We seek a broadly trained Applied Mammal Ecologist to strengthen the Fisheries and Wildlife Program and focus on ecology of the Northern Great Plains. This is a nine-month, tenure track assistant professor position.

The department offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through the Ph.D., and active training of graduate students is expected. The Fisheries and Wildlife program boasts an active student population that has received numerous recognitions from The Wildlife Society and whose students go on to work for state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, industry and other conservation organizations. The department has a history of strong relationships with local, state (e.g., ND Game and Fish), federal and non-governmental organizations, and it is expected that the selected candidate will contribute directly to this mission. This person should have a demonstrated record of working in partnership with state, federal, and/or non-government agencies.

The successful candidate will demonstrate outstanding promise for establishing a sustainable research program that will attract a diversity of external funds and be aligned with the UND LEADS Strategic Plan. The Department of Biology is an academic unit in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of North Dakota. It serves about 500 undergraduate majors and 30 M.S. and Ph.D. students. In addition to teaching, our faculty members are involved in private, state, and federally funded research programs that span scales of organization from molecular biology to developmental biology and physiology to population and landscape ecology. The department’s faculty members actively train undergraduate and graduate students in their research programs

Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is the oldest research university in North Dakota. Founded with a strong liberal arts foundation, it is the state’s flagship university and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having very high research activity. UND offers degrees in more than 225 fields of study and enrolls nearly 16,000 students. It is the home of the state’s only School of Law and School of Medicine. The School of Medicine and Health Sciences has major initiatives in rural and public health, and Aerospace is home to one of the first and largest unmanned aerial vehicle programs in the world.

UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of over 57,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. Short commutes, a great public-school system, high quality medical facilities, low crime, ample parks and theaters, and a cost of living below that found in large American cities are some of Grand Forks’ advantages. Ranked as one of the top 5 Best Small College Towns, and America’s Best Hockey Town, Grand Forks offers stellar quality of life without the metropolitan hassles.

Duties & Responsibilities

Establish a productive and extramurally funded research program that works directly with wildlife conservation and management agencies/organizations (e.g., state, federal, local, industry, and/or non-profit) in the state of North Dakota and may also involve other relevant regional partners.

Contribute to the undergraduate Fisheries & Wildlife and other Biology programs through teaching, advising, and providing undergraduate and graduate research experiences.

Contribute to implementing the new UND LEADS strategic plan.

Contribute to department research and teaching strengths in the Ecology of the Northern Great Plains.

Provide mammal-focused expertise to enhance our graduate programs in Biology (4+1 B.S/M.S., M.S. and Ph.D.).

Teaching duties will be equivalent to two courses in year one. Courses will be assigned from departmental offerings related to mammal ecology and wildlife conservation and management. Teaching load will increase to three courses in year two and four courses in year three.

Required Competencies

Excellent written and oral communication skills, including evidence of the ability to teach, inspire, and mentor students
Ability to develop an original, independent, and extramurally funded research program in mammal ecology and management relevant to North Dakota
Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse students, staff, faculty, colleagues, and agency partners
Ability to implement high-impact teaching practices in a variety of learning environments
Ability to contribute to the department’s Fisheries and Wildlife program and contribute to research strengths in the Ecology of the Northern Great Plains with specific interest to North Dakota

Minimum Requirements

Ph.D. in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Conservation Biology, or related discipline
Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Applied research experience in mammal ecology and management
Experience obtaining extramural research funding
Experience working with a variety of stakeholders (e.g., state and federal agencies, non-governmental, landowners, industry)
Experience mentoring students in research
Experience teaching undergraduate or graduate courses related to mammal ecology and wildlife conservation and management
Relevant postdoctoral experience

To Apply

To assure full consideration, applications must be received by 3/22/2026 and include the following materials:

Cover letter highlighting qualifications for position
Curriculum Vitae
Statements of research interests (not to exceed 3 pages)
Statements of teaching interests (not to exceed 2 pages)
Three representative reprints as PDF files
Names and contact information for three references
Unofficial transcripts. Please note that the selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts upon hire.

Position is open until filled.

Questions can be directed to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Susan Felege at susan.felege@und.edu.

Apply now

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