The Department of Biology at the University of Iowa invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in evolutionary ecology, beginning in the academic year 2027. We invite applications from candidates whose research addresses how the interactions of organisms, populations, or species with their environments affect, or are affected by, evolutionary processes. Candidates whose research can connect with the Biology Department’s emphasis area “Resilience and Adaptation” are especially encouraged to apply.

Candidates must hold a PhD and have postdoctoral training. Successful candidates will have an established record of high-quality research and show strong promise of an externally funded program of research. The faculty member holding this position will be expected to contribute to the instructional mission of the Department of Biology by teaching courses in areas connected to evolutionary ecology, mentoring students, and by fostering a welcoming and respectful academic and work environment.

The Department of Biology is housed in two connected buildings, located in the heart of downtown Iowa City, IA. A strength of the Department of Biology is its breadth of disciplinary expertise, spanning evolutionary biology, cell and developmental biology, genetics, and neuroscience. Faculty study a wide range of organisms, including mollusks, fungi, insects, nematodes, amphibians, fishes, and plants. Existing strengths / areas of synergy within Biology include sex and meiosis, speciation, cell and developmental biology, behavior, neurobiology, and genomics. Opportunities also exist for collaboration with scholars in other departments on campus (e.g., Anthropology, Earth, Environment, and Sustainability, Psychological and Brain Sciences, Mathematics).

The Department of Biology has its own PhD and MS programs and recruits additional PhD students from interdisciplinary graduate programs. Undergraduate research is also strongly emphasized in Biology, with support from the Iowa Sciences Academy, the Latham Science Engagement Initiative, and an NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site award.

How to Apply:

To apply, please visit the submission website at https://jobs.uiowa.edu/content/faculty/ and refer to requisition #75951.  Materials should be submitted electronically, including a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, research statement, PDFs of selected scholarly papers (up to 3), and a teaching statement that addresses the applicant’s interests, experiences, and aspirations in science education, curriculum development, and mentorship, as well as email contact information for three letters of recommendation. Informal inquiries about the position can be directed to tina-tootle@uiowa.edu (Chair of Biology) or andrew-forbes@uiowa.edu (Chair of Hiring Committee). The review of applicants will begin on November 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

If your H-1B petition is subject to the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, please note that the department will not cover the $100,000 payment associated with H-1B sponsorship, either at the time of hire or for international travel purposes. We encourage you to explore alternative pathways for work authorization. Our team is available to help identify options that may be suitable for your situation.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment and provide a related release and will be subject to a criminal background and credential check.

• Candidates must hold a PhD in Biology or closely related field at the time of appointment. 

• Postdoctoral training or equivalent training.


• Research focus in evolutionary ecology


• Record of scholarly publication.


• Teaching and/or mentoring experience in biology.


• Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication.

• Promise of an independent, externally-funded research program.


• Proposed research program can connect with a theme of resilience and adaptation.


• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.