Assistant Teaching Professor of Ecology (Non-Tenure-Track)
Montana State University
Position Details Position Information Announcement Number FAC - VA - 25058 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Bernadette Diaz
Business Operations Manager
(406) 994-4481
bernadette.diaz@montana.edu Classification Title Instructor Working Title Assistant Teaching Professor of Ecology (Non-Tenure-Track) Brief Position Overview The Ecology Department at Montana State University seeks applicants for a Lab Coordinator for Principles of Biological Diversity (BIOB 170), a critical first year course for all Biology majors at MSU and a required course for many other MSU majors. Faculty Tenure Track No Faculty Rank Non-Tenure Track Position Number 4A3110 Department Ecology Division College of Letters & Science Appointment Type Faculty Contract Term Academic Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date Union Affiliation AFMSU FTE 0.75 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement The Ecology Department at Montana State University invites applications for an Assistant Teaching Professor of Ecology (non-tenure-track) to join our dynamic faculty. We encourage applications from individuals who are passionate about undergraduate education and dedicated to high-impact teaching practices and experiential learning in the field of Ecology. We are especially interested in candidates who want to make a career in teaching and are committed to creative pedagogical teaching innovations.
The successful candidate will teach (~1 lab section/semester) and coordinate the teaching of lab sections (~15-20 sections per semester) by Teaching Assistants (TAs). As Lab Coordinator, they will also train, advise and supervise TAs.
This position’s primary responsibility is to the department’s undergraduate instructional mission. There is no expectation of a research program as part of the Lab Coordinator job duties. While this position is not tenure track, we have the expectation and intent that the successful candidate will be a long-term member of the faculty, contingent on satisfactory performance. The salary is peer-competitive, and the position is structured as a 0.75 FTE 9-month academic year appointment, providing the opportunity to pursue additional compensation during the fall and spring semester, and in the summer, as desired.
The Department of Ecology is highly committed to undergraduate and graduate education, and the successful candidate is expected to participate actively in the departmental curriculum. The Department seeks faculty who can teach undergraduate students and collaborate with professionals of all backgrounds, so underrepresented groups in science are encouraged to apply. Duties and Responsibilities Oversee 15-20 1-cr. lab sections per semester (300-500 students), teach ~1 lab section/semester. Train, advise and supervise Teaching Assistants (TAs). Update lab schedule and lab manual as needed. Order lab materials, maintain and repair lab equipment. Maintain lab teaching and prep space. Compile grades at semester-end. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Advanced degree (before date of hire) such as a M.S. in ecology, fish and wildlife management, conservation biology, or a related discipline. Strong background and interest in undergraduate education with a demonstrated record of, or high potential for, excellent teaching at the university level. Demonstrated record of, or high potential for effective advising of undergraduate students. Commitment to teaching excellence, and evidence of effective pedagogies. Demonstrated record of, or high potential for effective mentorship and ability to instruct a student body with people from all backgrounds. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Ph.D. (or degree before date of hire) in ecology, fish and wildlife management, conservation biology, or a related discipline. Three or more years of relevant professional experience. Demonstrated record of teaching an Introductory Biology lab equivalent to Principles of Biological Diversity (BIOB 170). Experience with multiple teaching methodologies. Experience with pedagogical innovations. The Successful Candidate Will Be an excellent teacher. Have excellent written and oral communication skills. Have the ability to inspire, mentor, and advise students. High potential for collaborating with existing faculty at MSU on teaching, curriculum development, and mentoring endeavors. Demonstrate an appreciation for people from all backgrounds and the ability to help students from underrepresented groups succeed. Potential to build a whole community, which includes people of many backgrounds, through teaching, advising, mentoring, and/or service. Have effective interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate successfully and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, staff, and students. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information Required applicant documents: Curriculum Vitae Teaching Statement – A statement of teaching experience and philosophy that describes your goals as an educator, the methods you use, and how you assess teaching and learning. Letter of interest addressing the required and preferred qualifications. Please note: A list of 3 references with their contact information will be required on the online application form when applying for this position. Applicants without an advanced degree at the date of submission should provide at least one reference who can discuss the applicant’s progress toward their degree.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The Program The Department The Department of Ecology at Montana State University is part of the College of Letters and Science. Ecology is a leading department in teaching and research that addresses fundamental and applied ecological questions for Montana, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Northern Rockies, and farther afield.
