The University of Montana (UM) invites applications for the position of Director and Professor/Associate Professor at the Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS). We seek a collaborative scientific leader to guide FLBS's internationally recognized programs in research, education, and outreach. The ideal candidate is an accomplished researcher who is excited to grow into a broader leadership role while advancing the FLBS’s mission and supporting faculty, students, staff, and research partners.
The Director of the Flathead Lake Biological Station lives in residence at FLBS as the chief academic and administrative officer of the Station and reports to the Vice President for Research at UM while maintaining a tenured appointment in a campus academic unit. The Director will provide visionary leadership to maintain and expand FLBS’s excellence in aquatic research, education, and outreach.
This position is a full-time, residential 12-month academic and administrative leadership appointment supported by an experienced associate director and administrative team. In addition to administrative duties at the station, the successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active research program and to engage in teaching consistent with the Director’s expertise, for example in FLBS’ summer session.
Please contact Robert Hall directly with any questions related to this posting, bob.hall@flbs.umt.edu or 307-690-6284.
Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership: Develop, articulate, and implement a clear strategic plan for FLBS that advances its mission, enhances its regional, national, and international prominence, and fosters innovation in aquatic research and education.
Research: Develop and sustain an active and well-funded research program in their area of expertise including postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate mentoring.
Fundraising and Development: Lead major grant acquisitions and, with support from the FLBS’ development director, the UM foundation staff, and the FLBS Community Advisory Board, implement development efforts, campaigns, and fundraising initiatives to support FLBS programs, personnel, and infrastructure.
Research Development, Coordination, and Facilitation: Envision, coordinate, and/or facilitate FLBS research projects to ensure their smooth execution, including development of interdisciplinary collaborative projects within UM and beyond.
Teaching: Contribute to educational mission by delivering, for example, a field-based course in the FLBS summer session.
Education and Training Program Oversight: Oversee and strengthen FLBS’ education, and training initiatives in coordination with UM departments and programs, ensuring integration with the university’s broader mission in support of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral education and training, including research opportunities, summer field courses, and internships.
Community and External Engagement: Serve as a key representative of FLBS and provide information to stakeholders including government agencies, tribes, NGOs, community organizations, the public, and international partners. Support FLBS’ outreach programs, including the Flathead Lake Aquatic Research and Education K–12 program.
Faculty and Staff Development: Mentor, evaluate, and support faculty and staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and professional growth.
Financial Stewardship: Oversee the Station’s budget, facilities, and operations to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
Infrastructure and Facilities Oversight: Supervise the maintenance, improvement, and long term planning of FLBS’s physical plant, laboratory resources, and residential facilities to support long-term excellence.
This is a 12-month, full-time academic and administrative leadership position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor with tenure in an appropriate UM academic unit and residence on-station at the Flathead Lake Biological Station.
As eligible and as appropriate, the successful applicant may be provided access to proceeds from the $1M Jessie Bierman endowment for discretionary use to advance research and educational activities at FLBS.
Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications.
The University offers a competitive benefits package. including health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, and professional development opportunities.
A doctoral degree in ecology, environmental sciences, or a closely related aquatic field
An outstanding record of sustained scholarly achievement in aquatic sciences involving ecological field studies
Success in mentoring of postdoctoral, graduate, and/or undergraduate researchers
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Demonstrated aptitude for obtaining external funding
Experience in leading and managing research programs, budgets, facilities, and personnel
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated capacity for fostering effective collaboration and inclusive excellence within a multidisciplinary community
Ability to promote FLBS’ role as a global leader in aquatic research and education
Aptitude for and interest in fundraising and development initiatives
Experience in or capacity for developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with tribal nations to address local, regional, and international natural resource issues
Experience serving in academic leadership roles such as department chair, program director, center director, laboratory director, field station leadership, or other similar leadership experiences
Demonstrated commitment to collaborative, mission-driven leadership in support of research, education, and public service.
Experience in undergraduate or graduate-level teaching
Experience or interest in K-12 education and public outreach to community members
Dedication to translation of scientific findings to inform stewardship of aquatic resources
Strong commitment to data management and sharing, including long-term monitoring data
Committed to elevating institutional goals and values beyond personal gain, ensuring efforts are mission-focused and quality driven
Integrity and commitment to the highest standards of professionalism
Priority Application Date Sunday, October 4, 2026 09:59 mountain time
Complete applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. To receive full consideration, candidates are required to submit all of the following materials.
Cover Letter - describing interest in the position and providing contact information for five references familiar with the applicant's work and leadership experience (applicants will be notified before references are contacted)
A current resume/CV
A statement of research accomplishments and future directions
A statement of leadership philosophy and vision for FLBS
University of Montana (UM) is an equal opportunity employer. UM does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law.
Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request.
Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.
Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.
