Assistant Professor (Forest Ecology)

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale is seeking an Assistant Professor in Forest Ecology for a tenure-track position starting in January or August 2026. The role involves teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, advising students, and developing a research program relevant to Illinois and the Midwest. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in a related field and demonstrate teaching and research experience. The target annual salary is $79,002 for this nine-month position.
Description

Assistant Professor (Forest Ecology), nine (9) month, tenure track
effective January 1, 2026 or August 16, 2026.

This position is represented by SIU Carbondale Faculty
Association/IEA-NEA. For more information regarding salary and
other details please visit: https://laborrelations.siu.edu/labor-contracts/

The target salary offer for this 9-month position is $79,002.00
annually at full time.

Examples of Duties

Course teaching requirements may include: Forest Ecology, Forest
Ecosystems, and other undergraduate and graduate level coursework.
Expected teaching load is two courses in the Fall semester and two
courses in the Spring semester. Additionally, involvement in the
teaching of our intersession field course is expected. The
incumbent is expected to advise/mentor graduate and undergraduate
students. The incumbent will be expected to develop an
externally-funded research program with relevance to Illinois and
Midwest region and lead an outreach component to assist our
citizens, businesses, and agencies understanding of forest
ecology.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Qualified applicants are required to
have:

1) Ph.D. in forestry, forest ecology, or other closely related
natural-resources field. ABD applicants will be considered if all
doctoral degree requirements will be completed by the effective
date of appointment (January 1, 2026 or August 12, 2026). If all
requirements for the doctorate are not completed by date of
appointment, a nine-month, term, non-tenure-track appointment at a
lower rank may be offered in accordance with University policy (

https://policies.siu.edu/personnel-policies/chapter2/ch2-faps/faculty-contingent.php)
.

2) Demonstrated experience or ability in teaching relevant
coursework;

3) Strong communication skills and interest in instruction and
advisement of undergraduate and graduate students;

4) Demonstrated ability and strong interest in collaborative
research with natural resource research scientists and other
natural resource professionals to develop and maintain an active
research program.

Preferred Qualifications:

1) In addition to the Ph.D., B.S. in Forestry from an
SAF-accredited program.

2) Record of publications in refereed journals and securing of
external research grants.

Required Documents: Submit a letter of application, current
CV, and three references.

Contact:

Charles Ruffner, Ph.D., ruffner@siu.edu , (618) 453-7469

Supplemental Information

The School of Forestry and Horticulture at Southern Illinois
University (SIU) is a leading academic and research unit dedicated
to providing high-quality education, research, and outreach in the
fields of forestry, horticulture, and environmental science. The
Forestry program offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate
programs that prepare students for careers in forest management,
conservation, and related disciplines. Located in Carbondale,
Illinois, SIU benefits from its proximity to diverse ecosystems,
including forests, wetlands, and agricultural areas, providing
students with unique, hands-on learning opportunities. The school
is home to active facilities and research labs, where students and
faculty work together on innovative projects that address current
environmental challenges, such as climate change, habitat
restoration, and sustainable land use.

SIU Carbondale, member of the SIU System, is an anti-racist
community that opposes racism, discrimination and inequity in any
form, and embraces diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice for
all people.

SIU Carbondale is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans that
strives to enhance its ability to develop a diverse faculty and
staff and to increase its potential to serve a diverse student
population. All applications are welcomed and encouraged and will
receive consideration.