The department offers a B.S. degree in Biology with four options (Conservation Biology and Ecology, Fish and Wildlife Ecology and Management, Organismal Biology, and Biology Teaching), and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Fish and Wildlife Biology, and Biological Sciences. With ~600 undergraduate majors and ~56 graduate students, the department is one of the largest and most active programs at Montana State University. The department also houses Montana’s USGS Cooperative Fishery Research Unit.
The department maintains ties with the Montana Institute on Ecosystems, and the Departments of Mathematical Sciences, Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Plant Science and Plant Pathology, and Animal and Range Sciences. Collaborating resource agencies include Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the USGS Northern Rockies Science Center (both headquartered near campus), Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, the Custer-Gallatin National Forest (and many others). Montana State University is a founding member of the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) and affiliated with the Yellowstone NEON ecological observatory. The College Montana State University values all perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building a whole community, which includes people of many backgrounds. The College of Letters & Science (CLS) at Montana State University encourages individuals interested in advancing the University’s Strategic Plan goals to apply. CLS is committed to developing a faculty, staff, and student body which values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in research, teaching, and service/outreach engagement, and institutional success. In keeping with this commitment, the College encourages applications from candidates from all backgrounds. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
CLS, the largest center for learning, teaching, and research at Montana State University, offers students an excellent liberal arts and sciences education in nearly 50 majors, 25 minors and over 25 graduate degrees within the four areas of the humanities, natural sciences, mathematics and social sciences.
Building on the great strength of our traditional disciplines, the college provides exciting opportunities for faculty and students at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary inquiry. CLS is dedicated to supporting student success, discovering and disseminating new knowledge, and providing an atmosphere in which discovery and learning are integrated and valued. CLS is at the confluence of intellectual tradition, discovery, and innovation. Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date August 2025 Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on February 3, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. On-campus interviews are planned to take place during the early Spring semester of 2025. Special Instructions EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. FLSA Details FLSA Determination FLSA Status Exempt Applicant Documents Required Documents Curriculum Vitae Teaching Statement Letter of Interest Optional Documents Supplemental Questions
Business Operations Manager
(406) 994-4481
bernadette.diaz@montana.edu Classification Title Instructor Working Title Assistant Teaching Professor of Ecology (Non-Tenure-Track) Brief Position Overview The Ecology Department at Montana State University seeks applicants for a Lab Coordinator for Principles of Biological Diversity (BIOB 170), a critical first year course for all Biology majors at MSU and a required course for many other MSU majors. Faculty Tenure Track No Faculty Rank Non-Tenure Track Position Number 4A3110 Department Ecology Division College of Letters & Science Appointment Type Faculty Contract Term Academic Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date Union Affiliation AFMSU FTE 0.75 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement The Ecology Department at Montana State University invites applications for an Assistant Teaching Professor of Ecology (non-tenure-track) to join our dynamic faculty. We encourage applications from individuals who are passionate about undergraduate education and dedicated to high-impact teaching practices and experiential learning in the field of Ecology. We are especially interested in candidates who want to make a career in teaching and are committed to creative pedagogical teaching innovations.
The successful candidate will teach (~1 lab section/semester) and coordinate the teaching of lab sections (~15-20 sections per semester) by Teaching Assistants (TAs). As Lab Coordinator, they will also train, advise and supervise TAs.
This position’s primary responsibility is to the department’s undergraduate instructional mission. There is no expectation of a research program as part of the Lab Coordinator job duties. While this position is not tenure track, we have the expectation and intent that the successful candidate will be a long-term member of the faculty, contingent on satisfactory performance. The salary is peer-competitive, and the position is structured as a 0.75 FTE 9-month academic year appointment, providing the opportunity to pursue additional compensation during the fall and spring semester, and in the summer, as desired.
The Department of Ecology is highly committed to undergraduate and graduate education, and the successful candidate is expected to participate actively in the departmental curriculum. The Department seeks faculty who can teach undergraduate students and collaborate with professionals of all backgrounds, so underrepresented groups in science are encouraged to apply. Duties and Responsibilities Oversee 15-20 1-cr. lab sections per semester (300-500 students), teach ~1 lab section/semester. Train, advise and supervise Teaching Assistants (TAs). Update lab schedule and lab manual as needed. Order lab materials, maintain and repair lab equipment. Maintain lab teaching and prep space. Compile grades at semester-end. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Advanced degree (before date of hire) such as a M.S. in ecology, fish and wildlife management, conservation biology, or a related discipline. Strong background and interest in undergraduate education with a demonstrated record of, or high potential for, excellent teaching at the university level. Demonstrated record of, or high potential for effective advising of undergraduate students. Commitment to teaching excellence, and evidence of effective pedagogies. Demonstrated record of, or high potential for effective mentorship and ability to instruct a student body with people from all backgrounds. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Ph.D. (or degree before date of hire) in ecology, fish and wildlife management, conservation biology, or a related discipline. Three or more years of relevant professional experience. Demonstrated record of teaching an Introductory Biology lab equivalent to Principles of Biological Diversity (BIOB 170). Experience with multiple teaching methodologies. Experience with pedagogical innovations. The Successful Candidate Will Be an excellent teacher. Have excellent written and oral communication skills. Have the ability to inspire, mentor, and advise students. High potential for collaborating with existing faculty at MSU on teaching, curriculum development, and mentoring endeavors. Demonstrate an appreciation for people from all backgrounds and the ability to help students from underrepresented groups succeed. Potential to build a whole community, which includes people of many backgrounds, through teaching, advising, mentoring, and/or service. Have effective interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate successfully and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, staff, and students. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information Required applicant documents: Curriculum Vitae Teaching Statement – A statement of teaching experience and philosophy that describes your goals as an educator, the methods you use, and how you assess teaching and learning. Letter of interest addressing the required and preferred qualifications. Please note: A list of 3 references with their contact information will be required on the online application form when applying for this position. Applicants without an advanced degree at the date of submission should provide at least one reference who can discuss the applicant’s progress toward their degree.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The Program The Department The Department of Ecology at Montana State University is part of the College of Letters and Science. Ecology is a leading department in teaching and research that addresses fundamental and applied ecological questions for Montana, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Northern Rockies, and farther afield.
The department offers a B.S. degree in Biology with four options (Conservation Biology and Ecology, Fish and Wildlife Ecology and Management, Organismal Biology, and Biology Teaching), and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Fish and Wildlife Biology, and Biological Sciences. With ~600 undergraduate majors and ~56 graduate students, the department is one of the largest and most active programs at Montana State University. The department also houses Montana’s USGS Cooperative Fishery Research Unit.
The department maintains ties with the Montana Institute on Ecosystems, and the Departments of Mathematical Sciences, Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Plant Science and Plant Pathology, and Animal and Range Sciences. Collaborating resource agencies include Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the USGS Northern Rockies Science Center (both headquartered near campus), Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, the Custer-Gallatin National Forest (and many others). Montana State University is a founding member of the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) and affiliated with the Yellowstone NEON ecological observatory. The College Montana State University values all perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building a whole community, which includes people of many backgrounds. The College of Letters & Science (CLS) at Montana State University encourages individuals interested in advancing the University’s Strategic Plan goals to apply. CLS is committed to developing a faculty, staff, and student body which values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in research, teaching, and service/outreach engagement, and institutional success. In keeping with this commitment, the College encourages applications from candidates from all backgrounds. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
CLS, the largest center for learning, teaching, and research at Montana State University, offers students an excellent liberal arts and sciences education in nearly 50 majors, 25 minors and over 25 graduate degrees within the four areas of the humanities, natural sciences, mathematics and social sciences.
Building on the great strength of our traditional disciplines, the college provides exciting opportunities for faculty and students at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary inquiry. CLS is dedicated to supporting student success, discovering and disseminating new knowledge, and providing an atmosphere in which discovery and learning are integrated and valued. CLS is at the confluence of intellectual tradition, discovery, and innovation. Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date August 2025 Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on February 3, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. On-campus interviews are planned to take place during the early Spring semester of 2025. Special Instructions EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. FLSA Details FLSA Determination FLSA Status Exempt Applicant Documents Required Documents Curriculum Vitae Teaching Statement Letter of Interest Optional Documents Supplemental Questions
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