Title: Assistant Professor – Conservation Genetics
Appointment: Academic Year (9-month) – Tenure Track
Available: Earliest appointment date is September 1, 2009
Application: Review of applications begins January 5, 2009. Search will continue until the position is filled.
The Position: The candidate is expected to develop independent and collaborative research programs that help to meet the research needs of state, federal and non-governmental organizations; build departmental and interdisciplinary collaborations with Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation and Organismic & Evolutionary Biology graduate programs; and develop an innovative teaching program that incorporates new initiatives in teaching and learning. Teaching responsibilities include an undergraduate conservation genetics course, a graduate-level course in applied conservation genetics, and contribution to a graduate-level sequence of courses in the design and analysis of ecological data. Successful applicants will be expected to supervise graduate students at the Master’s and Ph.D. levels.
Qualifications: The focus of this position is conservation genetics with emphasis on genetic and evolutionary applications to problems of conservation biology, landscape ecology and resource management involving terrestrial and aquatic organisms, including both plants and animals. Possible research topics include, but are not limited to: genetic structure and evolution of life history strategies of natural and managed (meta)populations; gene flow in spatially heterogeneous and changing environments; and capacity for an evolutionary response to global climate change. The applicant’s experience should demonstrate strength in the design and statistical analysis of ecological data, the ability to work across disciplinary lines, and the potential to attract external funding. A candidate must demonstrate excellence in written and verbal communication. Previous teaching experience at a university level is desirable. A doctoral degree in conservation genetics or closely related field is required.
Salary: Competitive and based on qualifications.
The Setting: The Department of Natural Resources Conservation hosts a multi-disciplinary group of faculty with nationally ranked programs in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation, Forest Conservation, Urban Forestry, and Building Materials and Wood Technology. 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 and a 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.
To Apply: Applicants should submit curriculum vitae, statements of research and teaching goals, and the names, addresses and contact information of three references to:
Kevin McGarigal, Chair
Conservation Genetics Search Committee
Department of Natural Resources Conservation
Holdsworth Natural Resources Center
University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA 01003
(413) 577-0655 or
The University provides an intellectual environment committed to providing academic excellence and diversity including mentoring programs for faculty. The College and the Department are committed to increasing the diversity of the faculty, student body and the curriculum. The University of Massachusetts is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.