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. Qualifications Requirements for the position include: 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; 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 The successful candidate's application will also provide evidence of the following 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. Application Instructions Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2026. To be considered for the position, all applications must include all the following: A cover letter; A statement of research experience and vision, providing evidence of position requirements; A statement of teaching experience and philosophy, providing evidence of position requirements; A curriculum vitae; All unofficial transcripts; and A list of names, titles, and email addresses for three (3) references for confidential letters of recommendation to be requested at later stages in the search process. At least one reference must be able to comment on teaching ability. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Gretchen Potts, BGE Department Head, Gretchen-Potts@utc.edu . Applications must be submitted electronically through the UTC Faculty Career Site. BGE has 35 full-time faculty with more than 850 majors distributed between BS Biology, BS Geology, BS Environmental Science, and MS Environmental Science degrees. BGE has an interdisciplinary MS graduate program with 30-40 students per year. UTC is in the heart of Tennessee's fourth-largest city, lies along the dam-controlled Tennessee River in the southern Appalachian fold-and-thrust belt, adjacent to the Cumberland Plateau and within view of the Blue Ridge. Its climate, geography, hydrology, and history contribute to its geologic complexities and rich biodiversity. UTC's proximity to numerous public and private natural areas within the biologically diverse southern Appalachian region provides exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary, field-based research involving undergraduate and graduate students. Raccoon Mountain Caverns, a 5.5-mile-long limestone cave located just a 15-minute drive from UTC's campus, was recently donated to UTC and BGE manages the caverns access and use for teaching and conducting research. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is the second-largest campus in the University of Tennessee System and serves a diverse student body of more than 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students through six academic colleges. Since its founding as Chattanooga University in 1886, UTC has established a reputation for excellence built on a unique blend of the private and public traditions of American higher education. Today, UTC brings a passion for excellence in all pursuits and is dedicated to making a difference in our community and in the lives of our students. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga proudly calls Chattanooga home—a city lauded by U.S. News and World Report, Money Magazine and Southern Living (to name a few!) for its unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy. Nestled between scenic Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee River, Chattanooga offers breathtaking natural beauty, lively city amenities and a small-town feel. Our city has it all, with historic cultural institutions like the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra and the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, iconic attractions like Rock City and Ruby Falls, opportunities for epic outdoor adventures, and an eclectic contemporary art, music, and food scene. Chattanooga's robust economy fosters an environment where tech start-ups thrive alongside established industries and corporations. It's where innovation meets tradition, creating endless opportunities for growth and success. UTC embodies Chattanooga's dynamic spirit, serving as one of the city's most vital institutions where progressive transformation and community thrive. UTC is where Chattanooga goes to build the future. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), ADEA (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility at (423) 425-5824. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility at (423) 425-5760.