Botanical Society of America
Oklahoma Biological Survey - Freshwater Ecologist Search
Botanical Society of America, Norman, Oklahoma, us, 73019
Oklahoma Biological Survey - Freshwater Ecologist Search
Position Title: Oklahoma Biological Survey - Freshwater Ecologist Search
Application Deadline: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Institution: University of Oklahoma
Department/Division: Oklahoma Biological Survey
Field (e.g., systematics): ecology
The Oklahoma Biological Survey (OBS) at the University of Oklahoma invites applications for a full‑time tenure‑track Assistant Professor of Freshwater Ecology. We seek an innovative and collaborative colleague with expertise in freshwater systems (broadly defined to include invertebrate and/or vertebrate communities) who will establish a nationally recognized, externally funded research program. The successful candidate will run an active research lab, mentor graduate students, contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching (one course per semester), and provide taxonomic expertise essential to the OBS mission of documenting and conserving biodiversity in Oklahoma. We are particularly interested in candidates who integrate field‑based or experimental ecology with taxonomic and conservation‑oriented research. Approaches may include, but are not limited to, population and community ecology, conservation biology, eco‑informatics, phylogenetics, environmental monitoring, or global change biology, with a strong focus on freshwater ecosystems.
The OBS is both a state agency and a research unit in the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences affiliated with the School of Biological Sciences at OU. Through coordinated research and monitoring, the OBS compiles detailed information on biological communities in the state and surrounding regions while enhancing our general understanding of ecology and natural history for the benefit of the scientific community, elected officials, and the public. Established in 1927, its mission is to consolidate expertise and information on biodiversity with an emphasis on the plants and animals of the state of Oklahoma. The OBS is home to the Robert Bebb Herbarium, the Oklahoma Natural Heritage Inventory, and the Oklahoma Natural Areas Registry program. Together, these programs track and conserve species and habitats, advance biodiversity research and education, and inform state offices, tribal organizations, and private landowners. As an integral unit of OU, the OBS contributes to cross‑disciplinary research, student training, and outreach at local, state, and national levels. The OBS contributes to the scientific community of the University of Oklahoma and beyond through innovative research that advances a multitude of areas within the biological and environmental sciences while bringing external funding to the university and fostering expertise needed to confront present and future conservation and biodiversity challenges.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in biological sciences or a closely related field at the time of appointment (August 2026). Ph.D. candidates who will soon complete their degrees are encouraged to apply.
Demonstrated potential to lead a widely recognized research program in freshwater ecology that integrates biodiversity documentation with key research themes in biology, conservation, and/or environmental science.
Expertise in one or more freshwater taxonomic groups or ecological guilds that complements existing strengths at OBS.
Evidence of a trajectory toward a strong record of publication, external funding, and student mentorship.
University teaching experience or demonstrated capacity to teach effectively at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Experience with biodiversity research and conservation outreach programs (e.g., Biological Surveys, Natural Heritage programs, NatureServe, conservation organizations, natural history museums, or natural resource management agencies at the state or federal level).
Research experience in freshwater systems of the South Central United States.
Experience leading collaborative projects and working with interdisciplinary teams.
A record of partnerships with NGOs, state agencies, tribal organizations, and/or federal organizations, citizen science groups, and/or NGOs relevant to conservation and biodiversity research.
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain an extramurally funded, discipline‑leading research program.
Train and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in ecology, conservation, and biodiversity science.
Teach one course per semester at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Contribute expertise to biodiversity documentation, monitoring, and conservation initiatives carried out by the OBS.
Build collaborations within and beyond OU, including partnerships with state and federal agencies, NGOs, and conservation organizations.
Application Instructions Applicants are required to submit a statement of interest (limited to 2000 words) that includes: (i) the motivations for applying; (ii) a brief summary of the candidate’s accomplishments regarding research, teaching, mentorship and other relevant qualifications; and (iii) discussion of the candidate’s taxonomic expertise as it relates to their research program. Additionally, submit a full curriculum vitae (no page limit). Applications must be submitted online via Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/174472. Applicants must also submit contact information within Interfolio to initiate requests for three confidential letters of recommendation; all letters must be on file for an application to be reviewed for the position. Additional materials may be requested in subsequent stages of the hiring process.
