The School of Natural Resources & Environment at the University of Michigan seeks candidates, preferably with postdoctoral experience, for two full-time, nine month tenure-track assistant professor positions that focus on the ecological basis of conservation, restoration and management of natural resources.  One position is likely to focus on terrestrial ecosystems; the other on aquatic ecosystems.  Both of these new positions are expected to contribute to the core natural science base of this interdisciplinary school, while providing additional depth to existing faculty groups in terrestrial ecosystems, aquatic sciences and conservation biology. 

The School of Natural Resources and Environment is a research-oriented interdisciplinary professional school focused on the development of knowledge and new policies, designs and management strategies for the protection and stewardship of the Earth's resources.  Our common mission is to contribute new science, visionary leadership and trained professionals to help societies move in a more sustainable direction.  Set within a major research university, the School provides a model of interdisciplinary applied research and a focal point of research and teaching on sustainability.  The faculty of the School is diverse, with natural scientists, social scientists and designers working together in an integrative setting.  Within the School, nine fields of study provide focus at the master's degree level, including curricula in terrestrial ecosystems, aquatic sciences and conservation biology.  Our current student body includes 250 M.S. students and 50 doctoral students.  We also participate actively in a cross-campus undergraduate Program in the Environment, along with other cross-campus programs such as dual degrees with the Schools of Business, Law, and Public Health.

While we are casting a broad net for these positions, some possible focal areas include: conservation biology; ecosystem management; landscape ecology; restoration ecology; ecological effects of land use change; the ecological basis for sustainability and resilience; ecological processes associated with adaptation to climate change; fisheries conservation; the biology of ecosystem impairment; historical ecology; disease ecology; and modeling of ecosystem services, among others.

Responsibilities

Research:  Successful candidates are expected to establish strong programs of scholarship that contribute to expanding knowledge in the faculty member's discipline and that contribute to the interdisciplinary problem-focused mission of the School.

Teaching:  Two courses plus a seminar per year.  Some current course needs include:  conservation biology, ecosystem or watershed management, aquatic conservation, applied plant ecology, organismal biology, fisheries and forest science and management, quantitative methods and field research methods.  While teaching responsibilities are primarily at the graduate level, undergraduate teaching is also encouraged.

Guiding and mentoring graduate students:  The new faculty members will participate in the academic counseling of graduate students and supervise doctoral and master's students including those involved in integrative, group-based master's projects.

Service and collaboration:  The new faculty will contribute to the stewardship of the SNRE, the University and relevant professions.  This service includes development of cooperative ties with appropriate University-wide programs and departments, such as: the Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute, Michigan Sea Grant, the Departments of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Geology and Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, the Institute for Fisheries Research, Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems Research, the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise and the School of Public Health.

Qualifications
Applicants should have completed a Ph.D. in applied ecology, biology or natural resources, or related fields.  A record of independent peer-reviewed scholarship is important.  Teaching and postdoctoral experience are preferred.  Evidence of prior work on interdisciplinary environmental problems is also preferred.

Application materials should include a letter of application, statements of research and teaching interests and experience, a curriculum vitae, and copies of three letters of reference.  Materials should be emailed to: Allen Burton, Chair, Conservation Ecology Search, School of Natural Resources & Environment, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1041 at ConEcoFacultySearch@umich.edu.  Review of applications will begin after September 14, 2009 and will continue until suitable candidates are found.  Decisions on the positions are expected to be made by December 2009.  Additional information about the School can be found at www.snre.umich.edu.

The University of Michigan is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer,
and individuals from under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.