ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN WATERSHED ECOLOGY

Job Title ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN WATERSHED ECOLOGY

Job Description Summary, Duties and Responsibilities, Required Qualifications and Preferred Qualifications 

The search will remain open until the position has been filled.

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The Department of Natural Resources Science (NRS) in the College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS) at the University of Rhode Island (URI) invites applications for an academic year, tenure-track Assistant Professor position specializing in Watershed Ecology. 

Anticipated appointment January 2025.

URI is the State’s flagship land and sea grant research university located in Kingston, Rhode Island— a beautiful seaside community that is well connected by car, bus, and rail about 40 min from Providence, an hour from Boston and 3 hours from New York City.

The Natural Resources Science department has 18 full-time faculty members conducting active research programs and numerous staff working in Cooperative Extension. Our department has over 300 undergraduates majoring in either Environmental Science and Management or Wildlife and Conservation Biology with several undergraduate minor degrees including Restoration Science and Management and Global Water Resources. Our faculty mentor numerous graduate students enrolled in either M.E.S.M (a non-thesis professional M.S. program) or thesis-based research at both the M.S. and Ph.D. levels in the interdisciplinary Biological and Environmental Sciences graduate program.

We invite individuals with a record of successful research, as well as a demonstrated commitment to inclusive teaching, experiential learning, and mentorship at the undergraduate and graduate levels to apply. The successful candidate will generate an internationally recognized program of research and scholarship investigating current environmental issues in Watershed Ecology and problems such as climate change, pollution remediation, flood risk, restoration and protection of aquatic systems, and sustainability. The candidate is expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching and experiential learning in the field of watershed ecology and similar topics relevant to our students’ degree requirements. Priority will be given to candidates who show a commitment to broadening participation of members of underrepresented groups in science through research, pedagogical practices, and public engagement, and who would contribute to University of Rhode Island’s goals of increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses, develop an externally funded research program, and support public engagement.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Establish a vibrant research program supported by extramural funding in watershed ecology, with an emphasis on changes in watersheds due to human activities and to a changing climate that degrades aquatic ecosystems and environments. The successful candidate will examine the role of watersheds in different contexts, such as water quality and quantity, flood risks, protection and restoration of aquatic ecosystems, climate change adaptations/mitigations, community engagement, and social and environmental justice.

Develop a sustained record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Teach one undergraduate course in watershed ecology and one graduate-level course in ecohydrology, and other courses that will enhance both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the Department of Natural Resources Science (NRS), College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS).

Provide advising, training, and research mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students.

Engage in outreach and service activities and governance within the Department, College, University, and broader scholarly community.

Division of major responsibilities: 40% teaching, 40% research, 20% service at initial appointment.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform other duties as required.

LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:

Personal computers, printer, word processing, database management, and spreadsheet software.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required qualifications:

1. Ph.D. or D.Phil. in watershed ecology, ecohydrology, natural resources science, biological and environmental sciences, ecology and/or other closely related fields at time of application.

2. At least one year of postdoctoral research experience at time of application.

3. Demonstrated record of scholarly achievement as shown by (a) publications related to watershed ecology in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, or books, and (b) presentations at scientific meetings.

4. Demonstrated ability to teach watershed ecology courses at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.

5. Demonstrated ability to work with members of diverse and underrepresented groups.

6. Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written communication skills in English.

7. Demonstrated commitment to participate in professional service and outreach as shown by participation in committees, organizations, or other activities.

Preferred qualifications:

1. Demonstrated expertise in using contemporary quantitative methods and technology to solve problems in watershed ecology of terrestrial and coastal environments.

2. Demonstrated active participation in collaborative research.

3. Demonstrated success in obtaining funding through competitive grant programs (including graduate or postdoctoral fellowships and grants).

4. Experience as the lead instructor of watershed ecology courses at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.

5. Evidence of mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students.

6. Record of scholarly achievement as shown by publications, honors, and/or awards.

7. Expertise making research findings accessible to a broad audience through outreach, social media, and other mixed media outlets.

8. Knowledge of and/or experience with community-based organizations or Cooperative Extension programs

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ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

Union AAUP – American Assoc of Univ Professors

Status Academic Year, Full-time, Tenure-track, Permanent

End Date of Restriction or Limitation 

Department Natural Resources Science

Contact(s) 

Please note: Job applications must be submitted directly online only at: (https://jobs.uri.edu)

Contact Email 

Campus Location Kingston

Grant Funded No

Extension Contingent on Funding Date 

Special Instructions to Applicants 

Please attach the following 5 (PDF) documents to your online Faculty Employment Application:

(#1) Cover letter describing qualifications for position.

(#2) Curriculum Vitae, including information pertaining to the required and preferred qualifications for this position, and the names and contact information for three professional references (as one complete pdf document).

(#3) Statement of research interests and future research plans.

(#4) Statement of teaching philosophy and interests.

(#5) Other Document – PDF’s of up to three published or in-press papers (as one complete pdf document).

Position Number 108092

Posting Number F00386

Posting Date 06/18/2024

Closing Date 

Open Until Filled Yes

Quicklink for Posting https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/12276

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