Department Summary:

Zoo and Conservation Science is one of the fastest-growing majors at Drake. It is housed in the Environmental Science and Sustainability Department, a dynamic department focused on hands-on learning and engagement. We have close partnerships with both Blank Park Zoo and the Ape Initiative, both of which provide internships for our students, as well as research sites, access, and collaborative grant opportunities to our faculty.

Des Moines is the capital of, and largest city in, Iowa, and regularly places high in national rankings of livability and affordability.

Job Summary:

The Environmental Science and Sustainability Department at Drake University seeks applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Zoo & Conservation Science. Candidates with backgrounds in animal behavior, behavioral husbandry and training, endangered species conservation, vertebrate zoology, primatology, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will have experience doing research and / or coordinating student intern projects in an AZA-accredited zoo environment, as well as possess a PhD or be ABD in a related field. The search committee is particularly interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Candidates will teach a 3/3 course load, including courses in animal behavior, ethological methods, endangered species conservation, and zoology courses in their field of expertise. Successful candidates will have experience conducting collaborative research and supervising student internships with a variety of captive species, particularly endangered species. Candidates who can engage undergraduate students in meaningful roles in ongoing research are especially welcome.

Minimum Qualifications:

A PhD or ABD status in a closely related field is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates must have expertise in the study of animal behavior at a level that will allow them to teach both introductory-level and advanced-level courses.
Candidates must have a professional background that allows them to do research with animals in captive environments.
Preference will be given to applicants that have prior experience working with primates or carnivores in captive environments.
Candidates must bring a diverse perspective to our department.

Have Questions:

Questions about this position can be directed to the search chair: Keith Summerville, Chair, ENSS. keith.summerville@drake.edu

Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources at jobs@drake.edu.

All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts.  If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our digital benefits guide:  Drake Benefits Guide (Plan Year 2024).

One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents.  Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children.  You can learn about both the tuition waiver policy and tuition exchange programs here:  Tuition Benefits.