"Assistant Professor - Conservation Behavioral Ecology"

Assistant Professor - Conservation Behavioral Ecology

Company: Auburn University

Job Location: Auburn University, 36849-5207

Category: Environmental Science, Ecology, and Forestry

Type: Full-Time

Posting Number: P2282F

Job Description Summary

The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University invites applications for an interdepartmental Assistant Professor position to expand our teaching and research strengths in behavioral 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 of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment may be found at https://cfwe.auburn.edu/.

This is a 9-month tenure-track position with a 60%/40% research/teaching appointment. The successful candidate for this position will be expected to develop a nationally/international recognized and extramurally funded research program in conservation behavioral ecology of avian species. The selected candidate would ideally collaborate with faculty across broad fields (e.g., wildlife conservation, behavioral ecology, psychology, disease ecology, etc.) to advance understanding of how animal behavior influences conservation, improve conservation/management of wildlife, and contribute to Auburn University's growing One Health program. The candidate would thus facilitate interdisciplinary initiatives among Colleges at Auburn University to address biodiversity conservation, environmental resilience, and global health. Teaching responsibilities will include both undergraduate and graduate courses, focusing on areas such as wildlife conservation, animal behavior, animal learning, neuroscience, and avian field techniques. The selected candidate will teach the majority of their courses in the College or Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment, but will also teach courses in the College of Science and Mathematics and/or the College of Liberal Arts. The selected candidate would also ideally contribute to the One Health graduate certificate program at Auburn University.

Minimum Qualifications

A PhD in wildlife ecology, biology, animal behavior, psychology, or related field at the time employment begins. We are particularly interested in applicants who are advancing avian conservation behavior as it relates to: field based assessments of wildlife learning; flexibility and personality in species of conservation concern; the consequences of human-induced behavior change for ecosystem services, disease, or evolution; and methods for facilitating behavioral adaptations to environmental change. Applicants should have a strong history of field-based data collection (bird capture, banding, telemetry, behavioral observations, etc.) experience in social network analysis and development and use of emerging modeling tools in avian behavior. Applicant should be able to demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with conservation scientists, wildlife managers, and state and federal agencies, as well as potential to contribute to experiential learning for undergraduate students using locally-based field research. 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 the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.

Desired Qualifications

Evidence of acquisition of research funding is highly desirable.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Application submission should include a cover letter, complete curriculum vitae, statements of teaching and research philosophies, copies of academic transcripts, and the names and contact information of at least three references. The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue until 16 January 2026. The selected candidate is expected to begin this position by August 2026. For additional information contact: Dr. Steve Ditchkoff (ditchss@auburn.edu).

Salary Range: $85,000 - $90,000

Open Date: 12/11/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

References required for this position?: Yes

If yes, minimum number requested: 3