Assistant Professor in Aquatic Ecology

Utah State University • Logan, UT

2d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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 experience working collaboratively with colleagues, students, and external partners.

Responsibilities

• The expected teaching load will be 6–7 courses (~18 academic credits) per year.
• Deliver large-format undergraduate (2000–3000 level) courses that serve both majors and non-majors
• Teach upper-level undergraduate/graduate courses in aquatic habitats
• Teach one upper-level undergraduate/graduate course in macroinvertebrate ecology and identification
• Teach an upper-division course in ecological modeling or a related quantitative topic.
• Engage undergraduates in research experiences through directed studies, undergraduate theses, or course-based research projects.
• Become an integral part of the highly productive team of watershed scientists at Utah State University.

Benefits

• Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees