Assistant Professor, Wildlife Conservation and Disease Ecology

POSITION: Assistant Professor, Wildlife Conservation and Disease Ecology

APPOINTMENT: Nine-month, tenure-track, academic faculty 

LOCATION: School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA

SALARY: $80,000-100,000

The School of Natural Resources and the Environment (SNRE) at the University of Arizona invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Wildlife Conservation and Disease Ecology. We seek a scientist whose research focuses on applied ecology and conservation of wildlife, and in understanding and managing zoonotic and wildlife diseases. We encourage individuals with experience in avian ecology and/or One Health initiatives but we invite those with expertise in all taxonomic groups. The successful candidate will contribute to the instructional mission of SNRE and build a research program to enhance and complement existing strengths in SNRE and the University of Arizona’s One Health initiatives to foster synergies that address the growing disease challenges that threaten the persistence of wild species and that adversely affect human health.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills and application of effective and inclusive teaching strategies at the undergraduate and graduate levels, the ability to mentor students and postdoctoral associates in research and contribute more broadly to SNRE’s program in Wildlife Conservation and Management, the university, and the profession. The successful candidate will show commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of professional life. Diversity of thought, background, and experience powers our culture of innovation, success, and life-changing discovery. We welcome candidates who have the academic qualifications appropriate for the appointment at the rank of assistant professor and the ability to work effectively within a broadly diverse community of students, scholars, and other stakeholders of Arizona’s only land grant university.

​​To apply and view a full position announcement, please visit:

https://arizona.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/7350?c=arizona 

RESEARCH:

This position is a 9-month, tenure-track appointment (60% Research, 30% Teaching, 10% Service) housed in the Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology Program within SNRE. The successful candidate should demonstrate the experience necessary to develop a high caliber research program in Wildlife Conservation and Disease that is capable of attracting ongoing extramural funding. The successful candidate is expected to develop collaborations within SNRE and across campus, especially in the colleges of Public Health, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture & Life Sciences, Social & Behavioral Sciences, Science, and Medicine, and the BIO5 Institute.

Research programs incorporating whole animal and population health and management, with relevance to the species and also including community and ecological impacts are encouraged. The One Health network across campus facilitates the potential for candidates to develop a research program to include human and animal health and well-being. Areas of focus are defined broadly to include all disease-causing organisms and pathways; we are especially interested in individuals with experience in avian ecology and/or One Health initiatives but invite those with expertise and experience in all taxonomic groups. The successful candidate will provide an environment to support students and postdoc scholars that is inclusive, supportive, and intellectually challenging.

The University of Arizona is the state’s sole land grant institution with integrated research, education, and outreach programs that serves diverse stakeholders, including but not limited to conservationists, ranchers, and indigenous communities. SNRE has strong research, teaching, and outreach programs in wildlife and fisheries ecology; conservation biology; ecohydrology and watershed management; rangeland ecology, restoration, and management; global change ecology and management; and arid lands research. SNRE is also host to multiple cooperators from both the federal (the USGS Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, the USGS Sonoran Desert Research Station, the National Park Service Desert Southwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, the USGS Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center, the National Phenology Network) and state (Game and Fish Dept., Dept. of Transportation, Dept. of Environmental Quality) agencies. Our cooperative extension personnel have strong connections to landowners throughout Arizona. The University of Arizona is a Hispanic-Serving Institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion and is committed to hiring faculty who will work to support these values. 

TEACHING:

We seek an enthusiastic educator who will be responsible for developing and teaching courses that substantially contribute to our B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. programs. The successful applicant will contribute to undergraduate and graduate curricula in areas relevant to wildlife biology, conservation and management, and infectious disease through a One Health transdisciplinary approach. Instructional responsibilities are likely to include a graduate course reflecting the candidate’s interests and expertise and at least one course for undergraduates in SNRE. Opportunities to develop a new course, merge existing courses, or co-instruct existing courses are also available. The applicant is expected to advise and mentor both undergraduate and graduate students within SNRE and the Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology Programs, and be committed to the recruitment, promotion, and enhancement of the diversity of our students, particularly those from backgrounds underrepresented in the discipline. Evidence of previous engagement in teaching and teaching training is encouraged.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in Wildlife Biology or related disciplines.
• Research experience in the area of wildlife diseases including a research record detailing involvement in wildlife health/disease.

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates with one or more of the qualifications listed below are encouraged to discuss relevant knowledge and experiences in their application materials.

• Expertise in the ecology of avian diseases.
• Success obtaining and/or managing grants and awards.
• Demonstrated ability to develop courses in wildlife biology or similar curriculum.

Documents needed to apply:

• Cover Letter - Letter that briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in this position. (2 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae - Curriculum vitae showing a full list of publications, other professional activities, and extramural funding. (no page limit)
• Statement of Research - Statement of current and long-term objectives in research. (2 pages)
• Statement of Teaching - Statement of current and long-term objectives in teaching. (2 pages)
• Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Statement addressing your understanding of the barriers facing traditionally underrepresented groups and your past and/or future contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching and professional or public service. (2 pages)
• Names and contact information of 3-5 references. Applicants must provide the names and contact information of their references (a minimum of three are required and a maximum of five will be accepted). The hiring unit will contact the references of those applicants who are under serious consideration.

Review of applications will begin December 10, 2021. 

Please contact Rachel Gallery, Search Committee Chair, with any questions: rgallery@arizona.edu

CAMPUS INFORMATION:

The University of Arizona, located in Tucson, AZ, is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, serves as the land-grant institution for Arizona, and is a Carnegie Foundation Research University with “very high research activity”. The university brings in more than $600 million in research investment each year. Tucson is culturally diverse, rich in natural beauty, and home to many recreational resources, such as hundreds of miles of hiking trails, bike lanes, and park space. Whether you are on the University of Arizona campus or enjoying the recreational activities Tucson has to offer, you will enjoy gorgeous sunsets, majestic mountain ranges, and more than 250 days of sunshine each year. In 2015 the City of Tucson was recognized for our region’s rich agricultural heritage, thriving food traditions (many having been passed down from Tucson’s Native American and hispanic communities), and culinary distinctiveness through a “City of Gastronomy” designation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). New faculty members quickly develop a deep appreciation for the culture and traditions of Tucson and the community’s commitment to creating economic opportunity while honoring and protecting our natural resources.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Accepting a new position is a big life step. We want potential candidates and their families to be able to make informed decisions. Candidates who are considering relocation to the Tucson or Phoenix area, and have been offered an on-site interview, are encouraged to use the free services offered by Above & Beyond Relocation Services (ABRS). Ask your department contact to be introduced to ABRS prior to your visit.

The University of Arizona has been recognized on Forbes 2015 list of America’s Best Employers in the United States and has been awarded the 2016 Work-Life Seal of Distinction by World@Work!

At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As an Hispanic-serving institution and a Native American/Alaska Native-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.

​​To apply and view a full position announcement, please visit:

https://arizona.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/7350?c=arizona 

Review of applications will begin December 10, 2021. 

Please contact Rachel Gallery, Search Committee Chair, with any questions: rgallery@arizona.edu