Assistant or Associate Professor in Fish Ecology, University of South Carolina

About the role

The School of the Earth, Ocean, and Environment (SEOE) in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus invites applications for a full‑time, nine‑month tenure‑track faculty position at the rank of assistant or associate professor in fish ecology, beginning August 16, 2027. The successful candidate will establish a nationally recognized, externally funded research program in fish ecology, complementing existing strengths in theoretical and applied marine science across SEOE, the Baruch Institute, and the Department of Biological Sciences. Research interests may include fish biology and ecology, population and community dynamics and modeling, fisheries management and conservation, using theoretical, observational, experimental, and large‑scale data‑driven approaches. The SEOE comprises approximately 600 undergraduate students, over 60 graduate students, and 40 faculty members, and provides excellent analytical facilities (Stable Isotope Laboratories, Radioisotope & Marine Sediments Laboratory, Center for Elemental Mass Spectrometry) and a seawater facility/wet lab on campus, with access to the Baruch Marine Field Laboratory and the North Inlet‑Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve for near‑pristine estuarine ecosystems.

Responsibilities

• Establish an independent, extramurally funded research program in fish ecology.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate student researchers.
• Teach one course per regular semester (1:1 load), which may include undergraduate courses for non‑science majors, SEOE majors, and graduate‑level courses aligned with fish ecology expertise.
• Contribute to faculty committee service within the SEOE.

Requirements

Assistant‑rank candidates must hold a Ph.D. in ecology, marine science, or a related discipline, have at least two years of research experience by the appointment start date, and demonstrate potential for excellence in teaching.

Associate‑rank candidates must, in addition to the assistant‑rank criteria, have six years of relevant research experience, some teaching experience, and provide evidence of a strong, sustained record of research funding and publications.

Skills

• Expertise in fish biology and ecology, population and community dynamics and modeling, or fisheries management and conservation.
• Ability to conduct theoretical, observational, experimental, and large‑scale data‑driven analyses.
• Experience in grant writing and securing extramural funding.
• Strong mentoring and teaching abilities.
• Effective communication and collaboration within a multidisciplinary unit.

Schedule

Nine‑month tenure‑track appointment, with a start date of August 16, 2027.