Conservation Biologist Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

The Biology Department in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, Minnesota) invites applications for a tenure-track position in Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution.  The position will be at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin in September 2027.  Candidates who integrate genetics and ecology (for example, population genetics, conservation genetics, or molecular ecology) are particularly encouraged to apply. 

We seek candidates who are committed to exemplifying the teacher-scholar model.  The successful candidate will demonstrate potential to teach undergraduate biology courses at the introductory and upper-division levels, with options including BIOL 207 Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution; BIOL 209 Biology of Sustainability; a 300-level course in the candidate’s area of expertise; and a 400-level senior capstone course that integrates the candidate’s research.  We seek candidates with a commitment to using inclusive classroom practices that support students from varied backgrounds and with varied interests.  The teaching load is six, four-credit courses per year; two of these six courses per year are reallocated for the expected mentorship of undergraduate research collaborators. 

The successful candidate will demonstrate potential to establish a vibrant, high-quality research program that has the potential to be competitive for external funding and that will prominently involve undergraduates of all experience levels and from varied backgrounds.  Research support will include start-up funds and laboratory/computing space in a science facility.  The successful candidate will also advise undergraduate biology majors and provide service to the department, College of Arts & Sciences, and/or the university.

About the Biology Department

The Biology Department is a professionally engaged community that equips undergraduate students to find their passions, embark on meaningful careers, and become responsible, scientifically literate citizens through authentic experiences in science.  We are home to approximately 80 student majors each year and offer B.S. and B.A. degrees in Biology, as well as a B.S in Biology of Global Health.  We also support interdisciplinary undergraduate programs in Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Environmental Science, and Data Analytics.  More information on the Biology curriculum, including a list of our courses, can be found here.

Our research facilities are well equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, and our full-time faculty are recipients of major, externally funded research grants.  Research collaborations with undergraduates routinely result in student presentations at national conferences and student authorship on peer-reviewed publications.

About the University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas is a dynamic, mission-driven, urban university. Located in a residential neighborhood with easy access to two downtown metropolitan centers, we are Minnesota’s largest private university with eight schools and colleges, 150+ undergraduate majors/minors, and 55 graduate programs. Learn more about life as a faculty member at the Join the Faculty at University of St. Thomas website.

The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment.  The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO).  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic.  This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.  The successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission. Learn more about the University of St. Thomas mission and convictions at the Office for Mission website.

Salary and Benefits

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Tuition remission benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents upon eligibility
• A generous employer retirement contribution upon eligibility
• Medical, dental, and vision options
• Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits
• Paid parental leave benefits

The salary range is for this position is $68,000 - $75,000.

The University of St. Thomas has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

Minimum Qualifications

A PhD (U.S. or foreign equivalent) in Biology or related field, or alternatively, ABD candidates nearing completion of the PhD will also be considered, with an initial appointment made at the rank of instructor.  Applicants must be able to demonstrate research expertise in Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution.

How to Apply

To be considered for this opportunity, all applicants must apply online at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/. 

The application process consists of several required steps, completed in the order outlined below.

Step 1.

You will first be asked to create an applicant profile. As part of creating your profile, you must upload the following materials: 

• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• A 2-page statement of teaching philosophy that includes a discussion of
  • introductory and upper-level courses the applicant would be interested in teaching in our current curriculum,
  • upper-level courses that would enhance our current offerings, and
  • the potential for inclusive classroom practices to support students from varied backgrounds and with varied interests
• A 2-page statement of short- and long-term research goals that includes a discussion of
  • establishing a vibrant, high-quality research program that has the potential to be competitive for external funding, and
  • how the applicant will involve and mentor undergraduate collaborators in their research

Please upload only the documents specifically requested in the job posting at this stage. Do not upload any additional materials into other available fields. Candidates selected for further review may be contacted later to submit additional materials.

Step 2.

After submitting your applicant profile, you will be directed to the jobspecific application. During this step, you will be asked to:

• Copy and paste a jobspecific letter of application (cover letter) that
  • describes the applicant’s interest in the position, and
  • relates the applicant’s professional qualifications to the responsibilities of the position
• Complete the voluntary EEO, Veteran, and Disability selfidentification forms 

Step 3.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references who can speak directly to your qualifications.

• References will not be contacted without candidate permission
• Candidates who advance in the search will be asked to submit three letters of recommendation

Questions regarding the position should be sent to the search committee chair, Dr. Carolyn Zeiner (carolyn.zeiner@stthomas.edu).  Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2026.  To be guaranteed full consideration, completed applications should be submitted by that date.  The position will remain open until filled.