Mississippi State University Opens Search for NWTF Endowed Professorship in Wild Turkey Management, Research and Outreach

The position is the second NWTF Distinguished Endowed Professorship established as part of the NWTF’s 10-year strategic plan to build a national network of university-based professorships and programs dedicated to coordinated, long-term wild turkey research. 

“We know the future of wild turkey conservation depends on having strong science and the people equipped to turn that science into meaningful management solutions,” said Kurt Dyroff, NWTF co-CEO. “By partnering with leading universities to establish endowed professorships, we’re creating a lasting investment in wild turkey research that will continue far beyond any single project or study. Mississippi State University has a strong reputation for wildlife research and conservation, and this professorship will help strengthen the connection between science, wildlife management and the people working on the ground to conserve wild turkeys.”

At the 2026 NWTF Convention and Sport Show, NWTF leadership presented representatives from Mississippi State University with $500,000 to jumpstart the NWTF Distinguished Endowed Professorship at MSU’s College of Forest Resources. The endowment will generate annual returns to support applied wild turkey research and expand the university’s capacity to address challenges facing wild turkey populations.

“This position represents an important investment in the future of wild turkey conservation,” said Patrick Wightman, Ph.D., NWTF national director of wild turkey research and science. “The role will conduct applied research that informs wild turkey management and use outreach to ensure those findings reach conservation stakeholders. Just as importantly, it will help train the next generation of wild turkey managers and conservationists.” 

The full-time, nine-month tenure-track position is housed within MSU’s Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture and carries a 60% research and 40% teaching appointment. The position is open at the assistant, associate or full professor level, with a potential start date of Jan. 1, 2027, or as negotiated. MSU will begin reviewing applications Sept. 15, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled. 

The successful candidate will develop a robust applied research program focused on wild turkey ecology and management, with an emphasis on the demographic, ecological and management factors influencing wild turkey populations across private and public lands. 

The professorship is designed to produce high-quality, peer-reviewed science and practical outcomes that directly inform decisions by natural resource agencies, private landowners and conservation organizations. The position also will collaborate with MSU’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center, MSU Extension Service, NWTF, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks and other state and federal wildlife agencies.

In addition to research, the professor will teach and mentor students, pursue external funding, participate in outreach activities and help coordinate collaborative efforts to advance wild turkey conservation.

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. with expertise in Galliformes (heavy-bodied, ground feeding terrestrial birds such as turkeys, grouse, pheasants and quail) ecology and management and demonstrate strengths in teaching, communication, research funding, outreach and collaboration with diverse scientific and stakeholder groups.

The MSU professorship builds on the NWTF’s first-ever wild turkey endowed professorship at the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, where wild turkey researcher Mike Chamberlain, Ph.D., serves as the NWTF Distinguished Professor. Together, the two positions establish the foundation for a growing national research network focused on the future of the wild turkey.

As MSU conducts its search, NWTF will participate in the interview process as a non-voting member of the search committee and provide input regarding the position.

Applications must be submitted online through Mississippi State University’s employment portal for position PARF #511024. Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae with four references, research statement and philosophy, teaching statement and philosophy, and unofficial or official transcripts. Applicants also should send a duplicate application package to search chair Dr. Peter Allen at peter.allen@msstate.edu.

The application review process begins Sept. 15, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled.

For more information about the position and application process, visit the online job listing here.