We're Hiring!

Position Function:

The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture (WFA) at Mississippi State University (MSU) invites applications for the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Endowed Professorship in Wild Turkey Management, Research and Outreach. We are seeking an innovative wildlife biologist to develop a robust applied-research program in wild turkey ecology and management, with emphasis on the demographic, ecological, and management factors influencing wild turkey populations across private and public lands.

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. Wild turkey are the second most hunted game species in the Southeast, and account for about $125 million 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 Man-agement 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 Conser-vation research expenditures with more than $109 million spent annually. The 43-member faculty within the De-partment 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 five endowed faculty professorships. 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 in-stitutions 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 330 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 120 graduate students across a variety of programs, with high job placement following receipt of a graduate degree.

Information related to upland game bird research and outreach activities at MSU can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/@MSUExt_Gamebird
https://www.facebook.com/people/MSU-Extension-Gamebird-Program/61563401581429/ https://www.instagram.com/msuext_gamebird/

Area of Specialization:

wild turkey ecology and management

Anticipated Appointment Date:

January 1, 2027. 

Tenure Track Status:

Yes. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This position will operate with support from the Endowed program established to advance wild turkey science and management at MSU and through the generous contributions of the NWTF and other private donors. Consistent with current priorities in wild turkey conservation, the successful candidate is expected to develop an integrated research program addressing one or more of the following areas: 1) demographic drivers of population change, 2) habitat management and landscape ecology, 3) harvest management and season structure, and 4) disease, health, and other emerging constraints on productivity and survival. Research should generate high-quality, peer-reviewed science and produce practical outcomes that directly inform decision-making by natural resource agencies, private landowners, and conservation organizations. Collaboration with scientists in the Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC), MSU Extension Service, the NWTF, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), and other state and federal wildlife agencies is expected. The successful candidate will be expected to work with MSU Extension Gamebird Program to transfer research outcomes to stakeholders, inform decisions in managed landscapes, private and public lands. and support the land-grant mission of MSU through teaching, research, and service. The new team member should be able to contribute to a diverse faculty group and demonstrate how their research and teaching program will complement and enrich the department. The primary responsibilities of this position will be the development of a productive, externally funded, and nationally/internationally recognized research program; publication of high-impact journal articles; effective mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students; training of
post-doctoral fellows; service on departmental, college, and university committees; participation in professional societies; organization of outreach activities to stakeholders and potential donors; and teaching within the WFA program. Teaching responsibilities may include one or more undergraduate or graduate courses per semester consistent with
the candidate’s appointment level, expertise, and departmental need. Additional expectations may include development of outreach programming related to wild turkey management, preparation of the annual endowed professorship report, coordination of collaborative research and outreach activities with partner organizations, and supervision
of field, laboratory, and student research activities associated with the wild turkey research program.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. with expertise in Galliformes 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Additionally, preference will be given to a candidate that demonstrates the capacity for developing wildlife management programs on private and public lands. The acceptable candidate must have outstanding verbal and written communication skills, and an ability to effectively deliver information to various clientele groups.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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. 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.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion. Often exposed to one or more elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., with one often to the point of being objectionable. Injuries may require professional treatment.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply:  http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

Applications must be submitted online at http://explore.msujobs. msstate.edu/cw/en-us/listing/; position (PARF #511024) and should include a 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae [include a list of 4 references to contact], 3) research statement and philosophy, 4) teaching statement and philosophy, and 5) unofficial or official transcripts for this phase of the application. Applicant should redact social security numbers if they appear on transcripts prior to submitting online. Please send a duplicate package of the above material to the search chair Dr. Peter Allen at: peter.allen@msstate.edu. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Allen.

Screening Date:

August 17, 2026, until filled. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.