Assistant Professor of Biology – Avian Biology

Overview

The Department of Biology (www.biology.usu.edu) at Utah State University is seeking to fill a tenure-track (1.0 FTE, 9-month, 50% research, 40% teaching, 10% service) position in Avian Biology to start in Fall 2027. We seek an organismal biologist whose research program incorporates birds. We welcome candidates using a broad range of approaches to address questions in ecology, evolution, behavior, organismal biology, including neuroscience, physiology, endocrinology,  or conservation biology—or any combination therein. Applicants with research that has applications relevant to the university’s land-grant mission are especially encouraged to apply.

 

The department seeks a colleague with a collaborative vision who is motivated to join a community dedicated to high-quality research and teaching that emphasizes acceptance and respect of all people. Opportunities exist for collaboration across the Department of Biology, the Ecology Center, Utah Agricultural Experimental Station, and with researchers throughout Utah State University, including faculty in Wildland Resources, the new College of Veterinary Medicine, and across USU's statewide campuses. The estimated start date will be August 1, 2027.

 

For further information or inquiries, please contact Search Committee Co-Chairs Becky Williams ([email protected]) or Joe Wilson ([email protected]). The initial review of applications will begin on 2-Nov., 2026, but the position will remain open until it is filled.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate is expected to establish a nationally recognized research program that incorporates avian biology and to be an effective teacher and mentor to undergraduate and graduate students.

 

Teaching responsibilities will include Ornithology (BIOL 5560) and contributions to the broader Biology curriculum. The teaching load is typically two courses per year, including Ornithology and an additional undergraduate or graduate course appropriate to departmental needs and the candidate's area of expertise. This may include contributions to introductory or mid-level biology courses or development of an upper-level or graduate course in the candidate's area of specialization. The successful candidate will also be expected to incorporate experiential and field-based learning opportunities into their teaching.

 

The successful candidate will be expected to mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research. The department values experiential and field-based learning and encourages opportunities that engage students in ornithology beyond the classroom.

 

The appointment is expected to be made at the Assistant Professor level.

 

The department and university offer numerous resources to support success, including competitive start-up funding, excellent research and teaching facilities, opportunities for internal research funding, and access to diverse field environments throughout Utah and the Intermountain West.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Integrative Biology, Neuroscience or another relevant biological discipline.
• Research: A strong record of publication in peer-reviewed journals demonstrating expertise in avian biology or closely related areas.
• Teaching and mentoring: Teaching experience at the university level or formal pedagogical training. Demonstrated ability to successfully mentor undergraduate or graduate students in research projects.
• Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral research experience.
• Demonstrated ability to secure external funding.
• A well-defined research program substantially focused on birds that uses integrative or multidisciplinary approaches.
• Potential to collaborate with current faculty members in Biology or other researchers across Utah State University.
• Experience incorporating experiential or field-based learning into undergraduate education.
• Experience with innovative teaching methods or technologies.
• Experience in science communication to non-specialist audiences or involvement in community outreach programs.
• Interest in developing research, educational, or outreach activities involving undergraduate and graduate students and USU's statewide community.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Curriculum vita (CV) to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV."

Name and contact information for three professional references to be entered into the Candidate Profile.

Cover Letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1–10." Candidates should include information about how their research and teaching roles would support the University's mission.

Statement of research achievements and goals to be uploaded at the beginning of your application under "Documents 1–10."

Statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy and achievements to be uploaded at the beginning of your application under "Documents 1–10."

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent benefits.

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

 

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

 

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025–26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

 

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or [email protected]. 

 

*updated 07/2026

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

 

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

 

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

 

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

 

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

 

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[email protected]

(435) 797-1266

 

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

 

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [email protected]

 

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  [email protected]

 

*updated 08/2026