensive University located in East Texas, approximately 65 miles north of Houston. Current enrollment is approximately 21,500. Degrees conferred by the Department of Biological Sciences include a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Biology, a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, and a Master of Science in Biology. The department is also working to develop a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology. The department also offers an interdisciplinary master’s degree in Forensic Science with the Departments of Criminal Justice and Chemistry. There are currently 19 full-time faculty, 5 full time instructional staff, and 4 full-time staff members, including laboratory and teaching support staff and administrative support staff within the department. The department is well equipped to support research in the areas of cellular and molecular biology with a small animal (e.g., rodent) housing facility which meets all current USDA standards. The Department of Biological Sciences is in the newly built, state-of-the-art Life Sciences Building which houses a dedicated microscopy suite with a TEM, SEM, laser scanning and confocal microscopes with a full-time PhD-level staff member, a molecular core with sequencing and imaging capabilities, as well as common use areas housing autoclaves, purified water systems, centrifuges, and other equipment to conduct cellular and molecular-based research. The department also maintains a 250-acre field station for teaching and research purposes that is equipped with a fully functional laboratory/classroom building.

Special Instructions Summary

Preference will be given to applications received by 15 January 2026, but the search will continue until the position is filled.

Please note: References provided in the References section of the application will receive an automated email reference request at the time the application is submitted.

Open Until Filled
Yes

EEO Statement

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report