Overview
The Department of Wildland Resources and USU Ecology Center at Utah State University are seeking applications for a full-time 9-month tenure-track Assistant Professor position in terrestrial ecosystem ecology. The position consists of 50% research, 40% teaching, and 10% service, to start August 1, 2022. The appointed faculty member will develop an externally-funded research program that achieves both a national and international reputation for research and graduate training in the field of terrestrial ecosystem ecology. We are particularly interested in candidates who leverage an understanding of biotic and abiotic processes to scale from plots to landscapes, regions and continents or from individual organisms to higher levels of biological organization. Research areas of interest to the Department include, but are not limited to, the following ecological elements: carbon cycling, biogeochemistry, ecosystem modeling, disturbance and land cover shifts, and trophic interactions. In addition, we expect that the applicant’s research program will include robust translational elements, e.g., ecosystem services, ecological restoration, land management practices (especially public land issues such as fire and grazing), or actionable ecological forecasting.
Fundamental to this position is the ability to work across disciplinary and institutional boundaries, and to collaborate with federal and state agencies, as well as NGOs and private partners. Effective communication with a variety of stakeholders, including the general public, is essential and consistent with the land grant mission of Utah State University. The appointed faculty member will mentor and advise graduate students and post-doctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds, as well as teach graduate and undergraduate courses within their area of expertise, depending on the needs of the Department.
A candidate's expertise should complement existing strengths in the Quinney College of Natural Resources and the Ecology Center. Through collaborations with faculty and extension personnel, the appointed faculty member is expected to become a key player in the highly productive team of ecologists at Utah State University. We are interested in applicants who can prosper within a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment of physical, life, and social scientists.
Minimum Qualifications
1) An earned Ph.D. related to ecosystem ecology
2) Experience conducting research on ecosystem ecology, with a corresponding publication record
3) An ability to develop an externally funded, internationally recognized research program
Preferred Qualifications
1) Relevant post-doctoral experience
2) A record of securing research funding
3) An interest in developing field-based research projects in Utah and the Intermountain West
4) A demonstrated ability and willingness to work productively with land management agencies and various stakeholder groups
5) A demonstrated ability to implement innovative teaching methods
6) A demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity in STEM fields
Application
All application materials must be submitted electronically through the USU Human Resources ‘jobs’ website (https://jobs.usu.edu; position # 2021-3627). We request a cover letter, a complete CV, names and e-mail addresses of three references, and statements on (1) research interests, (2) teaching philosophy, and (3) past and anticipated future efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in academic environments. The position is open until filled, but application review will begin September 1, 2021.
Notice of Non-discrimination In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies: • Executive Director of the Office of Equity Alison Adams-Perlac, alison.adams-perlac@usu.edu, Old Main Rm. 161, 435-797-1266 • Title IX Coordinator Hilary Renshaw, titleix@usu.edu, Old Main Rm. 161, 435-797-1266. • For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact: U.S. Department of Education Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov; U.S. Department of Education, Denver Regional Office, 303-844-5695, OCR.Denver@ed.gov
USU Highlights
Utah State University is Utah’s land-grant university with its main campus located in Logan, which offers affordable housing and the amenities of a college town within the Cache Valley metropolitan zone of ~115,000 people. Cache Valley is a 90-minute freeway drive north of Salt Lake City and its international airport. Cache Valley is positioned between the Wellsville and Bear River mountain ranges at the eastern edge of the Great Basin. Logan offers a superb array of outdoor activities minutes from campus (climbing, cycling, hiking, skiing, fishing, horseback riding), and is located within a day’s drive of ten national parks.
As an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, USU is dedicated to recruiting strong candidates from a diverse applicant pool, including women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities. USU offers competitive salaries with outstanding medical, retirement, and professional benefits and is sensitive to the needs of dual-career applicants.
Further information
Quinney College of Natural Resources: http://qcnr.usu.edu
Department of Wildland Resources: http://qcnr.usu.edu/wild/
Ecology Center: https://ecology.usu.edu/
Extension: https://extension.usu.edu/about-us
Diversity and Inclusion: https://www.usu.edu/provost/diversity/
USU SACNAS chapter: https://sacnas7.wixsite.com/sacnasusu
Logan and Cache Valley: https://www.explorelogan.com/
Potential applicants with specific questions are welcome to contact the search committee chair, Kari Veblen at kari.veblen@usu.edu.