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The Oklahoma Biological Survey (OBS) at the University of Oklahoma invites applications for a full‑time tenure‑track Assistant Professor of Freshwater Ecology. We seek an innovative and collaborative colleague with expertise in freshwater systems (broadly defined to include invertebrate and/or vertebrate communities) who will establish a nationally recognized, externally funded research program. The successful candidate will run an active research lab, mentor graduate students, contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching (one course per semester), and provide taxonomic expertise essential to the OBS mission of documenting and conserving biodiversity in Oklahoma. We are particularly interested in candidates who integrate field‑based or experimental ecology with taxonomic and conservation‑oriented research. Approaches may include, but are not limited to, population and community ecology, conservation biology, eco‑informatics, phylogenetics, environmental monitoring, or global change biology, with a strong focus on freshwater ecosystems.
The OBS is both a state agency and a research unit in the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences affiliated with the School of Biological Sciences at OU. Through coordinated research and monitoring, the OBS compiles detailed information on biological communities in the state and surrounding regions while enhancing our general understanding of ecology and natural history for the benefit of the scientific community, elected officials, and the public. Established in 1927, its mission is to consolidate expertise and information on biodiversity with an emphasis on the plants and animals of the state of Oklahoma. The OBS is home to the Robert Bebb Herbarium, the Oklahoma Natural Heritage Inventory, and the Oklahoma Natural Areas Registry program. Together, these programs track and conserve species and habitats, advance biodiversity research and education, and inform state offices, tribal organizations, and private landowners. As an integral unit of OU, the OBS contributes to cross‑disciplinary research, student training, and outreach at local, state, and national levels. The OBS contributes to the scientific community of the University of Oklahoma and beyond through innovative research that advances a multitude of areas within the biological and environmental sciences while bringing external funding to the university and fostering expertise needed to confront present and future conservation and biodiversity challenges.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in biological sciences or a closely related field at the time of appointment (August 2026). Ph.D. candidates who will soon complete their degrees are encouraged to apply.
Demonstrated potential to lead a widely recognized research program in freshwater ecology that integrates biodiversity documentation with key research themes in biology, conservation, and/or environmental science.
Expertise in one or more freshwater taxonomic groups or ecological guilds that complements existing strengths at OBS.
Evidence of a trajectory toward a strong record of publication, external funding, and student mentorship.
University teaching experience or demonstrated capacity to teach effectively at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Experience with biodiversity research and conservation outreach programs (e.g., Biological Surveys, Natural Heritage programs, NatureServe, conservation organizations, natural history museums, or natural resource management agencies at the state or federal level).
Research experience in freshwater systems of the South Central United States.
Experience leading collaborative projects and working with interdisciplinary teams.
A record of partnerships with NGOs, state agencies, tribal organizations, and/or federal organizations, citizen science groups, and/or NGOs relevant to conservation and biodiversity research.
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain an extramurally funded, discipline‑leading research program.
Train and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in ecology, conservation, and biodiversity science.
Teach one course per semester at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Contribute expertise to biodiversity documentation, monitoring, and conservation initiatives carried out by the OBS.
Build collaborations within and beyond OU, including partnerships with state and federal agencies, NGOs, and conservation organizations.
Application Instructions Applicants are required to submit a statement of interest (limited to 2000 words) that includes: (i) the motivations for applying; (ii) a brief summary of the candidate’s accomplishments regarding research, teaching, mentorship and other relevant qualifications; and (iii) discussion of the candidate’s taxonomic expertise as it relates to their research program. Additionally, submit a full curriculum vitae (no page limit). Applications must be submitted online via Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/174472. Applicants must also submit contact information within Interfolio to initiate requests for three confidential letters of recommendation; all letters must be on file for an application to be reviewed for the position. Additional materials may be requested in subsequent stages of the hiring process.
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