The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University (MSU), invites applications for a full time, 9-month tenure-track faculty position with 70% research and 30% teaching responsibilities. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Will also consider exceptional Assistant Professor candidates.

REVIEW BEGINS:  Application review begins April 15th, 2024 and remains open until filled

STARTING DATE: August 16th, 2024 Preferred

LOCATION: This position is on the MSU campus, located in Starkville, Mississippi.  A description of the College of Forest Resources (CFR), the Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC), and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture can be found at http://www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife The MSU Deer Ecology and Management Lab website can be found here: https://www.msudeer.msstate.edu/

RESPONSIBILITIES:  The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University (MSU) invites applications for the Taylor Endowed Chair in Applied Big Game Research and Instruction.  We are seeking a research wildlife biologist to develop a robust, applied-research program in large mammal ecology and management, with an emphasis on white-tailed deer.  Research topics may include deer nutrition, physiology, reproduction, behavior, movement ecology, genomics, population dynamics relative to habitat management strategies and disease impacts. This position will operate with support from the Pat and Phyllis Taylor Endowment. Collaboration with scientists in the Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC), Extension Service, and state wildlife agencies is expected. The successful candidate will be expected to transfer research outcomes to stakeholders to inform decisions in managed landscapes, on private and public lands, and support the land grant mission of MSU, which includes teaching, research and service.  For more information on the existing program, see MSUDeerLab.com and the YouTube channel MSU Deer Lab TV.

The new team member should be able to contribute to a diverse faculty group and demonstrate how their research and teaching program will complement and enrich the department and our constituents.  The primary responsibilities of this position will be the development of a productive, externally funded, and nationally/internationally recognized research program, publishing high-impact journal articles, effective mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students, training of post-doctoral fellows, serving on committees, participating in professional societies, organizing outreach activities to stakeholders or potential donors, and teaching within the Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture program. Teaching responsibilities will include 2 courses per year, consistent with the candidate’s appointment level, expertise and departmental need. Other responsibilities include compilation of the annual Taylor Endowed Chair report and supervision/direction of the Deer Research Pens. 

QUALIFICATIONS:  Ph.D. with expertise in cervid ecology and management. Excellence in teaching, communication and organizational skills, procurement of extramural funds to accomplish publication of peer-reviewed publications, and a commitment to service are expected. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to collaborate with diverse science disciplines and stakeholder groups, and to work closely with regulatory agencies to support long-term partnerships. Rank will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, including recognition as the Taylor Chair in Applied Big Game Research and Instruction.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  Substantive knowledge of and experience in cervid ecology and management; Postdoctoral research or equivalent work-related experience and teaching proficiency. Preference will be given to candidates whose research naturally crosses disciplinary lines and addresses questions of relevance to landowners, hunters, and regulatory agencies as well as ability to have procured extramural awards. Candidates should have an interest in continuing the collaborative relationship with the Extension Specialist that includes co-hosting Deer University podcast and other social media outreach efforts.  

ABOUT THE STATE AND UNIVERSITY: The Southeastern U.S. hosts some of the greatest species biodiversity in North America including numerous endangered and threatened species. Mississippi is characterized by diverse terrains including lush broadleaf forests, oak savannas, prairie grasslands, temperate pine forests and delta wetlands, along with abundant waterways. These rich landscapes provide habitat for hundreds of species of mammals, fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians.  White-tailed deer are the number one game species in the Southeast, and account for about $1 Billion in annual economic impact in the state.  Mississippi is home to 11 national wildlife refuges and 25 state parks, including the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, Mississippi River State Park, and Pascagoula River Audubon Center.  Mississippi State University is ranked as one of the top research institutions in the United States. The Carnegie Institute has designated MSU as a "R1, very high research activity" doctoral granting institution. The National Science Foundation has MSU as ranked No. 12 nationally in Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation research expenditures with more than $109 million spent annually. The 43-member faculty within the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture leads one of the most productive research programs in the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University.  We are home to the Mississippi USGS Coop Unit of scientists, the Center for Human-Wildlife Conflict and the USDA Wildlife Services National Training Academy.  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.  Annually, the department faculty bring in >$10M in extramural funding.  As one of the fastest growing undergraduate programs in the region, our 320+ undergraduate students concentrate in wildlife agriculture science, human-wildlife interactions, conservation biology, wildlife veterinary medicine, conservation law enforcement, and wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science.  The department also mentors over 100 graduate students across a variety of programs, with high job placement following receipt of a graduate degree.  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

What do I do if I need an accommodation? In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), 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: (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.