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Assistant Professor Ecology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Information Position Title Assistant Professor- Ecology and Evolution Biology Job Summary The Department of Biology at Tuskegee University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track ...

Job Title Assistant Professor - Forestry Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Temple ... Strong knowledge of forest ecology and related fields of study. * Research experience in forest ...

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Assistant Professor Ecology information

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$42.5K

$80.1K

$135K

How much do assistant professor ecology jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor ecology in the United States is $80,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Assistant Professor of Ecology do?

An Assistant Professor of Ecology is an early-career academic who teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, conducts research in ecological science, and publishes scholarly work. They also mentor students, apply for research funding, and participate in departmental and university service. Their research might focus on topics such as ecosystems, biodiversity, conservation, or environmental change. Teaching responsibilities often include lectures, labs, and fieldwork. Assistant Professors may also collaborate with other scientists and organizations to address ecological issues.

What are some common challenges Assistant Professors in Ecology face during their early years, and how can they navigate them?

Assistant Professors in Ecology often face the challenge of balancing research, teaching, and service commitments, especially when establishing their research programs and seeking funding. Navigating the tenure process can also be demanding, as it requires producing high-quality publications and demonstrating effective teaching and departmental involvement. Building collaborations—with colleagues in related fields or with external organizations—can help manage workload and open up new research opportunities. Seeking mentorship from senior faculty and participating in professional networks are important strategies for overcoming these early-career challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Professor of Ecology, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor of Ecology, you need a doctoral degree in ecology or a related field, strong research experience, and a track record of scholarly publications. Familiarity with statistical analysis software, GIS tools, and laboratory or field instrumentation is typically required. Exceptional communication, mentorship, and collaboration skills help foster student learning and facilitate interdisciplinary research. These competencies are crucial for advancing ecological knowledge, securing research funding, and effectively teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

What is the difference between Assistant Professor Ecology vs Research Scientist Ecology?

AspectAssistant Professor EcologyResearch Scientist Ecology
Required CredentialsDoctorate in Ecology or related field, teaching experience often preferredDoctorate in Ecology or related field, research experience prioritized
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, teaching and research rolesResearch institutions, laboratories, or environmental organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic researchGovernment agencies, NGOs, private research firms
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared based on research and teaching dutiesFocuses more on research output and project management

The main difference between Assistant Professor Ecology and Research Scientist Ecology lies in their primary roles. Assistant Professors typically combine teaching responsibilities with research at academic institutions, whereas Research Scientists focus mainly on conducting research within organizations or labs. Both roles require a doctorate in ecology or a related field, but their work environments and expectations differ significantly.

More about Assistant Professor Ecology jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Professor Ecology jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Professor Ecology job openings:
What states have the most Assistant Professor Ecology jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Professor Ecology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Ecology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Assistant Professor, Ecology/Evolution

Assistant Professor, Ecology/Evolution

Towson University

Towson, MD • On-site

$79K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Towson University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

409th of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Responsibilities and Duties
Assistant Professor, Ecology/Evolution
Department of Biological Sciences
The Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science & Mathematics
FCSM-4001
Towson University: Towson University (TU) is one of the nation's top 100 public universities. Located north of Baltimore, TU currently enrolls over 19,000 students and is the second-largest university in the prestigious University System of Maryland. Towson University fosters a climate that is grounded in respect to cultivate the intellectual and personal growth of the entire university community.
Position:
The Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science & Mathematics invites applications for a full-time, tenure track, 9-month Assistant Professor position in the Department of Biological Sciences. Preferred start date is August 2027.
Qualifications:
Successful applicants are expected to possess a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, to establish a productive research/scholarly program involving undergraduate and Master's level graduate students, and to actively pursue extramural funding for that research. Successful candidates are required to have a Ph.D. in the biological sciences or related field and have postdoctoral experience.
Responsibilities:
The candidate will primarily teach introductory-level undergraduate biology and upper-level courses in evolution, conservation biology, or ecology, but may also teach undergraduate and graduate courses aligned with the candidate's area(s) of expertise. The candidate must establish a competitive research program that engages undergraduate students in biology and/or other related majors. The successful candidate's research program should focus on plant or algal biology, lichenology, or mycology, and may be conducted at any scale from the organismal to the ecosystem level. The candidate is expected to pursue external research funding and disseminate their research findings in peer-reviewed journals and through presentations at professional meetings. Pre-tenure faculty members are assigned an instructional workload of five (5) course units per academic year.
The Department:
The Department of Biological Sciences provides high-quality education to both undergraduate and graduate students, with a focus on the knowledge and skills necessary for success at Towson University and beyond. The department enrolls ~1000 undergraduates in biology, as well as ~40 graduate students in the biology master's program. The department supports interdisciplinary programs in molecular biology, biochemistry and bioinformatics (MBBB), environmental science, and animal behavior, as well as service courses in the College of Health Professions.
Application Process:
Review of applications begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered. To apply, please upload a single pdf file containing the following documents in the specified order:
1. A cover letter stating your interest in the position and your potential contributions to the undergraduate biology program at Towson University. (1 page limit)
2. A current curriculum vitae highlighting relevant teaching experience. (3 page limit)
3. A statement of teaching philosophy that specifically addresses your approach to teaching undergraduate lecture and lab. (2 page limit)
4. A description of your proposed research program at Towson University. You must include at least two different projects, and describe how they are appropriate for undergraduate student researchers. (4 page limit, including references).
5. Names and contact information (current affiliation, e-mail address and telephone number) for three professional references.
6. Copies of all graduate and undergraduate transcripts (listed in reverse chronological order).
Application Process:
Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Applicants must submit these materials electronically through Towson University's internal application system, TALEO.
Click here to apply. P lease note that the search number for which you are applying is FCSM-4001.
Please, be sure to visit the Applicant Data Form to complete a voluntary on-line form. All data collected are for internal, state, and/or federal reporting and will not be used for other purposes. Please address any questions regarding the position or the search to the search committee chair: Dr. Harald Beck ( hbeck@towson.edu ).
Salary and Benefits:
Targeted salary range: $79,000-$83,000, commensurate with experience.
Benefits: TU offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent health, life and retirement plans, and tuition remission. To learn more about our benefits, click here . For regular faculty/teaching professor or here for contingent teaching professor. TU also offers a variety of great perks and discounts, which can be found here .
Background Check:
A Criminal Background Investigation is required for the hired candidate and the results ay impact employment.
COVID-19 Statement:
The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and neighbors has been our top priority and the focus of every one of our decisions since the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the University System of Maryland (USM) has strongly encouraged full COVID vaccination and up-to-date booster shots (when eligible) for all faculty, staff, and students at all schools in the USM as both a reasonable and necessary means of protecting our health and safety.

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