Assistant Professor – Conservation Genetics

Department of Environmental Conservation

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

The Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (http://eco.umass.edu/) seeks talented applicants for a 9-month academic year, tenure-track appointment as Assistant Professor in Conservation Genetics. Earliest appointment date is September 1, 2017. Candidates should care deeply about undergraduate and graduate education, and be a teacher, mentor, and scientist. The candidate is expected to develop independent and collaborative research programs that help to meet the research needs of state, federal and nongovernmental organizations; build departmental and interdisciplinary collaborations with Environmental Conservation and Organismic and Evolutionary Biology graduate programs; and develop an innovative teaching program that incorporates new initiatives in teaching and learning, such as Team-Based Learning. Teaching responsibilities include: 1) undergraduate course in evolution and conservation, 2) upper-level undergraduate/graduate course in conservation genetics, and 3) graduate-level course in candidate’s area of expertise. Successful applicants will serve, as do all other faculty, as a mentor to minorities and other underrepresented groups within the Department. The University of Massachusetts Amherst places special emphases on faculty-student interaction and a commitment to teach and attract a diverse student body. Successful applicants will be expected to supervise graduate students at the Master’s and Ph.D. levels. Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree in conservation genetics or closely related field.

The focus of this position is conservation genetics and genomics with emphasis on genetic and evolutionary applications to problems of conservation biology, landscape ecology, and resource management. Possible research topics include: genetic structure of natural and managed (meta) populations, gene flow in spatially heterogeneous and changing environments, evolution of life history strategies, and capacity for an evolutionary response to global climate change. We are specifically interested in applicants who can develop an aquatic research program that employs multi-agency collaborations and utilizes the UMass marine facility in Gloucester, MA and freshwater Cronin facility in Sunderland, MA. The applicant’s experience should demonstrate strength in the design and statistical analysis of ecological data, the ability to work across disciplinary lines with colleagues in a variety of ecosystems, and the potential to attract external funding. Previous teaching experience at a university level is desirable. The candidate must demonstrate excellence in written and verbal communication.

Applicants must submit  curriculum vitae, statements of research and teaching goals, and the names, addresses and contact information of three references to: http://umass.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=75872.

Search questions can be addressed to: Andy Danylchuk, Search Chair, (413) 336-2874 or . Applicants should apply by the priority deadline of October 14, 2016 to ensure consideration.

The Department of Environmental Conservation hosts a multi disciplinary group of faculty with nationally ranked programs in Fish and Wildlife Conservation Biology, Forestry and Arboriculture, Water Resources Conservation, and Building and Construction Technology. Collaborative and close working relationships with the U. S. Forest Service, U. S. Geological Survey, and U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service are well established within the department, on campus, and in the area. Unifying themes across these programs include conservation of natural resources and energy, and reconciliation of humans with the natural environment. We place special emphases on faculty-student interaction, interdisciplinary activities, and cooperation among faculty, and we share a fundamental commitment to teach and attract a diverse student body. The University is part of the Five-College Consortium in the beautiful Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, with excellent social, cultural, and recreational amenities in a town and rural setting. We are two hours from Boston and three hours from New York City.

The university is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University’s goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual’s record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic degree and career.

We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration.