Assistant Professor in Freshwater Ecology

The Department of Ecology Evolution & Organismal Biology (EEOB) seeks applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Freshwater Ecology. We define freshwater ecology broadly (including lake river stream and wetland ecosystems) but will give preference to candidates whose research includes a pathway for application to lakes and reservoirs in Iowa and the midwestern USA. The successful candidate will develop an externally funded research-intensive program that contributes foundational knowledge in freshwater ecologyspanning organismal population community ecosystem or biogeochemical perspectiveswhile addressing processes and mechanisms relevant to inland waters of agricultural and human-dominated landscapes. Research may be at any biological scale (genes individuals communities populations ecosystems) with any group of organisms. We are particularly excited about candidates who use innovative empirical analytical computational or modeling approaches in their research. The successful candidate will also contribute to undergraduate and graduate education including the teaching of a course in aquatic ecology.

Research programs that integrate basic ecological discovery with use-inspired or management-relevant questions are particularly encouraged. There will be opportunities for leveraging ongoing partnerships with state and federal agencies as well as collaborations with a large assemblage of ISU scientists involved in research on water and environmental resources and with the Iowa Nutrient Research Center the Iowa Water Center and the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture all located at ISU in Ames IA. This is a tenure-track position in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the rank of assistant professor. The distribution of effort for this position is 70% research 25% teaching and 5% service

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

• Ph.D. or equivalent in ecology environmental science limnology aquatic biology or closely related fields.

• Publications in nationally or internationally recognized journals.

• Research experience in freshwater ecology.
  

• A research vision that includes interest in lakes or reservoirs aligned with the mission of a landgrant university i.e. research that contributes foundational knowledge with relevance to regional state or stakeholderdefined challenges.

• Ability to conduct impactful research.

• Commitment to effective teaching and mentoring.

• Ability and commitment to contribute to the Department and Universitys Principles of Community.
  

The Department of Ecology Evolution and Organismal Biology is a collaborative and collegial community of about 80 faculty graduate students post-doctoral researchers and staff addressing a wide range of research questions using multiple often integrative approaches that bridge traditional scientific disciplines and spans multiple levels of biological organization. EEOB is jointly administered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). The department co-administers undergraduate programs in Biology Environmental Science and Genetics and administers the Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Graduate Program. Our faculty participate actively in multiple interdepartmental graduate programs including Environmental Science Bioinformatics and Computational Biology and Genetics and Genomics.

Full consideration is guaranteed for applications received by October 4 2026. All interested qualified persons must apply for this position online at to Job Requisition Number R19216. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

• A cover letter

• A curriculum vitae

• Contact information for three references

• Other documents (submitted as one combined PDF)

a. A research statement demonstrating research experience and interests in freshwater ecology a thoughtful research plan and strategies for funding (up to three pages)

b. A statement of teaching and mentoring demonstrating a thoughtful approach and knowledge of issues related to teaching and learning including mentoring efforts (up to three pages)

For questions about the application process or position please contact Samantha Smith at

Why Choose ISU

Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits including medical and dental; as well as:
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race color age ethnicity religion national origin pregnancy sexual orientation genetic information sex marital status disability or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity 2680 Beardshear Hall 515 Morrill Road Ames Iowa 50011 Tel. email .

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.