Overview

The Department of Biology (www.biology.usu.edu) at Utah State University is seeking to fill a tenure-track (1.0 FTE, 9-month, 50% research, 40% teaching, 10% service) position in Avian Biology to start in Fall 2027. We seek an organismal biologist whose research program incorporates birds. We welcome candidates using a broad range of approaches to address questions in ecology, evolution, behavior, organismal biology, including neuroscience, physiology, endocrinology, or conservation biology—or any combination therein. Applicants with research that has applications relevant to the university’s land-grant mission are especially encouraged to apply.

The department seeks a colleague with a collaborative vision who is motivated to join a community dedicated to high-quality research and teaching that emphasizes acceptance and respect of all people. Opportunities exist for collaboration across the Department of Biology, the Ecology Center, Utah Agricultural Experimental Station, and with researchers throughout Utah State University, including faculty in Wildland Resources, the new College of Veterinary Medicine, and across USU's statewide campuses. The estimated start date will be August 1, 2027.

For further information or inquiries, please contact Search Committee Co-Chairs Becky Williams (becky.williams@usu.edu) or Joe Wilson (joseph.wilson@usu.edu). The initial review of applications will begin on November 2, 2026, but the position will remain open until it is filled.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate is expected to establish a nationally recognized research program that incorporates avian biology and to be an effective teacher and mentor to undergraduate and graduate students.

Teaching responsibilities will include Ornithology (BIOL 5560) and contributions to the broader Biology curriculum. The teaching load is typically two courses per year, including Ornithology and an additional undergraduate or graduate course appropriate to departmental needs and the candidate's area of expertise. This may include contributions to introductory or mid-level biology courses or development of an upper-level or graduate course in the candidate's area of specialization. The successful candidate will also be expected to incorporate experiential and field-based learning opportunities into their teaching.

The successful candidate will be expected to mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research. The department values experiential and field-based learning and encourages opportunities that engage students in ornithology beyond the classroom.

The appointment is expected to be made at the Assistant Professor level.

The department and university offer numerous resources to support success, including competitive start-up funding, excellent research and teaching facilities, opportunities for internal research funding, and access to diverse field environments throughout Utah and the Intermountain West.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• D. in Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Integrative Biology, Neuroscience or another relevant biological discipline.
• Research: A strong record of publication in peer-reviewed journals demonstrating expertise in avian biology or closely related areas.
• Teaching and mentoring: Teaching experience at the university level or formal pedagogical training. Demonstrated ability to successfully mentor undergraduate or graduate students in research projects.
• Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral research experience.
• Demonstrated ability to secure external funding.
• A well-defined research program substantially focused on birds that uses integrative or multidisciplinary approaches.
• Potential to collaborate with current faculty members in Biology or other researchers across Utah State University.
• Experience incorporating experiential or field-based learning into undergraduate education.
• Experience with innovative teaching methods or technologies.
• Experience in science communication to non-specialist audiences or involvement in community outreach programs.
• Interest in developing research, educational, or outreach activities involving undergraduate and graduate students and USU's statewide community.