The University of Utah seeks to fill a tenure-track position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level focused on biodiversity science in the area of urban ecology, broadly defined, to begin in Fall 2022. This is a joint hire between the Natural History Museum of Utah, the Scientific Computing and Imaging (SCI) Institute, and the Department of City & Metropolitan Planning at the University of Utah. Areas of research emphasis could include, but are not limited to, landscape, community, or ecosystem ecology, conservation biology, and ecological design with an emphasis on computational and data-enabled approaches. We welcome applicants with a commitment to community engagement, public policy, ecological planning and design, and to enhancing knowledge discovery through computational modeling and data visualization. We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to our university’s diversity.
The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of outstanding multidisciplinary research, excellent communication skills, and an ability to engage with stakeholders and diverse communities. An integration of computational and data-enabled techniques into research approaches as well as familiarity with emerging opportunities presented by increased availability of data and data-driven methods (e.g., based on Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning) is desirable. Experience with natural history collections is preferred. In addition, the successful candidate will have the capability to work across a range of scales from the neighborhood to the region, engaging urban and rural communities. Qualified candidates may have research interests across the globe, and with an interest in developing a research program that advances biodiversity science in Utah and the Intermountain West.
Responsibilities include: (1) developing and maintaining an ongoing program of scholarly, multidisciplinary research that involves computational modeling and visualization of data from fieldwork or collections, with the goal of enhancing NHMU collections (https://nhmu.utah.edu/collections); (2) developing meaningful collaboration with faculty in the Sustaining Biodiversity cluster, as well as faculty at NHMU, the Department of City & Metropolitan Planning, and other academic departments; (3) expanding and developing citizen science projects and other biodiversity-related outreach programs at NHMU, SCI Institute, and associated departments; (4) meeting a 0.5 FTE teaching requirement in the Department of City & Metropolitan Planning and/or interdisciplinary Dark Sky Studies Minor Program, and playing an active role in the Center for Ecological Planning & Design and/or Metropolitan Research Center; (5) engaging as an member of the SCI Institute faculty; (6) training and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students; (7) developing and submitting research funding proposals to national agencies and foundations; (8) engaging with NHMU exhibits and educational programming; (9) participating in faculty governance at the department, college, and university levels. The anticipated tenure home for this position (including retention, tenure, and promotion review) will be the Department of City and Metropolitan Planning.
This position is part of an interdisciplinary faculty cluster at the University of Utah that brings together natural sciences researchers, learning scientists, and data and computational science expertise to engage in novel research, outreach, and public learning. Positions in the cluster build on a long history of faculty positions shared between academic departments and NHMU; more information about this position and the cluster can be found online: https://nhmu.utah.edu/sustaining-biodiversity.
A doctoral degree in ecology or a related field with a research focus on applications of scientific computing to biodiversity is required by July 1, 2022. Qualified applicants should submit a curriculum vita, cover letter including a summary of research and teaching activities, and a list of three references (with e-mail addresses and phone numbers) to https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/124973. Review of applications will begin on January 17, 2022, and continue until the position is filled; the appointment is anticipated to begin July 1, 2022. Please address questions regarding this position to Jason Cryan, Search Committee Chair, email: jcryan@nhmu.utah.edu.
Please note, for the successful candidate seeking appointment as Associate Professor with tenure, they will need to produce a dossier demonstrating credentials for an expedited tenure review process commencing after the time of offer
EEO/Non-Discrimination Information
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students, staff, faculty and patients from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education, employment opportunities, and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented groups.
Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action: