Assistant/Associate Professor, Wildlife Veterinary Science

Texas A&M University System • Kingsville, TX

188d

About The Position

Tenure-track faculty position (rank depending on qualifications) with the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute (CKWRI) and the Department of Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences (RWSC) in the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK). The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for managing the CKWRI Ocelot Conservation Facility, a 30,000 square-foot state-of-the-art complex which is currently under construction on the TAMUK campus. Scheduled for completion in May 2026, the facility will support ex situ breeding and rearing of the federally endangered ocelot, with the goal of augmenting the wild ocelot population through release of individuals reared at the facility. Immediately upon starting, the successful candidate will help establish operations, write protocols, review permits, and perform other foundational tasks necessary to ensure the facility’s success. As facility manager, the successful candidate will oversee animal-care staff, manage facility resources, and ensure timely and professional coordination with all agency and private collaborators in support of conservation and research goals. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to provide veterinary support to and collaborate on CKWRI research endeavors, and will be encouraged to develop a research program in wildlife physiology, behavior, and/or health. Acknowledging the substantial work required to manage a new facility and support CKWRI research, this position is being listed at 85% service, however an official research appointment is negotiable depending on candidate interest and experience. The successful candidate will also be expected to teach 1 graduate course in wildlife nutrition or wildlife physiology annually, fulfilling a 15% teaching expectation. Formally, the position will be considered a 9-month appointment consistent with most faculty positions, however summer salary will be supported by the CKWRI to ensure uninterrupted service to the facility and research endeavors.

Requirements

• Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from an AAVMC accredited university; licensed or ability to be licensed in the state of Texas.
• Experience providing veterinary care to wild animals ex situ and in situ.
• Experience in ex situ animal management and care, specifically with carnivores.
• Demonstrated leadership potential, such as managing a team, chairing committees, or leading an initiative.
• Ability to instruct courses in wildlife nutrition and physiology, incorporating effective teaching techniques into classes.
• Applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of 18 graduate-level hours in wildlife science, animal science, biology, veterinary science, or similar disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with students, professionals, lay audiences, and scientists.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the ex-situ management and care of wild felids.
• Experience with ex-situ breeding programs and reintroductions.
• Demonstrated ability to foster and sustain positive, working relationships with private landowners, scientists, students, and state, federal, and private natural resource organizations.
• Demonstrated potential to attract extramural funding.
• MS or PhD in wildlife science, ecology, biology, animal science, or a related discipline.
• Board certification by the American College of Zoologic Medicine, the European College of Zoologic Medicine, the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, or related specialty.
• Evidence of innovative and applied biological research, demonstrated by a record of peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and other scholarly materials.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the establishment of and operations at the CKWRI Ocelot Conservation Facility on the TAMUK campus.
• Work collaboratively with scientists, graduate students, private landowners, agency personnel, and others towards the goal of ocelot recovery.
• Provide veterinary support to CKWRI research endeavors in collaboration with faculty and students.
• If a research appointment is negotiated, develop and lead an impactful, extramurally-funded program consistent with the appointment.
• Teach 1 graduate-level course annually to meet the needs of the RWSC Department.
• Engage in professional service to the Department, College, and University as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree