What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor of Conservation Genetics position at University of Missouri-Columbia?
Hiring Department
School of Natural Resources
Job Description
Starting Date: September 1, 2027, or as negotiated
Responsibilities: As part of the Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands, and Aquatic Systems (fwas.missouri.edu), this is a tenure-track position in the School of Natural Resources (www.snr.missouri.edu), in partnership with the Division of Biological Sciences (biology.missouri.edu) at the University of Missouri (MU).
The successful candidate will develop an exciting and high-impact, nationally/internationally recognized, externally funded research program in the field of conservation genetics, with an emphasis in fisheries, that will complement existing strengths in fisheries, conservation, evolutionary biology, and biological sciences.
The position will strengthen growing education programs, collaborate with other established MU research centers to garner major grants, form innovative new partnerships with private and public partners, and contribute greatly toward improving grant and publication metrics considered in the Association of American Universities’ (AAU) rankings. Teaching may include undergraduate courses such as conservation genetics, fisheries, population dynamics, aquaculture, and graduate courses related to the individual’s expertise (3-4 courses per year).
This position will complement and collaborate with faculty in the Johnny Morris Institute, the School of Natural Resources, and the Division of Biological Sciences, as well as other colleges and departments across the MU campus. Collaborative efforts will also develop with scientists from the Missouri Department of Conservation, the USDA Forest Service Northern Forest Research Station (housed on campus), the USGS Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (housed on campus), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (facilities in Columbia), and the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center (facilities in Columbia).
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in Fisheries, Ecology, Evolution, Genetics, Biology, Conservation Biology, or a closely related discipline by the time of appointment.
Candidates will be evaluated on: a strong background in genetics, fisheries, and conservation; a strong record of impactful peer-reviewed publications; teaching experience; and a level of grantsmanship that reflects high productivity relative to the applicant’s career stage. The area of expertise should complement existing institutional strengths in ecology, evolution, genetics, and conservation. The candidate should have a demonstrated interest in working with state and federal agencies and other private and public stakeholders.
Application Materials
To apply for this position, please visit the MU web site at http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic/ - Job ID 60698. Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, narrative of teaching philosophy (approximately 2 pages), narrative of current and future research interests (approximately 2 pages), and the names and contact information of three references.
Review of applications will begin on 31 October 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. For additional information about the position, please contact Dr. Rick Relyea, Director of the Johnny Morris Institute, (rick.relyea@missouri.edu).
Sponsorship Information
Employment visa sponsorship may be available for this position.
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.
School of Natural Resources
Job Description
Starting Date: September 1, 2027, or as negotiated
Responsibilities: As part of the Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands, and Aquatic Systems (fwas.missouri.edu), this is a tenure-track position in the School of Natural Resources (www.snr.missouri.edu), in partnership with the Division of Biological Sciences (biology.missouri.edu) at the University of Missouri (MU).
The successful candidate will develop an exciting and high-impact, nationally/internationally recognized, externally funded research program in the field of conservation genetics, with an emphasis in fisheries, that will complement existing strengths in fisheries, conservation, evolutionary biology, and biological sciences.
The position will strengthen growing education programs, collaborate with other established MU research centers to garner major grants, form innovative new partnerships with private and public partners, and contribute greatly toward improving grant and publication metrics considered in the Association of American Universities’ (AAU) rankings. Teaching may include undergraduate courses such as conservation genetics, fisheries, population dynamics, aquaculture, and graduate courses related to the individual’s expertise (3-4 courses per year).
This position will complement and collaborate with faculty in the Johnny Morris Institute, the School of Natural Resources, and the Division of Biological Sciences, as well as other colleges and departments across the MU campus. Collaborative efforts will also develop with scientists from the Missouri Department of Conservation, the USDA Forest Service Northern Forest Research Station (housed on campus), the USGS Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (housed on campus), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (facilities in Columbia), and the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center (facilities in Columbia).
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in Fisheries, Ecology, Evolution, Genetics, Biology, Conservation Biology, or a closely related discipline by the time of appointment.
Candidates will be evaluated on: a strong background in genetics, fisheries, and conservation; a strong record of impactful peer-reviewed publications; teaching experience; and a level of grantsmanship that reflects high productivity relative to the applicant’s career stage. The area of expertise should complement existing institutional strengths in ecology, evolution, genetics, and conservation. The candidate should have a demonstrated interest in working with state and federal agencies and other private and public stakeholders.
Application Materials
To apply for this position, please visit the MU web site at http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic/ - Job ID 60698. Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, narrative of teaching philosophy (approximately 2 pages), narrative of current and future research interests (approximately 2 pages), and the names and contact information of three references.
Review of applications will begin on 31 October 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. For additional information about the position, please contact Dr. Rick Relyea, Director of the Johnny Morris Institute, (rick.relyea@missouri.edu).
Sponsorship Information
Employment visa sponsorship may be available for this position.
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.