Assistant Professor of Behavioral Ecology

Division Name: Academic Affairs

College/Unit: College of Arts and Sciences

Department: School of Biological Sciences

Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The School of Biological Sciences at Illinois State University in Normal, IL (https://biology.illinoisstate.edu/) invites applications for a nine-month tenure-track position in BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY at the level of Assistant Professor. We seek candidates whose research addresses how the environment drives animal behavior across ecological and evolutionary scales and can synergize with existing programs in the school. Successful candidates are expected to establish a rigorous, nationally recognized, and extramurally funded research program. Research programs should include undergraduate and graduate students, and our new colleague should be an active mentor to both of these student populations. They should be able to contribute to an undergraduate ecology course and ethology at the graduate level, with the potential to contribute to undergraduate animal behavior or organismal courses.

The University and the School of Biological Sciences are committed to fostering an environment that promotes the success of faculty, staff, and students to enrich the scholarly experiences for the ISU campus and greater community. Candidates that have broad experience working with a range of faculty, staff, and students, and a demonstrated commitment to fostering a positive community are encouraged to apply. We are sensitive to the needs and invested in the success of dual career partnerships.

The School of Biological Sciences comprises 21 tenure track faculty, 7 instructional faculty, approximately 65 graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.), and approximately 685 undergraduate majors. We value research and teaching and offer a collegial environment fostering research collaboration among ecologists, conservation biologists, evolutionary biologists, cell and molecular biologists, physiologists, and neuroscientists. We also offer opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations within the college or the university. The School of Biological Sciences features several cutting-edge shared facilities, including a confocal and live-cell imaging center, flow cytometry, vertebrate and aquatic animal housing, and greenhouses.

Additional Information

 University Benefit Highlights:

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life (eligibility determination)
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Illinois State University: Illinois State University, IllinoisState.edu, was founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university. We enroll approximately 21,000 students in six colleges. Our new strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2029, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Learn more about Illinois State’s Metrics of Excellence at IllinoisState.edu/PointsofPride.

Bloomington-Normal: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems, and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. Bloomington made Livability’s top 100 Best Places to Live (2024) and ranked No. 3 on College Values Online’s list of Best Small College Towns in America (2024). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis; two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis; and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield. Many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via Amtrak, which is located one block from Illinois State’s campus. For more information on our community, visit visitbn.org.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$80,000-$88,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. A comprehensive benefits package is included.

Required Qualifications

A Ph.D. in the specific field of biology or a closely related field and relevant post-doctoral experience are required. State law mandates demonstrable oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement of this position.

Work Hours

Varies

Proposed Starting Date

August 16, 2026

Required Applicant Documents

i) a cover letter, ii) curriculum vitae, iii) a two-page research statement, iv) a two-page teaching statement including information on how you would work with and motivate a broad range of students, v) a combined file of three representative publications, and vi) names and e-mail addresses for three references.

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions For Applicants

Review of applications will begin November 10, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

Contact Information For Applicants

Questions about the search should be directed to Dr. Ben Sadd (bmsadd@ilstu.edu).

Important Information For Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.