Visiting Professor/Research Scientist - Avian Ecology at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas

Job Description:

Instructions to applicants:

Appointment 09/01/2025 through 09/30/2029.

Visiting Professor/Research Scientist - Avian Ecology

Alpine

Borderlands Research Institute

Position# G98286

12/19/2024

Yes

09/01/2025

Competitive and commensurate with experience, with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications:* A Ph.D. in Ecology, Wildlife Biology, or a closely related field.* Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.* Proven track record of securing research funding.* Strong publication record in reputable, peer-reviewed journals.* Commitment to teaching and student mentorship.

Preferred Qualifications:* Background in bird ecology, acoustic analysis, and population dynamics.* Demonstrated proficiency in statistical analysis and R programming. Some experience with BirdNET, RavenPro, Kaleidoscope, or other acoustic software.

Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) is seeking a Visiting Professor/Research Scientist specializing in Avian Ecology. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to conservation and management of birds in Chihuahuan Desert habitats, including grasslands, riparian zones, and sky islands. The candidate will have expertise in acoustics, habitat restoration, population dynamics, and avian ecology, strong analytical statistical modeling skills, and R programming proficiency. The anticipated start date for this position is Fall 2025.
The successful candidate will participate in research that uses passive acoustic monitors, assess avian biodiversity, conduct population estimates, diversity assessments, and habitat use analyses post­ restoration to ensure comprehensive evaluations of conservation impact. This role will provide critical insights into the resource needs of grassland, riparian, and sky island bird communities, informing local and regional conservation efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

* Integrate within a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with experts in various fields to advance BRl's mission.* Contribute to high-impact research in bird ecology in desert ecosystems.* Design and conduct research on grassland bird/gamebird populations and community ecology, focusing on species diversity, habitat use, and responses to restoration practices within arid ecosystems.* Mentor undergraduate and graduate students, guiding research projects and academic development.* Secure external funding through grant writing to support research initiatives.* Publish research findings in high-impact scientific journals, contributing significantly to community and restoration ecology.
This position is security sensitive.

Texas Law requires a 60 day waiting period before new state employees are eligible to enroll in health insurance.



An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer


It is the policy of Sul Ross State University to provide equal employment opportunity for all persons in accordance with their individual, job related qualifications and without consideration of race, creed, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status and ancestry. Equal employment opportunities shall be afforded in all personnel actions or decisions including, but not necessarily limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, upgrading, promotion, demotion, termination and salary. Retaliation is prohibited against a person who opposes a discriminatory practice, files a charge, testifies, assists or participates in an investigative proceeding or hearing.



Notice of Availability of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report


The Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online at
https://srinfo.sulross.edu/udps/The report contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.


A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request. If you would like to receive a paper copy, you can contact the Office of Student Life, located on the Alpine Campus in the Morgan University Center, Room 211 or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling 432-837-8424 or emailing
stulife@sulross.edu

Sul Ross State University, located in Alpine, Texas (www.alpinetexas.com), is in the Scenic Davis Mountains of West Texas, is a member of the Texas State University System, is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Bachelor's and Master's degrees, and has an enrollment of approximately 2,000 students on campus in Alpine, Texas. At an elevation of 4,480 feet, and on the periphery of the Chihuahuan Desert, Alpine enjoys mild winters and cool summers.Davis Mountains State Park, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Big Bend National Park, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park, are all within one to three hours driving distance from Alpine. More information is available regarding Sul Ross State University and position openings through our website (http://www.sulross.edu).
See http://www.sulross.edu