Ichthyology Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of marine biology, the focus on ichthyology professors has never been more critical.

As our understanding of aquatic life progresses, the need for skilled minds who can explore, teach, and protect our knowledge of fish species grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an ichthyology professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the study of fish,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable ichthyology professor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or academic career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Ichthyology Professor Duties and Responsibilities

An Ichthyology Professor is a specialist in the study of fish.

They usually work in universities, conducting research and teaching students about the biology and ecology of fish species.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering lectures on ichthyology to undergraduate and graduate students
• Creating curriculum and learning materials for ichthyology courses
• Conducting research on fish species, their behavior, ecology, and physiology
• Publishing research findings in scientific journals
• Supervising student research projects and theses
• Maintaining collections of fish specimens for teaching and research purposes
• Applying for and managing research grants
• Participating in departmental meetings and serving on academic committees
• Engaging in professional development activities, such as attending scientific conferences and maintaining professional contacts in the field of ichthyology
• Offering expert advice to government agencies and other organizations on issues related to fish conservation and management

 

Ichthyology Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and engaging Ichthyology Professor to join our faculty.

Your responsibilities will include teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses about fish biology, conducting and publishing original research in ichthyology, and providing academic guidance to students.

Our ideal candidate has a strong academic background in ichthyology or a closely related field, a track record of high-quality scholarly publication, and experience teaching at the university level.

Ultimately, the role of the Ichthyology Professor is to contribute to our department’s academic mission by providing excellent teaching and conducting significant research.

 

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses in ichthyology
• Conduct original research in ichthyology
• Publish research findings in reputable academic journals
• Provide academic advising to students
• Contribute to curriculum development and improvement
• Participate in departmental and university service
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in ichthyology
• Participate in academic conferences
• Mentor students in research

 

Qualifications

• PhD in Ichthyology or a closely related field
• Proven experience as a professor or lecturer in ichthyology
• Track record of high-quality scholarly publication
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong knowledge of current research and trends in ichthyology
• Experience in academic advising and curriculum development
• Passion for teaching and mentoring students
• Outstanding organizational and leadership skills

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Ichthyology Professor
• Work Environment: University campus. Some travel may be required for conferences or field research.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair.
• Salary: Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $130,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our university. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and teaching philosophy, and the names and contact information of three references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Ichthyology Professor Do?

An Ichthyology Professor is a specialized academic who focuses on the study of fish, both in freshwater and marine environments.

This role is typically found in universities, colleges, and research institutions.

Their primary responsibilities include teaching courses related to fish biology, ecology, and evolution.

They develop and deliver lectures, create and grade assignments and exams, and guide students in their academic journey.

They may also mentor students in their research projects, guiding them in their fieldwork and laboratory analyses.

Ichthyology Professors also conduct their own research.

This may involve fieldwork, where they collect samples and data, and laboratory work, where they analyze these samples and data using various scientific techniques.

Their research might focus on various aspects of fish life, such as their behavior, physiology, taxonomy, distribution, and relationship with their environment.

They are expected to publish their research findings in academic journals and present them at scientific conferences.

This contributes to the body of knowledge in the field of ichthyology and helps inform conservation and management strategies for different fish species.

In addition, Ichthyology Professors often participate in departmental and university-wide committees, contribute to curriculum development, and may even engage in public outreach activities to increase public understanding and appreciation of fish and their habitats.

They may also consult with governmental or environmental organizations, providing their expertise on matters related to fish and their ecosystems.

 

Ichthyology Professor Qualifications and Skills

An Ichthyology Professor should possess a variety of both academic skills and interpersonal abilities to effectively teach and conduct research on fish biology, including:

• Advanced knowledge of fish biology, ecology, taxonomy, and evolution to provide comprehensive instruction to students.
• Research skills, including data collection, statistical analysis, and interpretation to conduct and oversee research projects in ichthyology.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex scientific information to students using clear and concise methods.
• Proficiency in writing scientific papers and grants, able to articulate research findings and secure funding for further studies.
• Experience with laboratory and field work, including the ability to use various tools and equipment related to the study of fish.
• Capacity to mentor and guide students, encouraging their academic growth and cultivating their interests in ichthyology.
• Strong organizational skills to manage course materials, assignments, and research projects effectively.
• Problem-solving skills to address questions and challenges that arise in the course of research or instruction.

 

Ichthyology Professor Experience Requirements

Candidates aspiring to be an Ichthyology Professor typically require an extensive educational background and professional experience in the field of Ichthyology.

