Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences; Freshwater Fish Ecology - Washington University

Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences (Freshwater Fish Ecology) - Central Washington University

The Department of Biological Sciences at Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA, seeks a colleague specializing in population or community-level freshwater fish ecology to join the faculty in a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning September 16, 2026. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to engaged teaching, student-centered research, and inclusive mentoring of students at the undergraduate and Master’s degree level.

We particularly value the potential to collaborate with Tribal Nations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations; address regional conservation issues; and provide students with experiential learning and professional development opportunities beyond the classroom. Teaching responsibilities will involve field and laboratory courses at introductory through advanced levels, including general biology, general ecology, and ichthyology, as well as other courses within the candidate's area of specialization.

We welcome applications from candidates with diverse career paths, including those who have achieved excellence in non-academic or academic settings.

• Ph.D. in a biological discipline or closely related field, awarded by the position start date;
• Research expertise in an area of freshwater fish ecology with a focus on populations or communities;
• Demonstrated commitment to the use of inclusive teaching methods that will engage, inspire, and foster the academic and professional success of all students;
• Capacity to engage and mentor undergraduate and Master’s students in a research program.

• University-level teaching experience;
• Experience or training in developing student-centered curriculum, assessing learning outcomes, and/or engaging students in field or laboratory-based inquiry;
• Demonstrated commitment to working with Tribal, government, and non-profit management groups;
• Demonstrated commitment to engaging and/or mentoring students from underserved backgrounds in research, academic, or professional opportunities, including participation in programs designed to broaden participation of students in STEM;
• Postdoctoral or other post-graduate research or professional experience;
• Potential to contribute to or develop additional courses related to fish ecology, such as limnology, wildlife and fisheries ecology, conservation biology, ecological connectivity, or response to environmental change;
• Potential to contribute to a strong program in field biology through teaching and/or research activities.

• A detailed cover letter clearly addressing how your education and experience: (a) meet the required (and, as applicable, preferred) qualifications, and (b) demonstrate your ability to perform responsibilities as described by the posting;
• Curriculum Vitae including work history, education, training, and contact information for three professional references, including at least one who can specifically comment on teaching;
• Teaching statement that includes your teaching philosophy, indicates courses you are willing/able to teach, and how your teaching, service, and/or scholarship has supported students from pluralistic societies that are underrepresented in their academic fields (applicants who have not yet had the opportunity for such experience should note how their work will further CWU's commitment to access and opportunity);
• Research statement that details plans for development of a research program at CWU that will engage undergraduate and graduate students from a variety of backgrounds in research and describes plans for obtaining extramural funding for predominantly undergraduate institutions (PUIs);
• Unofficial copies of transcripts of the highest degree held.

Please contact Human Resources athr or  if you require technical assistance with the online application process.