Faculty Position

Summary

Our world is warming; atmospheric hazards are becoming more frequent and more intense.

Growing resilient communities is a national priority, and the National Wind Institute (NWI) at

Texas Tech University (TTU) is expanding its effort to mitigate atmospheric hazards through the

synthesis of the physical, social, data dimensions of the problem. We are seeking ambitious

faculty in the areas of social science, data science, wind engineering and atmospheric boundary

layer modeling to join our team. The successful candidates will be expected to develop a

vibrant externally-funded research program; pursue a variety of traditional and non-traditional

research funding sources; generate a scholarly publication record; advise graduate and

undergraduate students; possess an enthusiasm for diverse and innovative teaching;

participate in national and international technical committees and outreach activities; and work

within a multi-disciplinary group to develop actionable engineering and social strategies that

contribute to a significant reduction in the impact of wind hazards on society. NWI, along with

the Whitacre College of Engineering and College of Arts and Sciences at TTU invite applications

for a cohort of full-time, 9-month tenure-track positions which are anticipated to begin in the Fall

of 2024. TTU anticipates filling four new positions in 2024 and making additional hires in

complementary areas in future years. Applications for all ranks are encouraged.

In line with TTU’s strategic priorities to engage and empower a diverse student body,

enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities

through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working

with diverse student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within

individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.

Required Qualifications

Specific required qualifications include:

1. CompleVon (by the Vme of the appointment) of a Ph.D. in a related field with

emphasis on or relatable to wind hazards;

2. A documented record of quality teaching (Full or Associate Professor) or demonstrated

strong potential for teaching (Assistant Professor) in the undergraduate and graduate

programs in their area of expertise or appropriate technical topics;

3. The ability to develop and sustain a vibrant, nationally/internationally recognized and

externally-funded research program;

4. Experience with (Full or Associate Professor) or strong potential (Assistant Professor) for

mentoring M.S. and Ph.D. students.

5. A willingness to work within a mulV-disciplinary group to develop engineering and

socially acVonable strategies that contribute to a reducVon in the impact of wind

hazards on society.

6. A proven track record (Full Professor) of leading large mulV-disciplinary teams of

researchers.

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the required qualifications, individuals who have one or more of the following

preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply:

1. Experimental Psychologists with experVse in risk percepVon, judgement and decision

making, or a^tudes and beliefs related to climate and weather extremes (e.g.,

tornadoes and hurricanes). Methods are open, though experience with mixed methods

survey research is preferred. Candidate should have experience examining individual,

community, or system level resilience in the context of behavioral, cogniVve, or

perceptual processes and frameworks for risk assessment.

2. Wind Engineers that employ machine learning and arVficial intelligence to examine

linkages between atmospheric measurements, wind engineering applicaVons, and

socioeconomic impacts. Ideal candidate will be able to work with various data types and

scales involved in wind engineering, atmospheric measurements, and socioeconomic

impacts.

3. Atmospheric ScienVsts with a primary focus on large eddy simulaVon and its connecVons

to smaller (i.e., engineering oriented computaVonal fluid dynamics, finite element, etc.)

scales of moVon within the context of atmospheric wind hazards. AddiVonal linkages

with atmospheric predictability on larger scales, mulV-scale simulaVons of other

atmospheric phenomena (e.g., severe storms, lightning) and wind energy (wind plant

complex flow fields) are also of significant value.

4. Structural engineers that specialize in wind loading and loading effects on structures and

are comfortable operaVng at the interface with atmospheric wind hazards. The

individual should have proven experience in performing analyVcal, experimental and/or

numerical modeling of wind loading and loading effects.

About the University, College, and Department/School/Area

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity)

Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a

beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area

population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000

undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western

two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and

Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University

System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders

for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and

economic development of the state, nation, and world.

The Whitacre College of Engineering (WCOE) and the College of Arts & Sciences (CA&S) both

represented original academic areas when TTU opened in 1925. The CA&S is comprised of 15

departments, offering a wide variety of courses and programs in the humanities, social and

behavioral sciences, mathematics, physical sciences, and natural sciences. The College has more

than 10,000 students enrolled representing more than a quarter of the overall Texas Tech

University student population while maintaining a 22:1 student to faculty ratio. The WCOE

houses seven departments which offer nine bachelor's, 13 master's, and eight doctoral degree

programs. The college has more than 4600 undergraduate and 1500 graduate students.

NWI was first established in 1970 in response to an F5 tornado which impacted Lubbock. While

affiliated faculty originally focused solely on engineering, the Institute quickly expanded to

include other disciplines. Today, NWI’s research agenda has expanded to include atmospheric

measurement and prediction, wind engineering, and energy systems. NWI represents a

multidisciplinary hub of innovative activity supported by a growing list of faculty affiliate and

student contributors, unique suite of world-class facilities, and capable technical/administrative

staff.

About Lubbock

Referred to as the “Hub City” because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and

health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong

connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools,

and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best

places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a

vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other

major metropolitan cities. Lubbock’s Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive

overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

Equal Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color,

religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age,

disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

To Apply

Please include the following documents in your application:

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. Cover Letter

3. Statements of research, teaching and service plans

4. Statement of interdisciplinary vision related to reducing the impact of wind hazards

5. List of references

Questions about this announcement should be directed to Dr. John Schroeder at

[email protected]. If you need assistance with the application process, contact Human

Resources, Talent Acquisition at [email protected] or 806-742-3851.

Application Process

The application deadline is January 31, 2024. To ensure full consideration, please complete an

online application through Work at Texas Tech

Applicants interested in applying for the Wind Engineering position within the Whitacre College

of Engineering should apply for the position at 35910BR.

Applicants interested in applying for the Structural Engineering position within the Whitacre

College of Engineering should apply for the position at 35909BR.

Applicants interested in applying for Experimental Psychology position within the College of

Arts and Sciences should apply for the position at 35999BR.

Applicants interested in applying for the Atmospheric Science position within the College of

Arts and Sciences should apply for the position at 35482BR.