Assistant Professor Job in Environmental Studies and Biology at Kenyon College, Ohio, USA
Are you looking for a tenure-track faculty position in ecology, environmental studies, or biology? Kenyon College is seeking applications for an Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology to join its faculty beginning in July 2027.
This tenure-track opportunity is ideal for scholars specializing in freshwater ecosystem ecology or landscape ecology who are passionate about undergraduate teaching, interdisciplinary collaboration, and developing an active research program involving students.
Located in Gambier, Ohio, Kenyon College offers an exceptional academic environment with extensive natural research resources, including the Kokosing River and a 700-acre nature preserve. Applications are due by September 1, 2026.
Position Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Institution | Kenyon College |
| Position | Assistant Professor (Tenure-Track) |
| Departments | Environmental Studies and Biology |
| Specialization | Freshwater Ecosystem Ecology or Landscape Ecology |
| Institution Type | Private Liberal Arts College |
| Location | Gambier, Ohio, USA |
| Application Deadline | September 1, 2026 |
| Start Date | After July 1, 2027 |
| Employment | Full-Time |
| Salary | Commensurate with Experience (Negotiable) |
| Minimum Education | Ph.D. |
| Postdoctoral Experience | Preferred but Not Required |
About the Position
Kenyon College is searching for a broadly trained ecologist whose expertise complements existing faculty strengths in environmental science and biology.
The successful candidate will focus on regional or global ecological and biogeochemical processes, preferably within freshwater ecosystems, while contributing to an interdisciplinary academic community.
This position combines excellent teaching opportunities with support for an active research program that engages undergraduate students and contributes to the broader scientific community.
Teaching Responsibilities
Faculty members are expected to teach five courses per academic year, divided between the two departments.
Environmental Studies Courses
Teaching responsibilities may include:
- Introduction to Environmental Studies
- Senior Seminar in Environmental Studies
- Upper-level lecture courses
- Laboratory-based environmental science courses
Biology Courses
Faculty may also teach courses such as:
- Introductory Biology
- Introductory Biology Laboratory
- Aquatic Systems Biology
The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop new courses aligned with their research expertise and academic interests.
Interdisciplinary Opportunities
One of the strengths of this position is its interdisciplinary focus.
Faculty members may collaborate with programs including:
- Environmental Studies
- Biology
- Computing
- Science and Nature Writing
- Other interdisciplinary initiatives across the college
These opportunities encourage innovative teaching and research that extend beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Research Expectations
Kenyon College values faculty who maintain an active and productive research program.
Successful candidates are expected to:
- Conduct high-quality ecological research
- Involve undergraduate students in research projects
- Publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals
- Seek external research funding
- Build collaborative research opportunities
The college strongly supports undergraduate research as a core component of faculty scholarship.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Applicants should demonstrate expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Freshwater Ecosystem Ecology
- Landscape Ecology
- Biogeochemistry
- Regional Ecology
- Global Ecology
- Aquatic Ecology
- Ecosystem Science
Candidates with interdisciplinary research interests and a commitment to integrating research with teaching are especially encouraged to apply.
Commitment to Teaching Excellence
Kenyon College seeks faculty who are dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Excellence in undergraduate teaching
- Effective academic mentoring
- Inclusive classroom practices
- Commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds
- Ability to engage students through innovative teaching approaches
Teaching and mentoring are central to the college’s educational mission.
Why Work at Kenyon College?
Kenyon College is one of the nation’s leading liberal arts institutions and is widely recognized for academic excellence.
Faculty benefit from:
- Small class sizes
- Close faculty-student collaboration
- Strong undergraduate research culture
- Interdisciplinary teaching opportunities
- Beautiful campus environment
- Access to the Kokosing River
- A 700-acre nature preserve for ecological research
- Outstanding student achievement in graduate school placement
Kenyon consistently ranks among the top U.S. liberal arts colleges for producing STEM graduates who go on to earn doctoral degrees.
Students also regularly receive prestigious awards, including:
- Fulbright Fellowships
- National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) awards
Required Qualifications
Applicants must have:
- A Ph.D. in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, or a closely related discipline
- Expertise in freshwater ecosystem ecology or landscape ecology
- A demonstrated commitment to teaching excellence
- Interest in interdisciplinary scholarship
- Potential to develop an externally funded research program
Postdoctoral experience is preferred but is not required. This tenure-track appointment offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career ecologists who want to balance teaching excellence with meaningful research.
Key highlights include:
- Tenure-track faculty appointment
- Opportunity to teach across two academic departments
- Support for undergraduate research
- Interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship
- Access to outstanding ecological research sites
- Beautiful natural campus environment
- Strong institutional support for faculty development
- Collaborative academic community
- Opportunities to pursue external research funding
For scholars interested in freshwater ecology, landscape ecology, environmental science, or biology education, this role provides an excellent pathway toward a long-term academic career.
Required Application Materials
Applicants should prepare the following materials:
- Cover Letter (maximum two pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Teaching Philosophy Statement (maximum two pages), including:
- Teaching experience
- Inclusive teaching practices
- Mentoring philosophy
- Plans for supporting a diverse student body
- Research Statement (maximum three pages), including:
- Current research program
- Future research plans
- Strategies for involving undergraduate students in research
- Unofficial Graduate Transcript
- Contact information for three professional references
- All application materials must be submitted electronically through Kenyon’s employment website: http://careers.kenyon.edu. Review of applications will begin on August 31, 2026. Please direct questions to Natalie Wright, Search Committee Chair (wright1@kenyon.edu).
- All application materials must be submitted electronically through the Kenyon College: https://careers.pageuppeople.com/695/cw/en-us/job/493346/assistant-professor-of-environmental-studies-and-biology-tenuretrack
Application Timeline
Applications will begin being reviewed on August 31, 2026, with the official application deadline set for September 1, 2026.
Early applications are encouraged.
Contact Information
Questions regarding the position may be directed to:
Dr. Natalie Wright
Search Committee Chair
Kenyon College
Email: wright1@kenyon.edu
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Position Published | July 23, 2026 |
| Application Review Begins | August 31, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | September 1, 2026 |
| Employment Begins | After July 1, 2027 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this a tenure-track faculty position?
Yes. This is a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor appointment jointly housed in the Departments of Environmental Studies and Biology at Kenyon College.
What research specialization is preferred?
The college is seeking candidates with expertise in freshwater ecosystem ecology or landscape ecology, particularly those studying regional or global ecological and biogeochemical processes.
Is postdoctoral experience required?
No. A Ph.D. is required, while postdoctoral experience is preferred but not mandatory.
What is the teaching load?
Faculty members teach five courses per academic year, including courses in both Environmental Studies and Biology.
Will faculty have research opportunities?
Yes. Faculty are expected to maintain an active research program, publish scholarly work, involve undergraduate students in research, and pursue external funding opportunities.
What application documents are required?
Applicants must submit a cover letter, CV, teaching philosophy statement, research statement, unofficial graduate transcript, and contact information for three professional references.
Does Kenyon College support undergraduate research?
Absolutely. Undergraduate research is a central part of Kenyon’s academic mission, and faculty are encouraged to integrate students into their research projects and scholarly publications.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is September 1, 2026, with application review beginning on August 31, 2026. Early submission is recommended.
Why is this position attractive for ecology researchers?
The position combines a tenure-track appointment, strong institutional support for teaching and research, access to exceptional field sites, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities to mentor highly motivated undergraduate students at one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges.
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