Description

 Description:

The Department of Biology at Tennessee Technological University (Tennessee Tech) invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track appointment at the Assistant Professor level to begin August 2026. We seek a wildlife biologist to teach traditional courses in wildlife science, as well as upper division courses in the candidate’s area of specialization. Other essential functions include developing and sustaining an active and externally funded research program involving undergraduate and graduate students, directing graduate student research at the M.S. and/or Ph.D. levels, advising undergraduate and graduate students, and fulfilling service requirements including serving as advisor to our student chapter of The Wildlife Society. 

Tennessee Tech, located in Cookeville, Tennessee, is a comprehensive public university serving approximately 11,000 students. Ranked as one of “America’s Top Colleges” by Forbes, Tennessee Tech is currently classified as a Carnegie R2 research university, but its research enterprise is rapidly progressing. The university offers a strong balance of high-quality STEM programs, professional studies, and the arts. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 16.5:1, Tennessee Tech provides a close-knit academic community while supporting nationally recognized research and outreach initiatives. The University is committed to advancing knowledge, inspiring innovation, and serving the people of Tennessee, the nation, and the world through teaching, research, and service.

The College of Arts & Sciences offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs that foster critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and creative expression. Faculty in the College are dedicated teacher-scholars who engage students in experiential learning and research opportunities across the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The College supports interdisciplinary collaboration, global perspectives, and the preparation of students for diverse professional and academic pathways.

The Department of Biology at Tennessee Tech is one of the largest departments on campus, offering B.S. and graduate-level programs that emphasize both breadth and depth in the life sciences. The department has 20 full-time faculty members with expertise spanning molecular biology, physiology, ecology, evolution, systematics, wildlife biology, conservation biology, and plant sciences. Biology faculty are committed to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, mentoring, and externally funded research. Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art laboratories, field research opportunities, and partnerships with national, state, and regional agencies and institutions.

Cookeville, Tennessee, the hub of the Upper Cumberland region, is an affordable college town with strong health care, education, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Situated along I-40 between Nashville and Knoxville, it offers easy access to resources in Nashville, Knoxville, or Chattanooga. As an Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) member, Tennessee Tech faculty and students can engage with ORNL programs and user facilities. Nearby lakes, waterfalls, and state natural areas round out a high quality of life for scholars and their families.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Minimum qualifications include an earned doctorate from an accredited institution in wildlife biology or a closely related field by the employment start date and the ability to perform essential functions associated with the position. Preferred qualifications include: prior university-level teaching experience; the capacity to teach courses such as wildlife principles, wildlife policy, wildlife techniques, or other upper-division wildlife courses; a record of research publications that is commensurate with experience; evidence of or potential for successfully acquiring external funding to support research activities; the capability to develop a research program that complements existing strengths within the Department of Biology; the ability to maintain effective working relationships; and a commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service. To ensure full consideration, all application materials should be received by 23 December 2025; the position will remain open until filled. Applicants must apply online at http://www.tntech.edu/jobs and are required to electronically upload: (1) a cover letter specifically addressing the position description and qualifications; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) a statement of teaching philosophy; (4) a statement of research interests; (5) unofficial copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts (official transcripts for all degrees conferred required upon hire); (6) one publication that best represents the applicant’s expertise and general research focus; and (7) the names and contact information (including email addresses) of three professional references who may be asked to provide letters of recommendation. Required application materials 3 and 4 are each limited to a maximum of two pages. Submission of materials is the applicant’s responsibility. Applications without all required materials are incomplete and will not be considered. Send inquiries about the position to: Dr. Brian Carver, Wildlife Biologist Search Committee, PO Box 5063, Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville, TN, 38505 (email: bcarver@tntech.edu).

 Application materials can be posted at: https://jobs.tntech.edu/postings/19364

Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.