Assistant Professor in Aquatic Ecology

Overview

The Department of Watershed Sciences at Utah State University is seeking applications for a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Aquatic Ecology. The position consists of 90% teaching and 10% service. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2026.

We seek an engaging, student-centered educator with the ability to teach a range of courses related to aquatic ecology at the 2000–6000 level. The successful candidate will deliver established content in fisheries, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and general ecology, using a combination of classroom lectures, laboratory exercises, and field-based learning. As this is a tenure-track teaching role, the candidate will be expected to build departmental teaching capacity by developing new courses in ecology and related areas, contributing to new undergraduate offerings (e.g., certificates or emphases), and engaging with advances in pedagogical theory and practice.

Within the department, there are also opportunities to develop innovative study-abroad or field-based experiences that enhance student learning and engagement.

Other preferred characteristics include proficiency in Python and/or R, strong skills in quantitative analysis and data visualization, excellent written and oral communication, and experience working collaboratively with colleagues, students, and external partners.

Applicant review will begin January 31, 2026.

The expected teaching load will be 6–7 courses (~18 academic credits) per year. This may include several large-format undergraduate (2000–3000 level) courses that serve both majors and non-majors; one or two upper-level undergraduate/graduate courses in aquatic habitats; one upper-level undergraduate/graduate course in macroinvertebrate ecology and identification; and an upper-division course in ecological modeling or a related quantitative topic. Some courses may be delivered in short-course formats (e.g., 1–2 intensive weeks or partial semester blocks) and/or online asynchronous format, as appropriate.

The successful candidate is also encouraged to engage undergraduates in research experiences through directed studies, undergraduate theses, or course-based research projects. Promotion to Associate Professor with tenure is based on demonstrated excellence in the primary role area (teaching) and effectiveness in secondary roles (service).

The candidate’s expertise should complement existing strengths in the Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Department of Watershed Sciences. Through collaborations with departmental faculty, colleagues across campus, and extension personnel, the appointed faculty member is expected to become an integral part of the highly productive team of watershed scientists at Utah State University. We seek applicants who will thrive in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment that includes physical, life, and social scientists.

Minimum Qualifications:

• An earned Ph.D. in aquatic ecology, fisheries science, limnology, ecology, biology, environmental science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in teaching aquatic ecology or closely related subjects (e.g., fisheries, stream ecology, limnology, macroinvertebrate ecology).
• Evidence of the ability to develop and deliver new courses that expand and strengthen the department’s teaching portfolio.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant postdoctoral or equivalent professional experience in teaching and/or curriculum development.
• A demonstrated ability to develop and implement innovative, evidence-based teaching methods (e.g., active learning, field-based instruction, inclusive pedagogy, or course-based research experiences).
• A demonstrated ability or strong potential to contribute to the scholarship of teaching and learning (e.g., pedagogical publications, presentations, or funded education projects).
• A strong record of, and clear commitment to, promoting access, inclusion, and success for students from diverse backgrounds in STEM fields.
• Proficiency in Python and/or R.
• Strong skills in quantitative analysis and data visualization.
• Excellent written and oral communication, and…