Position Summary
The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month fixed term Assistant Professor of Wildlife Conservation Instructor position, with an 80% teaching assignment, a 15% research assignment, and a 5% service assignment. The position will have an initial 1-year appointment, renewal will be contingent on positive performance review and continued availability of funding. The successful candidate will join a dynamic community with faculty, post doctorates and students who engage in departmental and campus-wide programs, and span broad expertise in natural resources management and ecology. Our department is committed to high quality education and the well-being of our students. We teach courses for FW majors (about 260 total students), majors in other natural resources/ecological science fields, and non-science majors.
The Department seeks individuals trained in areas including but not limited to: (a) wildlife population sampling techniques, quantitative analysis and management/conservation approaches, (b) fundamentals of statistical analysis of natural resources data, and (c) Federal and state wildlife statutes and law that serve as the foundation for policy applied to fisheries and wildlife resources in the US (and bordering countries). The 80% teaching assignment generally corresponds to teaching two to three, 3-credit courses per semester, with adjustments based on student contact hours (i.e., courses with large enrollment or multiple labs weigh heavier in the calculation).
The position start date will be August 16 , 2026, but the successful candidate may be hired as early as July 1, 2026 (to prepare course materials for the Fall 2026 semester). The specific courses taught will depend on the disciplinary strengths of the successful candidate and the needs of the Department, and may include: Fundamentals of Fisheries and Wildlife Ecology and Management Lab ( FW 101L (https://reg.msu.edu/Courses/Search.aspx?CourseID=355664#Results) ), Upland Ecosystem Management (FW410), Wildlife Research and Management Techniques ( FW 413 (https://reg.msu.edu/Courses/Search.aspx?CourseID=333034) ), Wildlife Population Analysis and Management ( FW 424 (https://reg.msu.edu/Courses/Search.aspx?CourseID=346740#Results) ), Wildlife Policy (FW449/891), and Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Ecologists (STT224). The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to conduct wildlife-related research, interact with natural resource agency partners, and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
Overall, we seek a colleague who will:
Foster a welcoming lecture and laboratory classroom that respects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students.
Develop and implement effective teaching strategies that engage students and support their learning and understanding of course concepts.
Collaborate in the development and improvement of student-centered curricular resources.
Participate in departmental meetings, student mentoring, and other academic and administrative activities as required.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -wildlife management, ecology, zoology, or a closely related field.
Minimum Requirements
An earned Ph.D. in wildlife management, ecology, zoology, or a closely related field. An interest in teaching mostly undergraduate students, in continually improving teaching approaches, and in effectively incorporating experiential learning opportunities. Must be committed to advancing MSU's commitment to culture, access and belonging.
Desired Qualifications
A demonstrated record of effective and inclusive teaching, a demonstrated record of research and publications, and interest in university or professional service. Experience or interest in the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Required Application Materials
Upload the following required documents:
(1) cover letter including summary of areas of disciplinary expertise and qualifications for the position,
(2) current curriculum vitae,
(3) statement of teaching interests and experience that describes courses taught and approaches for evaluated learning outcomes ,
(4) a description of how you will contribute to CANR's positive culture, fair access to resources, and creating a sense of belonging.
Applicants will be prompted to provide the name, email address and phone number for 3 individuals who can provide confidential letters of recommendation, if requested.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Special Instructions
The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately, and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected.
Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Dr. Mary Tate Bremigan (bremigan@msu.edu), Department of Fisheries and Wildlife , Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
Review of Applications Begins On
06/15/2026
Website
https://www.canr.msu.edu/fw/
Department Statement
The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife is an international leader in integrating research, teaching, and engagement to positively affect local, regional, national, and global outcomes in natural resources. Our work supports stakeholder efforts to conserve, sustain and value natural resources; improves natural resource sustainability; and expands understanding of basic science by linking physical, biological, and social sciences to solve challenges related to the environment, terrestrial and aquatic organisms, and people. Our department is unique within MSU and one of the top departments of its kind in the world.
Location: The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Michigan State University (MSU) is one of the top research universities in the world and home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs. MSU is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, and scientists that provide regional, national, and international leadership in basic and applied research and excellence in teaching. In addition, consistent with its Land Grant origins, the MSU community pursues international engagement and provides strong extension programs that partner with diverse stakeholders to provide much needed research in the areas of food, energy, water and the environment. MSU enjoys a park-like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is located in the city of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of 500,000. Local communities have excellent school systems and place a high value on education. The University is proactive about its obligations under the ADA, and provides individual accessibility plans to students and employees with disabilities. Michigan State University is also proactive in exploring opportunities for employment for dual career families, both inside and outside the University, and respects all family forms. Information about MSU's dual career support and other @types of support for balancing work and personal lives at MSU can be found at http://worklife.msu.edu/
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
