A cover letter is required for consideration and should be attached as the first page of your CV. The cover letter should include: (1) An indication of which of the three courses for which you would like to be considered; (2) A brief statement of your teaching philosophy, demonstration of prior teaching, and how you might approach a course at UMBS; and (3) a brief research statement addressing research you could pursue at UMBS or how your work fits within the UMBS research and teaching mission. 

The Community
You will join a robust, residential scientific community. We expect all members to cultivate a culture of safety and inclusivity for the entire community of students, instructors, researchers and staff. We strive to foster a field station environment where every individual feels a sense of belonging and well-being. Our goal is for everyone to learn from each other, grow, thrive and improve our collective understanding of the world.

The University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) is seeking applications for Intermittent LEO Lecturers to engage with our summer Undergraduate Teaching and Research program. We run rigorous, hands-on, field-based courses and student research experiences as a critical part of our education mission. We are especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of our community.

We seek faculty who could teach one of the following courses listed below during spring term (June 1-July 1, 2027) or summer term (July 13-August 12, 2027).

• BIOLOGY 282 (General Ecology Lecture) - Spring
• EEB 373 (General Ecology Lab) - Spring
• EEB 330 (Field Ornithology) - Spring or Summer

All UMBS courses are held in residence at the UMBS campus in Pellston, Michigan. Courses are 3-credits and meet 3 full days/week (M/Tu/W or Th/F/Sat) for 4 weeks.

The expected appointment effort will be 66.67% for the half-term to be paid over two months.  For instructors who do not currently hold tenure-track status at U-M or another institution, terms and conditions of employment for this position as posted are subject to the provisions of a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the University of Michigan and the Lecturers Employee Organization (LEO).

UMBS is located in Pellston, Michigan on Douglas Lake, has more than 10,000 acres of adjacent forest, streams, wetlands, and a variety of ecological infrastructure (long-term experiments, flux towers, stream lab) that faculty and students can use to explore and answer ecological, evolutionary, and earth systems questions.
 

A Ph.D. and research experience in any of the many fields and disciplines connected to ecology and evolutionary biology such as ecology, evolution, forestry, natural resources management, and earth science is required.

Previous instructional experience in field-based course. Ideal candidates will also conduct research at UMBS and integrate elements of their own research into their courses at UMBS.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Benefits of working at UMBS include:
1.    Coverage for instructor housing and dining expenses for the duration of the classes.
2.    Research fellowship support for undergraduate and graduate students working in conjunction with UMBS faculty.
3.    Excellent field and laboratory support for research and teaching.
4.    First-time lead instructors are guaranteed at least one instructional assistant.

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Candice Everett, UMBS Academic Program Manager (candis@umich.edu).

Friday, November 6th, 2026

Applications will be reviewed by the departmental leadership committee.

Review of candidates will continue until the position is filled. Only complete application packets will be reviewed. UMBS will provide notification of hiring decisions to all applicants within 14 days after the selection process has been completed. Actual hiring will be dependent on candidate qualifications and student enrollment.

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.