Description
The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University (MSU) invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, non-tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Teaching Professor in Wildlife Ecology and Management. This position has 100% teaching responsibilities and will focus on undergraduate instruction in applied wildlife conservation, habitat management, and ecological principles. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
LOCATION: This position is based on the MSU campus in Starkville, Mississippi. Learn more about the College of Forest Resources (CFR), the Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC), and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture at https://www.wildlifefisheries.msstate.edu/
STARTING DATE: Spring-Summer 2026
APPLICATION REVIEW: Begins December 2025; open until filled.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture (WFA) at Mississippi State University (MSU) is seeking a dedicated educator with expertise in wildlife ecology and applied wildlife conservation and habitat management to contribute to our growing undergraduate program. The Bachelor of Science in Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture has six concentrations tailored to prepare students for diverse career opportunities: Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science; Conservation Biology; Wildlife-Agriculture Conservation; Human-Wildlife Interactions; Conservation Law Enforcement; and Wildlife Veterinary Medicine. This position is fully focused on high-quality classroom, laboratory, and field instruction for undergraduates with expectations for scholarship in teaching and learning, (including that which incorporates undergraduate researchers). The successful candidate will:
Teach lab-based undergraduate courses in applied ecology, conservation principles and management practices, wildlife- and fisheries-related professions, and related subjects of departmental need and candidate’s expertise.
Develop and/or revise course curriculum to reflect current practices in wildlife management and conservation in collaboration with the departmental Curriculum Committee.
Advise and mentor undergraduate students on course selection, professional experience and careers, graduate education and related aspects of college education.
Support experiential learning opportunities, including internships and undergraduate research.
Develop a program of scholarship centered on undergraduate education.
Engage with state and federal agencies, NGOs, and private landowners to ensure course content aligns with workforce needs and conservation priorities.
Participate in departmental, college, and university service activities.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Biology, Natural Resources, or a closely related field (ABD candidates will be considered if the degree will be completed by August 15, 2026).
Experience in applied ecological research or habitat management
Demonstrated excellence in teaching or strong potential for effective instruction, and mentoring students
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Familiarity with Southeastern U.S. ecosystems and wildlife species.
Ability to integrate field-based learning and stakeholder engagement into coursework.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
Strong communication and organizational skills.
Commitment to the development of all students in teaching and mentoring efforts.
Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and curriculum innovation.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applications must be submitted online at https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/cw/en-us/job/509845/assistant-teaching-professor and should include:
1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae
3. A teaching philosophy and accompanying statement that articulate your pedagogical values and instructional methods, with emphasis on alignment with departmental objectives and student achievement.
4. Example syllabus for the undergraduate class, WFA XXXX Principles of Wildlife Conservation and Management, a course that supports students in the WFA and Department of Forestry majors.
5. Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be required prior to offer)
6. List of 3 references including contact information. Letters of recommendation will be solicited for potential in-person interviews only.
For more information, contact the search committee chair, Dr. Leslie Burger, at leslie.burger@msstate.edu. Job Number 509845
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
