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Assistant Professor of Aquaculture

Lake Superior State University 650 W Easterday Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Title: Assistant Professor of Aquaculture

VP Area: Academic Affairs

Department: College of Great Lakes Ecology & Education

Published Salary Range: $60,000-$65,000 for 9‑month position plus additional pay for summer and winter

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Lake Superior State University (LSSU) seeks qualified applicants for a tenure‑track faculty position in Aquaculture starting in August 2026. This is a 9‑month, tenure‑track position in the School of Natural Resources that is funded through a partnership between LSSU and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) titled the Partnership for Aquaculture Research and Management (PARM). The PARM position has administrative (25%), research (45%), teaching and mentoring (25%), and service (5%) responsibilities, and will be responsible for supporting aquaculture initiatives that address university and MDNR interests. The core appointment is based on a 9‑month academic contract. However, due to the year‑round needs of the hatchery and the PARM program, the position includes additional expectations during the winter and summer terms, and these will be compensated by an additional stipend.

Administrative responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing vision for and year‑round oversight of CFRE Fish Hatchery operations, developing and managing the hatchery operational budget, supervising hatchery personnel, and working with internal and external partners to ensure smooth operation of the hatchery. Research responsibilities include creating an active, externally‑funded research program in aquaculture that engages students and supports LSSU and MDNR research needs, publishing research results in peer‑reviewed scientific journals, presenting at professional conferences, acquiring external funding for research, and maintaining and developing collaborative relationships with state, federal, and tribal agencies. Teaching responsibilities may include teaching Freshwater Fish Culture, Internship in Aquaculture, Apprenticeship in Fish Culture, and thesis mentoring (Senior Project and MS Project). Mentoring undergraduates and graduate students engaged in research is expected.

LSSU is a small (<2,000 undergraduate students) state university located in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The campus sits on the St. Marys River, the sole outflow of Lake Superior and international boundary with Canada, and provides numerous educational and professional opportunities in aquaculture, fisheries management, and aquatic ecology. Additionally, LSSU is surrounded by three Great Lakes and many state, provincial, and national forests and parks that provide tremendous recreational opportunities and a high quality of life.

The CFRE Fish Hatchery (https://www.lssu.edu/cfre/undergraduate-opportunities/hatchery/) houses a student‑run Atlantic salmon hatchery, providing hands‑on classroom opportunities. The Richard and Theresa Barch CFRE building, located adjacent to the hatchery, provides expanded research facilities, including an analytical lab and experimental mesocosms, along with a Great Lakes Discovery Center for K‑12 education, all along the shores of the St. Marys River. The facility is uniquely positioned to build partnerships to advance Great Lakes education, research, and community engagement in the region. The Assistant Professor of Aquaculture position will play a key role in contributing to the growth of the CFRE and related student opportunities.

Success of students within the School of Natural Resources (SNR) stems from extensive interaction with faculty during hands‑on labs, student research, and active student organizations. All students within the school are required to complete senior thesis research and are encouraged to present their research at regional and national scientific conferences. Additionally, the SNR recently created an accelerated MS (4+1) program in Fisheries and Wildlife, which enables expanded research opportunities. Faculty also work closely in advising student clubs, including the nationally recognized Fisheries and Wildlife Club (student sub‑unit of the American Fisheries Society). The successful candidate will be expected to mentor students engaged in undergraduate research, and contribute to university service, including advising student organizations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s or Doctoral degree in Aquaculture or closely related discipline appropriate to the assignment is required at the time of appointment. The successful applicant should have administrative experience and demonstrated ability or potential to conduct excellent research and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience teaching courses in aquaculture, familiarity with aquaculture of salmonids, experience including students in research, and providing professional opportunities for students outside of class. Experience with grant writing and acquisition of external funding.

Physical Demands:

Be able to accompany students on field labs, actively lead and participate in field and hatchery activities; be able to lift up to 50 pounds; possess a valid driver’s license and operate a 4WD truck.

Submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcripts, a 1 page statement of teaching interests, a 1 page statement of research interests, and contact information for three references.