"Assistant Professor of Environmental Science (Ecologist)"

The Center for Environmental Studies at Austin College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Environmental Science to begin August 2026. We seek an ecologist interested in ecosystem restoration and environmental studies to teach courses in introductory biology, ecology, and environmental studies.

Teaching responsibilities include one semester of introductory biology (evolution, behavior, & ecology), a mid- or upper-level ecology course (Conservation and Restoration Ecology or something similar), and courses in environmental studies that align with the individual’s interests and program’s needs. In particular, we seek an individual with the openness and willingness to contribute to the curriculum in interdisciplinary ways. The standard teaching load is 12 contact hours per semester (typically two lectures and two labs) and a January Term course every other year. While excellence in teaching is the top priority, faculty often engage undergraduates in research through coursework and/or research projects. Austin College provides startup funds, and additional internal funding is available for advising summer research students. The Center for Environmental Studies works seamlessly with the college’s traditional science departments, each with good facilities.

The college owns five field sites, including the Sneed Prairie Restoration Site. This position is an unusual opportunity for candidates interested in ecosystem restoration to utilize and contribute to the college’s long-term Sneed Prairie restoration project.

The successful candidate will have earned a PhD by August 2026, demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching in a liberal arts environment, and foster participation from a diverse student body. Austin College faculty engage in campus service and mentor students from their first year through graduation. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups and those who share our commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all students are strongly encouraged to apply. Austin College faculty pride themselves in providing a welcoming working community. Student demographic information can be found here: https://www.austincollege.edu/explore/in-numbers.

Founded in 1849, Austin College is a national private liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas. The college has a substantial track record in environmental leadership, having been a signatory of the Second Nature Carbon Commitment since 2008, using 100% wind-powered electricity since 2015, reducing greenhouse gas emissions more than 50% since 2008, and is on track for carbon neutrality in 2035. The college’s Sneed Prairie Restoration was the lone recipient of the state’s award for Excellence in Environmental Education in 2020, and the college is an official observer at the annual UN COP (climate) conferences. Austin College (AC) is one of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s book, Colleges That Change Lives.

Applicants should send the following:

• letter of application
• CV
• copies of transcripts (unofficial are sufficient for the application)
• statement of teaching philosophy, no more than one page
• statement of research, no more than one page
• statement reflecting on the composition of our student body and outlining how they would engage all our students in their teaching, scholarship, and/or service

Please combine materials into one PDF document and email to ENVSSearch@austincollege.edu.

Three references should send recommendation letters directly to the aforementioned email address with the candidate’s name in the subject line.

Review of applications will begin September 15th and continue until the position is filled.

Austin College is an Equal Opportunity Employer that serves a diverse student body and is committed to the same in the hiring process. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.