Position Function:
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.
Salary Grade: UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
Mississippi State University is a Carnegie R1 institution and ranks among the top U.S. universities in agriculture and natural resources research expenditures. The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture (WFA) is home to 45 faculty, >100 graduate students, and one of the fastest growing undergraduate programs (320+) in the nation. Our programs emphasize applied science, stakeholder engagement, and workforce development in wildlife, fisheries, and aquaculture. The department has a highly collegial and interdisciplinary group of faculty, post-doctoral fellows, research and Extension associates that help make the department one of the premier institutions for applied wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science in the nation.
Area of Specialization:
Wildlife Ecology and Management
Anticipated Appointment Date:
January 2026.
Tenure Track Status:
N/A
Essential Duties and 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.
Minimum 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
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
Yes.
Preferred Qualifications:
Familiarity with Southeastern U.S. ecosystems and wildlife species.
Commitment to the development of all students in teaching and mentoring efforts.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to integrate field-based learning and stakeholder engagement into coursework.
Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and curriculum innovation.
Strong communication and organizational skills.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Work takes place in a traditional office and classroom environment.
At this time, MSU is unable to offer H-1B visa sponsorship for this role. This applies until further notice.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applications must be submitted online at http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/cw/en-us/listing/, position (Job #509845) 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
Screening Date:
October 27, 2025, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
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.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
