Assistant Professor - Wildlife Ecology

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

About the Department of Environmental Conservation (ECo)

The Department of Environmental Conservation (ECo) is within the College of Natural Sciences and the School of Earth and Sustainability at UMass Amherst. ECo hosts a multi-disciplinary group of faculty with 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, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and diverse state natural resource management agencies are well established within the department, on campus, and in the region. Unifying themes across these programs include conservation of natural resources, sustainable development, and reconciliation of humans with the natural environment. We place special emphasis on faculty-student interaction, interdisciplinary activities, and cooperation among faculty. We commonly teach interdisciplinary classes and share a fundamental commitment to serving a diverse student body and the broader public, and we are committed to recruiting, supporting, and retaining a diverse faculty.

Job Summary

The Department of Environmental Conservation (ECo) at UMass Amherst () is accepting applications for an Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology. We seek candidates who are interdisciplinary scholars with expertise in any area of wildlife ecology, including but not limited to population dynamics, community ecology, species-environment relationships, and wildlife-human interactions. While taxonomic expertise is not restricted, the ideal candidate will have experience working with terrestrial vertebrates. We are particularly interested in candidates whose work complements the department's existing strengths in land use change, climate change, and coupled social-ecological systems, and with the potential to form collaborations with state, federal, and non-governmental agencies. Candidates with collaborative experiences in interdisciplinary settings that span the natural, physical, and social sciences will be reviewed favorably. The successful candidate will be encouraged to work with colleagues in the department to seek competitive funding on topics of mutual interest. We strongly encourage applications from candidates with lived experience with marginalized identities or experience mentoring students from a wide array of backgrounds, including those traditionally underrepresented in science fields.

This is a full-time (9-month academic-year) tenure-track position with an appointment breakdown of 40% research, 40% teaching, 20% service. Teaching will consist of 2-3 courses per year, including one wildlife ecology course with two lab sections, and will be based on the new member's background and department's programmatic needs. The ECo department and UMass Amherst places special emphasis on faculty-student interaction and a commitment to teaching and mentoring. Service activities encompass advising and supporting an increasingly diverse student body as well as contributions to the university mission, to one's profession, and to society. We are committed to the retention of new faculty, and the successful candidate will be provided with a departmental mentoring committee and have access to extensive university programs and mutual mentoring opportunities through the College of Natural Sciences and the University's Office of Faculty Development. The earliest start date is September 1, 2024.

Requirements

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in wildlife, conservation biology, animal ecology and conservation, or a closely related field, preferably with demonstrated teaching experience at the university level. Relevant research experience and a publication record is required; a demonstrated ability to secure funding is desirable. A candidate must have an aptitude for interdisciplinary problem solving; experience with applying modern statistical approaches; and a passion for environmental stewardship and sustainability in the natural environment. As we have an increasingly diverse student population, we strongly encourage applications from candidates with experience mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds in science.

Salary Information

Salary is commensurate with experience. The University offers a competitive salary with an attractive benefits package.

Applicant Instructions

Along with the application, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, separate statements of research and teaching (2-3 pages each), a diversity statement (1-2 pages, see below) and contact information for three (3) professional references. Search questions can be addressed to: Nathan Senner, Search Chair, nsenner@umass.edu. Applicants should apply by the priority deadline of November 1, 2023 to ensure consideration.

All applicants must submit a statement of Contribution to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, identifying past experiences and future goals. These contributions may result from lived experiences, scholarship, and/or mentoring, teaching and outreach activities. For more information, please review the College's diversity statement:

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 career and degree.