Deadline to Apply: August 31, 2025
Start Date: On or After January 15, 2026
Location: Kingsville, Texas, USA
Position Type: Tenure-Track (75% Research / 25% Teaching)
Salary: Competitive & Negotiable Based on Experience
🌍 Join Texas A&M University–Kingsville as a Faculty Expert in Wildlife Disease Epidemiology
The Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute (CKWRI) at Texas A&M University–Kingsville (TAMUK) is actively recruiting a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in Wildlife Disease Epidemiology. This unique position blends field-based research with high-impact teaching, offering a gateway to a rewarding academic career in disease ecology, parasitology, and quantitative modeling.
🔬 Why Wildlife Disease Epidemiology Is Critical in 2025
The rise in zoonotic diseases, climate-induced species migration, and increased wildlife–livestock interactions has made wildlife disease epidemiology one of the most vital and fastest-growing disciplines in ecology. TAMUK is investing in researchers who can secure federal and private grants while addressing pressing global health challenges through science-driven solutions.
🧪 Why Choose CKWRI?
- 💰 $5M+ Annual Research Funding
- 🦌 Access to Free-Ranging Wildlife at King Ranch
- 🧫 On-Site Necropsy Labs & Long-Term Data Sets
- 📊 Quantitative Ecology Cluster to support advanced modeling
- 🧑🔬 Research-First Faculty Environment (75% research appointment)
This is a rare opportunity to launch a grant-funded, publication-ready program in a resource-rich academic setting.
📚 Core Responsibilities
- Develop a competitive, grant-supported research program in wildlife disease ecology or modeling.
- Teach 1 undergraduate and 1 graduate course per semester (e.g., Wildlife Diseases, Principles of Wildlife Management).
- Supervise M.S. and Ph.D. students, cultivating a diverse, inclusive research lab.
- Participate in university service, review panels, and departmental committees.
✅ Who Should Apply?
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Wildlife Science, Ecology, Epidemiology, or a related discipline.
- Peer-reviewed publication record showing national research visibility.
- At least 1 year of relevant academic, postdoctoral, or agency-level experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Proven grant acquisition success.
- Expertise in Bayesian disease modeling, GIS-based risk assessment, or quantitative ecology.
- Field experience working with private landowners or wildlife agencies.
🏠 Life in Kingsville, Texas
- 🏡 Median Home Price: ~$185,000
- 🏖️ Only 40 miles from Corpus Christi’s beaches
- 🐦 Close to South Texas birding hotspots
- 🚗 Low traffic and high quality of life
Enjoy a cost-effective lifestyle with room to balance research, travel, and family life.
💼 Salary, Benefits & Career Perks
- 💵 Base Salary: Negotiable + opportunities for consulting and summer pay
- 🧪 Startup Package: Equipment, computing, GRA support
- 🧑🏫 Tenure Evaluation: Standard 6-year clock with mentoring support
- 🧾 Extra Income Options: Summer teaching, research partnerships, consulting
📅 Key Dates and How to Apply
📌 Priority Deadline: August 31, 2025
🕐 Start Date: January 15, 2026 (or later)
📄 Required Documents:
- Cover letter outlining your research and teaching philosophy
- Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
- Official transcripts from all institutions
- Contact information for three academic references
👉 Submit all materials to:
📧 Dr. Evan P. Tanner, Search Committee Chair
✉️ evan.tanner@tamuk.edu
📞 Phone: 361-593-3948
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
🔹 What are the main research funding sources at CKWRI?
Most faculty secure grants from USDA-APHIS, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and private entities like the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.
🔹 Is teaching limited due to the 75% research focus?
Yes! Faculty only teach 2 courses per year, ensuring time for publishing and proposal development.
🔹 Are interdisciplinary opportunities available?
Absolutely! Collaborate across departments, including the Institute for Ranch Management and the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Coastal Bend campus.
🔹 How affordable is housing in Kingsville?
The cost of living is ~15% below the U.S. average, with home prices around $185,000, making relocation attractive and budget-friendly.
✨ Pro Tip for Applicants
Boost your application by attaching a 2–3 page concept note outlining a fundable research proposal. Applicants who submit a clear research vision consistently rank higher during the review process.
📢 Ready to Take the Next Step?
Start preparing your application now and plan a visit to Kingsville this fall. This is your chance to join a prestigious research institute and shape the future of wildlife disease ecology!