Assistant Professor in Aquatic Ecology

Overview

The Department of Watershed Sciences at Utah State University (USU) invites applications for a full-time (9‑month), tenure‑track position as an Assistant Professor in Aquatic Ecology. The position is 90% teaching and 10% university/professional service, based at USU’s main campus in Logan, Utah, with a start date of August 2026.

We seek an engaging, student‑centered educator who can teach and, where appropriate, develop courses across aquatic science disciplines. The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction (2000–6000 level) in aquatic ecology, fish ecology, fisheries science, limnology, marine ecology, and aquatic macroinvertebrates. Courses typically blend classroom instruction with laboratory and field‑based learning, and the position offers opportunities to create innovative field or study‑abroad experiences.

As a teaching‑focused tenure‑track position, the successful candidate will help build departmental teaching capacity by developing new courses and curricular pathways (e.g., certificates, emphases) and by engaging with current pedagogical research and best practices. Other preferred characteristics include proficiency in Python and/or R, strong quantitative analysis and data visualization skills, excellent written and oral communication, and experience collaborating with colleagues, students, and external partners.

Applicant review will begin January 31, 2026. For more information about the position, the department, or the university, please contact department head edd.hammill or search committee chair trisha.atwood.

The expected teaching load is 6–7 courses (~18 academic credits) per year, including large‑format undergraduate courses and one or two upper‑level courses. Candidates who can offer advanced instruction in fish habitats, macroinvertebrate ecology and identification, stream ecology, data analysis techniques, or quantitative fisheries science are especially sought. Some courses may be delivered in short‑course formats (e.g., 1–2 intensive weeks or partial semester blocks) and/or online asynchronous format.

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 teaching and effectiveness in service.

Candidates’ expertise should complement the strengths of the S. J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources and the newly integrated department forming from the Departments of Wildland Resources and Watershed Sciences in 2026.

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.

Along with the online application, please attach the following:

• Complete curriculum vitae.
• Name and contact information for three professional references.
• Cover letter summarizing your motivation, qualifications, and career goals.
• Teaching vision statement (up to two single‑spaced pages).
• Examples of communication to target audiences (links or PDFs of materials).
• Links to any scholarly profiles…