Plant Ecologist

Botanical Society of America; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Plant Ecology in the Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science, beginning August 1, 2027. We seek candidates with research and teaching focused in plant ecology and the ability to develop an independent research program involving undergraduate and graduate students.

The position emphasizes teaching across undergraduate and graduate levels and active collaboration with the UTC

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in plant ecology or related field required by start date.
• Ability to establish independent research with undergraduate and graduate students.
• Demonstrated teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses from freshman undergraduate level through Master’s level in ecology, plant ecology, plant conservation, and general botany.
• Establish an independent research program in plant ecology or plant conservation with undergraduate and graduate students.
• Collaborate collegially with students, faculty, staff, and community partners; engage in service.
• Use high-impact teaching practices to engage students from undergrad to grad level.

Skills

Plant ecology research

Teaching and mentoring

Grant writing

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Ecology / Botany / Plant Conservation

Tools

GIS (QGIS/ArcGIS)

R

Python

Job description

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA

Application Review Begins: Thursday, August 27, 2026

Application Deadline: Thursday, October 15, 2026

Institution: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Department/Division: Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science

Field (e.g., systematics): Ecology

City: Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA

General Information: Assistant Professor of Plant Ecology, Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga: College of Arts & Sciences: Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science
Location
Chattanooga, TN
Open Date
Aug 27, 2026
Description: The Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science (BGE) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) in the College of Arts and Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Plant Ecology beginning August 1, 2027. We seek candidates with research and teaching focused in any area of plant ecology.

Responsibilities

• Ability to teach from the freshman undergraduate level through the Master’s level in ecology, plant ecology (lecture and laboratory), plant conservation, and general botany, as well as undergraduate courses in introductory biology, environmental science, and courses in areas of specialization;
• Ability to establish an independent research program in plant ecology or plant conservation involving undergraduate and graduate students;
• Ability to work collegially with students, fellow faculty, staff, and community partners; and
• Ability to utilize high-impact practices in teaching and student engagement from the undergraduate to the graduate level

Qualifications

• Ph.D. focused in plant ecology, botany, plant conservation, or related field [individuals who are all but dissertation (ABD) will be considered; however, the degree must be awarded prior to the start date;

Preferred Qualifications

• Research, teaching, and mentoring experience in field-based plant ecology, plant conservation, plant (eco-)physiology, habitat or species restoration, biodiversity conservation, and potentially incorporate other expertise areas, e.g., remote sensing and GIS (Geographic Information Systems), conservation/education outreach, molecular methods, or statistical programming languages (e.g. R, Python);
• Contribute to UTC's undergraduate and graduate biology, geology, and environmental science students through research and teaching focused on contemporary environmental challenges;
• Creatively seek a wide range of external funding opportunities to support independent research or UTC undergraduate and graduate students in the candidate’s field; and
• Provide university, community, and professional service, including collaborations with community partners.