Visiting Assistant Professor, Upland Gamebird Research in Arid and Semi-arid Systems

Posting Details

Posting Details

Instructions to applicants

PLEASE NOTE: All applications should contain complete job history entries, which includes job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes and curriculum vitae do not take the place of this required information.

Job Title Visiting Assistant Professor, Upland Gamebird Research in Arid and Semi-arid Systems Location Alpine Department Borderlands Research Institute Job No. G98219 Posting Date 08/14/2026 End Date Until Filled Yes Appointment Date 09/01/2026 Salary Commensurate on candidate's experience, plus fringe benefits Required

• Ph.D. in Ecology, Rangeland Science, Wildlife Biology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in gamebird research, habitat restoration and/or applied ecosystem management.
• Evidence of a peer-reviewed publication record is required.
• Experience in designing and implementing field-based research.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills (e.g., program R, statistics, or spatial analysis).

Preferred

• A background in one or more of the following areas is preferred: upland gamebird habitat selection, wildlife ecology and habitat relationships, wildlife response to invasive species or brush management, and remote sensing, GIS, or UAS applications.
• Preferred candidates will also demonstrate success or strong potential in securing research funding, experience mentoring graduate students or leading teams, and the ability to collaborate with private landowners, non-governmental organizations, or industry partners.

Primary Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities:

The Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University seeks applicants for a full-time, 12-month Visiting Assistant Professor specializing in upland gamebird research in arid and semiarid systems. This research-focused role (75% research, 25% optional teaching) centers on interdisciplinary research that addresses challenges in the working landscapes of the Chihuahuan Desert. The successful candidate will develop and lead an applied research program in focusing on studies that assess upland gamebird habitat selection, population estimates, cause specific mortalities, and response to habitat restoration practices (herbicides and mechanical treatments). Responsibilities include managing all phases of research (e.g., study design, fieldwork, data collection, analysis, and publication), and actively seeking external funding through competitive grant proposals. Additional duties include mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, managing research teams in field and analytical settings, and fostering a collaborative environment to ensure timely project completion. The role requires close collaboration with internal teams and external partners, including landowners, nongovernmental organizations, and industry representatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop applied research program focused on upland gamebird habitat use and factors contributing to population dynamics.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and technical outlets.
• Lead and contribute to the development of research proposals to secure external funding.
• Collaborate with a diverse team representing broad disciplinary backgrounds.
• Supervise graduate and undergraduate students in their research activities.
• Opportunities may be available to teach undergraduate or graduate courses, depending on program needs and candidate interest.
• Manage a team of graduate students in both field-based and analytical components of research. Provide guidance on study design, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Ensure timely progress of student research projects and degree completion.

Security Sensitive:

This position is classified as Security-Sensitive and is thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094, which authorize employers to obtain and review criminal history record information for applicants.

Responsible for personal safety and the safety of others; must exercise due caution and practice sate work habits at all times.

Other Information

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

It is the policy of Sul Ross State University to provide equal employment opportunity for all persons in accordance with their individual, job related qualifications and without consideration of race, creed, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status and ancestry. Equal employment opportunities shall be afforded in all personnel actions or decisions including, but not necessarily limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, upgrading, promotion, demotion, termination and salary. Retaliation is prohibited against a person who opposes a discriminatory practice, files a charge, testifies, assists or participates in an investigative proceeding or hearing.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report

The Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online at https://srinfo.sulross.edu/udps/

The report contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.

A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request. If you would like to receive a paper copy, you can contact the Office of Student Life, located on the Alpine Campus in the Morgan University Center, Room 211 or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling 432-837-8424 or emailing stulife@sulross.edu

About SRSU

Our campuses span a fascinating part of Texas-Alpine, in the heart of the beautiful Big Bend area, and Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Uvalde along the vibrant, bicultural Texas/Mexico border.

What you've heard is true - there is something very special about the areas we serve in our great State, and Sul Ross State University is vital to the continued growth and progress of our students and the communities we serve.

Sul Ross State provides students with the education they need to translate their passions into a fulfilling career. This life-changing experience has a multi-generational impact, transforming the lives of our students, their families and positively impacting the communities in which they reside. We value learning and strive to provide high quality education in a welcoming, supportive environment. We take pride in the fact that we serve a diverse population including many first-generation college students as well as non-traditional students, international students, student-athletes and graduate students.

From teaching, coaching and law enforcement, to science, ranch management and the Fine Arts, SRSU offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Known as the Frontier University of Texas, Sul Ross encourages each student to explore their own frontiers and to exceed their educational, personal and professional goals.

For more information about how we're strategizing for the future, I invite you to visit www.sulross.edu.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Letter of Intent
• Curriculum Vitae
• Transcripts

Optional Documents

• Transcript 2
• Transcript 3
• Transcript 4
• Letter of Recommendation (1)
• Letter of Recommendation (2)
• Letter of Recommendation (3)
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores
• Teaching Statement

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Are you legally authorized to work in the US?

• Yes

• No

• Will you now or in the future require Sul Ross State University to provide employment visa sponsorship to obtain or maintain your employment eligibility in the US?

• Yes

• No

• If yes, please indicate the type of employment authorization or visa sponsorship you anticipate needing.

(Open Ended Question)