Assistant Professor

Position Function:

The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University (MSU), invites applications for a full time, 12-month tenure-track faculty position with 90% Extension and 10% teaching responsibilities. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Salary Grade:  UC

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges.  For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

The Southeastern U.S. hosts some of the greatest biodiversity in North America including numerous endangered and threatened species. Mississippi is characterized by diverse terrains including broadleaf forests, oak savannas, prairie grasslands, temperate pine forests and delta wetlands, along with abundant waterways. These rich landscapes provide habitat for hundreds of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. White-tailed deer are the number one game species in the Southeast, and account for about $1 billion in annual economic impact in the state. Mississippi is home to 11 national wildlife refuges, 6 national forests, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Natchez Scenic Trail, multiple national monuments, military parks, battlefields, several US Army Corps of Engineer reservoirs, 25 state parks, the Mississippi River, and 53 Wildlife Management areas. Mississippi State University is ranked as one of the top research institutions in the United States. The Carnegie Institute has designated MSU as an "R1 – very high research activity" doctoral granting institution. The National Science Foundation has MSU as ranked No. 12 nationally in Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation research expenditures with more than $109 million spent annually. The 43-member faculty within the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture leads one of the most productive research programs in the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University. We are home to the Mississippi USGS Coop Unit of scientists, the Center for Human-Wildlife Conflict, the USDA Wildlife Services National Training Academy and three endowed faculty chairs. The department has a highly collegial and interdisciplinary group of faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and Research and Extension Associates that help make the department one of the premier institutions for applied wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science in the nation. Annually, the department faculty bring in $15-20 million in extramural funding. As one of the fastest growing undergraduate programs in the region, our 320+ undergraduate students concentrate in wildlife agriculture science, human-wildlife interactions, conservation biology, wildlife veterinary medicine, conservation law enforcement, and wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science. The department also mentors over 100 graduate students across a variety of programs, with high job placement following receipt of a graduate degree. This position is on the MSU campus in Starkville, Mississippi. A description of the MSU Extension Service, College of Forest Resources (CFR), the Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC), and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture can be found at and The MSU Deer Ecology and Management Lab website can be found at

Area of Specialization:

Wildlife Management and Coordinator for the St. John Family Endowed Professorship

Anticipated Appointment Date:

January 1, 2025. 

Tenure Track Status:

Yes. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University (MSU) invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Big Game Extension and Research. We are seeking a wildlife biologist to develop a robust Extension and research program in large mammal ecology and management, with an emphasis on white-tailed deer and habitat management. Extension and research topics may include deer nutrition, physiology, behavior, movement ecology, and population dynamics relative to habitat management strategies. This position operates with support from the St. John Family Endowment and the applicant is responsible for outreach and reporting activities related to the endowed professorship; upon advancement to Associate Professor, the candidate would be named the St. John Family Associate Extension Professor of Wildlife Management. Collaboration with scientists in the Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC) and state wildlife agencies is expected. The successful candidate will be expected to transfer research outcomes to stakeholders to inform decisions in managed landscapes, on private and public lands, and support the land grant mission of MSU. For more information on the existing program, see and the YouTube channel MSU Deer Lab TV.

The primary responsibilities of this position will be the development of an effective outreach program supporting the MSU Deer Lab. Elements of the successful candidate's Extension program should include development of innovative educational programs and products (e.g., face-to-face, print, radio, social media, YouTube Videos, and Podcasts) relevant to deer management and wildlife conservation issues to engage various clientele groups (youth, adults, professionals, municipalities, etc.). The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and fostering strong working relationships with MSU Extension county personnel by providing timely technical assistance and development of in-service trainings on wildlife management and conservation needs across the state. The Assistant Professor will be expected to maintain programmatic ties with MSU Extension specialists, WFA faculty, and governmental and non-governmental partners to implement scholarly education and Extension programs that meet program priorities of MSU Extension. Furthermore, the successful candidate will be expected to serve in relevant professional societies, mentor graduate students, train post-doctoral fellows, serve on committees, publish peer-reviewed and Extension manuscripts, popular press articles and secure funding to support their Extension and research programs. The successful candidate will develop and teach educational programs to the appropriate clientele and county Extension agents based on national, state, and county needs assessments. These documented Program Plans will include documented curricula that can be delivered and evaluated by the successful candidate and/or county Extension agents resulting in measured impacts. The position will be a split 90% Extension appointment and 10% teaching appointment. The teaching appointment includes instructing one face-to-face class per year in their area of expertise and advising undergraduate and graduate students.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. with expertise in cervid ecology and management. Excellence in teaching, communication and organizational skills, procurement of extramural funds to accomplish publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts, and a commitment to outreach, teaching and service are expected. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to collaborate with diverse science disciplines and stakeholder groups, and to work closely with regulatory agencies to support long-term partnerships. Additionally, preference will be given to a candidate that demonstrates the capacity for developing and delivering innovative Extension/Outreach programs and products. The acceptable candidate must have outstanding verbal and written communication skills, and an ability to effectively deliver information to various clientele groups. The candidate must be able to work in a team environment and have a strong record of developing multidisciplinary partnerships to achieve educational management objectives.

Preferred Qualifications:

Substantive knowledge of and experience in cervid ecology and management; Postdoctoral research or equivalent work-related experience and teaching proficiency. Preference will be given to candidates whose research naturally crosses disciplinary lines and addresses questions of relevance to landowners, hunters, and regulatory agencies as well as ability to have procured extramural awards.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply: 

Applications must be submitted online at ; position (PARF # and should include a 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae [include 4 references at end to contact], 3) Extension and research statement and philosophy, 4) teaching statement and philosophy, and 5) un-official or official transcripts for this phase of the application. Applicants must redact their social security number if it appears on transcript prior to submitting online.

Please send a duplicate package of the above material to the search chair Dr. Bronson Strickland at: Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Strickland.

Screening Date:

August 29, 2024, until filled. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

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