The Department of Watershed Sciences at Utah State University (USU) invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor (Teaching Focused) position in Aquatic Ecology. The position is designed for an enthusiastic educator committed to high-quality instruction and experiential learning in the aquatic sciences.
Position Focus and Academic Environment
Based at USU’s main campus in Logan, Utah, the successful candidate will focus primarily on teaching (90% of workload) and service (10%). The department is looking for an educator to teach and develop courses in:
- Aquatic and marine ecology
- Fish ecology and fisheries science
- Limnology and stream ecology
- Aquatic macroinvertebrate identification and ecology
Classes range from 2000-level undergraduate courses to 6000-level graduate seminars, integrating classroom instruction, laboratory work, and field-based training. Teaching-focused faculty are also expected to lead curriculum innovation, such as developing new certificate programs or course-based undergraduate research experiences.
Key Responsibilities
The Assistant Professor will:
- Teach 6 to 7 courses per academic year (approximately 18 credits).
- Deliver both large-format undergraduate lectures and smaller, specialized graduate seminars.
- Supervise undergraduate research projects, directed studies, and student theses.
- Participate in departmental committees and university-wide service.
Promotion and tenure are based primarily on demonstrated excellence in classroom and field teaching.
Qualifications Required
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in aquatic ecology, fisheries science, limnology, ecology, biology, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience teaching aquatic science or ecology courses.
- Evidence of the ability to develop and deliver innovative, hands-on curricula.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Postdoctoral or professional teaching experience.
- Familiarity with active learning, inclusive pedagogy, and field-based teaching.
- Proficiency in quantitative data analysis and programming (R or Python).
Salary and Location
The position is a 9-month appointment offering an annual salary of $70,000 – $78,000. Logan, Utah, offers a high quality of life with affordable living and close access to mountain ranges, rivers, and outdoor recreation, making it an ideal location for active aquatic scientists.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online through the Utah State University Human Resources portal by January 31, 2026. The position will begin after August 1, 2026.
Application Link: Apply Online – Utah State University Faculty Jobs
Required Materials:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) and contact info for three references.
- Cover letter outlining qualifications and career interests.
- Teaching vision statement (up to two pages).
- Examples of public communication (links or PDFs).
- Links to academic profiles (Google Scholar, ORCID, etc.).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the workload distribution for this position?
This is a teaching-focused tenure-track position, with 90% of the workload dedicated to teaching and course development and 10% dedicated to university service.
Is prior professional teaching experience required?
No prior professional faculty experience is required, though candidates must demonstrate prior teaching experience (e.g., as a teaching assistant or guest lecturer) during their graduate studies.
Are new course proposals supported?
Yes. The Department of Watershed Sciences actively encourages faculty to design and propose new courses that enrich the aquatic and fisheries science programs.