They should hold a PhD in Ichthyology, Marine Biology, or a related field, which involves several years of focused study including field research and laboratory work.

Experience may begin as an undergraduate student where potential candidates gain experience through internships, field trips, and laboratory work.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, candidates often pursue a master’s degree in a related field, gaining more experience through research projects and assistantships.

Post-PhD, it is common to gain additional experience through postdoctoral research positions.

Here, candidates deepen their knowledge, contribute to ongoing research, and start to establish their own research programs.

Professors in Ichthyology are also expected to have several years of teaching experience, usually gained through teaching assistant roles during their graduate and postdoctoral studies.

This experience helps them develop their teaching philosophy and classroom management skills.

Those with more than 5 years of postdoctoral research and teaching experience are considered highly qualified for an Ichthyology Professor role.

These individuals often have a substantial list of published research in reputable scientific journals and may have led independent research projects or teams.

In addition to research and teaching experience, Ichthyology Professors are expected to have experience with grant writing, as obtaining research funding is often a significant part of the role.

Candidates with successful grant applications in their portfolio will stand out in the selection process.

Individuals aspiring to a senior professorial role or departmental leadership position usually require a minimum of 10 years of experience, a significant body of research, and a record of effective teaching and academic service.

 

Ichthyology Professor Education and Training Requirements

An Ichthyology Professor typically needs a doctoral degree (PhD) in ichthyology or a related field such as biology, marine biology, or zoology.

Before reaching the professor level, individuals usually need to have several years of experience in research or teaching roles.

Throughout their education, these professionals should focus on courses in marine ecology, fish biology, animal behavior, and aquatic environments.

Laboratory and fieldwork experience are essential to gather practical knowledge and skills.

Proficiency in data analysis and the usage of various scientific tools and equipment is also expected.

After obtaining their doctoral degree, aspiring Ichthyology Professors often complete a postdoctoral research position to gain more experience, develop a research portfolio, and contribute to scientific publications in the field of ichthyology.

Strong communication and teaching skills are crucial for this role, as Ichthyology Professors need to efficiently convey complex concepts to their students.

Continual learning is also essential in this role, as research and findings in ichthyology are always evolving.

This could be through attending scientific conferences, participating in research studies, or contributing to peer-reviewed journals.

In addition, a professor role at some universities may require securing funding for research, so experience or knowledge in grant writing could be beneficial.

 

Ichthyology Professor Salary Expectations

An Ichthyology Professor typically earns an average salary of $94,270 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary depending on the professor’s years of experience, the location of the university, and the institution’s funding for the biology department.

 

Ichthyology Professor Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Ichthyology Professor need?

An Ichthyology Professor should have a deep understanding of fish biology, ecology, and evolution.

They should have a strong background in the life sciences, with emphasis on zoology and marine biology.

Research skills are essential, including data analysis and interpretation.

They also need strong communication and teaching skills to effectively share knowledge with students.

 

Do Ichthyology Professors need a degree?

Yes, Ichthyology Professors typically need a PhD in ichthyology or a related field, such as marine biology or zoology.

Prior to earning a PhD, individuals usually earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in a related discipline.

 

What should you look for in an Ichthyology Professor’s resume?

Look for advanced degrees in ichthyology or a closely related field, as well as a history of teaching or research in the field.

Also, look for publications in scientific journals related to ichthyology.

Experience with fieldwork and laboratory work is also important, as is any experience mentoring or advising students.

 

What qualities make a good Ichthyology Professor?

A good Ichthyology Professor is passionate about the study of fish and is eager to share this passion with students.

They should be knowledgeable about the latest research in the field and able to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively.

Patience and empathy are important qualities, as students may struggle with difficult concepts.

Good organizational skills are also important, as professors often juggle teaching, research, and administrative duties.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Ichthyology Professor?

The difficulty in hiring an Ichthyology Professor can depend on various factors, including the reputation of the institution, the location, and the compensation package.

As it is a specialized field, the pool of qualified candidates may be smaller than for more general science disciplines.

However, for institutions with strong biology or marine science programs, attracting top talent can be achievable.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve journeyed under the surface to explore what it truly means to be an Ichthyology Professor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about identifying fish species.

It’s about unraveling the mysteries of aquatic life, one species at a time.

With our comprehensive Ichthyology Professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to dive in.

But why stop there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every fish species is a piece of the greater aquatic puzzle.

Let’s discover that underwater world. Together.

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