Assistant Professor – Water Quality and Climate Change, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, MSU

The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University seeks a full-time Assistant Professor focused on water quality and climate change. The role involves 50% research, 30% teaching, 10% extension, and 10% service, with responsibilities including developing a recognized program, conducting field studies, and mentoring students. The position requires a Ph.D. in a related field and will start on August 16, 2025, located in East Lansing, MI.
The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a full‐time, 9-month tenure system Assistant Professor with a 50% research, 30% teaching, 10% extension, and 10% service assignment. The position start date is anticipated to be August 16, 2025.

The individual selected for this position will be expected to develop a regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized program centered on water quality and freshwater ecosystems in the context of climate change addressing adaptation, mitigation, management, sustainability, or conservation.

Key areas of interest for this selected candidate could include:
• Applied Water Quality Research. Conducting field studies addressing relationships between climate, environmental conditions, land use, and water quality.
• Climate Impact Assessment. Analyzing data and modeling results to identify vulnerabilities and potential risks to water quality and freshwater ecosystems.
• Adaptation and Mitigation Strategy Development. Developing and working with stakeholders, implementing climate adaptation strategies for water quality and freshwater ecosystems associated with resource management, considering the needs of urban and rural communities.

Position Duties. This position includes primary assignments in research (50%) and teaching (30%), with additional responsibilities in extension and outreach (10%) and leadership and service (10%). The successful candidate will teach two courses annually consistent with their areas of expertise and departmental needs. The Fisheries and Wildlife undergraduate and graduate curricula can be viewed at https://canr.msu.edu/fw/. In addition to classroom teaching, we expect the candidate to contribute to undergraduate and graduate student mentoring. The candidate will secure funding from diverse sources, including federal agencies, to support a vibrant research, outreach, and engagement program aligned with our departmental mission. The candidate's program will be positioned to work with, and support, the needs of external local, state, and national partners, such as Michigan Department of Natural Resources; the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; Michigan State University Extension (Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Center for Lakes and Streams); Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs); National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; the United States Geological Survey; or the Nature Conservancy.

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 -water resources, aquatic ecology, biological or environmental microbiology, water chemistry, or a closely related field

Minimum Requirements
• An earned Ph.D. in water resources, aquatic ecology, biological or environmental microbiology, water chemistry, or a closely related field, with expertise in the monitoring, identification, characterization, and/or toxicology of chemical, physical, or biological constituents in water, focusing on water quality impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
• Evidence that the candidate will contribute substantial scholarship in climate impacts on aquatic systems (e.g., will obtain grants and publish in areas related to the position).
• Evidence of ability to implement high-impact, evidence-based teaching and learning practices for undergraduate and graduate education.
• Evidence of ability to engage productively with partners and community stakeholders through collaborative outreach, engagement, and Extension work.
• Evidence the candidate will promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at MSU and in the field of aquatic ecosystem conservation and management.

Desired Qualifications
• Experience managing and analyzing large climate, hydrology and water quality data sets.
• Experience with ecosystem modeling.
• Experience with grant writing and management.
• Postdoctoral experience or other post-PhD professional work experience in the general area of water quality, water resources, aquatic ecosystems and/or management.
• Ability to lead and contribute to diverse and interdisciplinary teams.

Required Application Materials

Upload the following required documents:

a) A letter of application (2-page maximum) describing how your interests, background, and professional experience match the job description.

b) A vision statement for the position (2-page maximum), explicitly linking to the vision, mission, and strategic plan of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at MSU.

c) A teaching and student mentoring philosophy (1 page maximum).

d) An explanation (2-page maximum) of how you will contribute to CANR’s positive culture, fair access to resources and to creating a sense of belonging.

e) current Curriculum Vitae, and

f) Names and contact information for 3-5 professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Special Instructions

Review of Applications: The search committee will begin reviewing applications on April 15, 2025, and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Dr. Joan B. Rose, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA, rosejo@msu.edu; 517-432-4412.