Assistant Professor - Quantitative Ecologist

The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University invites applications for an Assistant Professor position to expand our teaching and research strengths in quantitative ecology. Auburn University is a land-grant university and is the leading institution for research and education in wildlife, forestry, and natural resources in Alabama. The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment offers several undergraduate and graduate degrees in wildlife, and maintains strong collaborations with state and federal agencies, NGOs, and private entities in Alabama, nationally, and abroad. Auburn University is located in one of the most ecologically diverse states in the US and is surrounded by numerous cultural and historic features in nearby Montgomery, Birmingham, and Atlanta. These nearby cities offer an abundance of work and recreational opportunities. Information about the college may be found at https://cfwe.auburn.edu/.

This is a 9-month tenure-track position with a 50%/50% teaching/research appointment. Approximately 15% of the appointment for this position consists of providing statistical consultation for graduate students and faculty in the wildlife program. The successful candidate for this position is expected to teach an undergraduate course in applied data analysis ( WILD 5750) that is foundational to several majors in the College, and also contribute to undergraduate and graduate education within the wildlife program by teaching additional courses. The specifics of these additional courses would be based on the candidate's specialty area and the needs of the wildlife program, and would be developed in coordination with the Dean's office. The candidate will also be expected to establish an extramurally funded research program in their specialty area.

Auburn University (www.auburn.edu) is one of the nation's premier land, sea and space grant institutions with an enrollment of more than 30,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, its positive work environment, flourishing student life programs, and beautiful campus. The University is located in the city of Auburn in east-central Alabama approximately 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, GA and southeast of Birmingham, AL and is about 60 miles from the state capital (Montgomery).

A PhD in wildlife, ecology, biology, statistics, or related field, and expertise in some aspect of quantitative or statistical ecology of free ranging wildlife at the time employment begins. Possible areas of research expertise include movement ecology, geospatial and big data analysis of animals, evolutionary ecology, climate change and its effects on wildlife, or other areas related to wildlife ecology, management, or conservation of birds, mammals, or herpetofauna. Some examples of skills and/or focal areas that are of particular interest include artificial intelligence, deep learning, big data, messy data, causal inference modeling, movement modeling, large-area or landscape-scale sampling or monitoring of wildlife, deep learning, and citizen science. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in the classroom, and a desire to provide high quality instruction. Experience working within interdisciplinary teams and a proven track record of publication in high quality peer-reviewed journals is required. The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.

Evidence of acquisition of research funding is highly desirable.

Application submission should include a cover letter, complete curriculum vitae, statements of teaching and research philosophies, and the names and contact information of at least three references. The search committee will begin reviewing applications February 18 and will continue until a suitable candidate has been identified. The candidate is expected to start this position in August 2025-January 2026. For additional information contact: Dr. Steve Ditchkoff (ditchss@auburn.edu).

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. The Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/ EEO) strives to ensure equitable working, living, and learning environment for members of the Auburn University community. Please visit their website to learn more.