Associate Professor

Montgomery County Maryland; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health and life insurance

Retirement plan

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Kansas State University is seeking a Director for the Konza Prairie Biological Station. This position, based in Manhattan, Kansas, involves administrative leadership, strategic development, and collaboration with ecological research programs. Ideal candidates will have a Ph.D., experience in research, and a successful track record in academia. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for mentoring students and managing partnerships. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold a Ph.D. with a strong record in research.
• Experience managing budgets in ecological projects is needed.
• Ability to foster collaboration and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and administrative oversight for KPBS.
• Develop strategic partnerships and fundraising initiatives.
• Mentor graduate students and participate in teaching.

Skills

Research productivity

Leadership

Communication with public

Organizational skills

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent

Tenured Associate or Full Professor

Job description

About This Role

The Division of Biology at Kansas State University invites applications for the position of Director of the Konza Prairie Biological Station (KPBS). This position is a tenured, twelve-month appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level with an effort distribution approximating 50% KPBS administration and leadership, 25% research, and 25% teaching. Preference will be given to mid-career candidates with a research, teaching and service record consistent with developing and sustaining long‑term interdisciplinary partnerships and program‑building goals.

The Director position offers the opportunity to develop a long‑term plan, strategic partnerships, and fundraising initiatives while leading one of the world’s premier grassland field stations. The Director is expected to provide leadership and administrative oversight that advances the KPBS mission and maintains collaborations with the Konza Prairie Long‑Term Ecological Research (LTER) program, the Kansas Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, and the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station. The Director is also expected to expand upon and further develop their internationally recognized research program, mentor graduate students, and participate in undergraduate / graduate teaching. Assigned courses will depend on individual candidate interests and the needs of the Division. The position includes a competitive salary and start‑up package with an anticipated start date of summer or early fall 2027.

About Us

The Konza Prairie Biological Station (www.konza.ksu.edu), located 10 miles from the university, is a world‑class field station focused on understanding the long‑term ecological dynamics of tallgrass prairie. Konza Prairie provides numerous opportunities for ecological‑oriented research, supports a large K‑12 environmental education program, serves as a platform for local, national, and international scientists, and is the site of an NSF‑funded LTER program and the National Ecological Observatory Network.

Why Join Us:

We are a strong group of highly collaborative faculty members with research interests in tallgrass prairie ecology and conservation as well as other areas of ecology, evolution, and environmental biology. Current research areas include plant, animal and soil ecology, remote sensing, conservation biology, ecosystem ecology, critical zone science, and climate change impacts on rangeland sustainability. For more information on faculty research interests see www.ksu.edu/biology. The Division of Biology is a large unit with an excellent record of research productivity and funding. Relevant faculty members are also associated with the undergraduate inter‑disciplinary Environmental Science program, the

Natural Resources Environmental Sciences secondary major, and other departments across campus including Agronomy, Geology, Geography, and Entomology.

Kansas State University has a commitment to principles of community, and is dedicated to professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well‑being and work‑life balance, including health and life insurance, a retirement plan, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Kansas State University (www.ksu.edu) is located in the city of Manhattan, KS (www.ci.manhattan.ks.us), a welcoming community of about 55,000 individuals in the Flint Hills of north east Kansas, 2 hours from Kansas City.

Worksite Description

This position is On‑site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K‑State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. or equivalent at time of appointment is required.
• Candidates must currently hold the rank of Associate or Full Professor (a tenured appointment) in a relevant biological discipline at their current institution. For candidates with careers outside academia, 10 years of professional experience following the completion of the Ph.D. is required.
• An established record of research productivity.
• Experience managing personnel and budgets, in the context of ecological research projects.

The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate and work effectively with professional colleagues, undergraduate and graduate students.
• Ability to communicate with the public and members of the media.
• Excellent technical, organizational, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to foster a culture of collaboration and outreach.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

1. A cover letter detailing leadership, research and teaching experiences (2 page maximum).
2. A curriculum vitae.
3. A vision statement for KPBS under their leadership as Director (2 page maximum).
4. The names of 3 references to be contacted with permission.

Inquiries about the position should be directed to the search chair, Dr. Jesse Nippert ([e-mail]).

Application Window

Applications close on: September 8, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

Compensation will be commensurate with experience