[ES_JOBS_NET] Assistant/Associate Professor of Environmental Systems Science, Montana State University

[Christine Wiedinmyer]

https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/20832
The department seeks a talented and collaborative colleague who will embrace a multidisciplinary approach to a mechanistic understanding of agricultural ecosystems in the context of earth system science. The successful candidate will address critical fundamental and applied questions related to agricultural systems sustainability and optimization in a new data-rich world. We are looking for a faculty member with a vision for future agriculture that makes use of the big data streams now available to address the questions of environmental sustainability, food quality and security, and climate change adaptation. This is an academic year (nine month), tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level with research, teaching, and service responsibilities.


Duties and Responsibilities
Research responsibilities include developing a nationally competitive program in environmental system science. The position is a key element to maintain MSU's recognized strengths in cropping systems, rangeland systems and agroecosystem sustainability, which complement expertise in soil science, environmental hydrology, aquatic and terrestrial landscape ecology, biogeochemistry, land-atmosphere interactions, restoration ecology, invasive plant ecology, entomology, land reclamation, precision agriculture and spatial sciences. Examples of potential research areas include: the biophysical efficiency, sustainability, security, and resilience of agricultural production systems; the influence of climate variability and environmental drivers on agricultural production systems and food quality; understanding agricultural landscapes as socio-ecological systems to effectively address environmental challenges in agricultural production; and the environmental impact of precision agriculture or other technological developments in agricultural practices. We anticipate that successful candidates could have experience in state-of-the-art approaches to data management, big data analysis, artificial intelligence applications, simulation modeling or systems optimization. The position is responsible for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses that emphasize quantitative environmental analysis, regional to global scale assessment of agricultural practices and resiliency, and simulation modeling of environmental and agricultural systems.
The successful candidate will participate in teaching graduate and undergraduate students in courses appropriate to their disciplinary expertise. Teaching responsibilities include undergraduate curricular advising, undergraduate research advising, and training of graduate students with expectation of recruiting and funding doctoral students as a priority. The hiring department has a historically strong extramural funding ethic and enterprise for supporting graduate students. Additional service responsibilities include departmental citizenship and engagement with the community consistent with the missions of a Land-Grant University and the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station. The position is partially supported by the EPSCoR Track 1 funded Consortium for Research in Environmental Water Systems, which is investigating drivers of water quality issues in agricultural settings, and is a source of potential collaboration for this position.


Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

  *   Ph.D. in Ecology, Earth Science, Agronomy or related field.
  *   Demonstrated potential for research achievement in agricultural systems analysis and modeling.
  *   Demonstrated experience working with interdisciplinary teams to address environmental issues.
  *   Demonstrated potential for excellence in undergraduate and graduate instruction and mentoring.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

  *   Demonstrated or potential ability to secure extramural funding,
  *   Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate and graduate instruction and mentoring.
  *   Academic or professional training in environmental simulation modeling and systems optimization, especially in agricultural systems.
  *   Academic or professional training or experience in socio-ecological systems theory or application.
  *   Demonstrated ability to work with public stakeholders and experience with participatory modeling.
  *   Evidence of success in integrated multi-disciplinary environmental systems research leading to the development of principles and concepts important to land resource management in agricultural ecosystems.
  *   Demonstrated ability to interact across academic disciplines and cultural diversity, both within the university and with external constituents.
  *   Demonstrated ability to mentor a diverse student body, including women and minorities.

The Successful Candidate Will
Be a dynamic scientist and educator who will:

  *   Help MSU continue to provide outstanding teaching, scholarship, engagement, and service in meeting the goals of the MSU Strategic Plan.
  *   Have excellent written and oral communication skills.
  *   Have effective interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate successfully with faculty, students, and stakeholders.
  *   Work cooperatively with people of diverse backgrounds.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.


Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.


The Program

The Department
The Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences (LRES) is in the College of Agriculture at Montana State University. Our work spans land resources and environmental science and management, and includes cutting-edge, innovative teaching, fundamental and applied research, and highly effective outreach and service to a broad range of public and private entities. Our faculty offer broad expertise related to soils, microorganisms, insects, plants, climate and water to achieve an integrated multi-scale and multi-disciplinary approach to understanding and managing ecosystems. We address issues related to natural and managed landscapes such as crop-land, rangeland, forests, reclaimed land, polar and geothermal environments, and protected natural areas, with fundamental and applied investigations in agriculture, environmental science, land management, and natural resources. We advance scientific understanding across spatial and temporal scales, and apply this understanding for effective land management, informed adoption of sustainability practices, and broad education of students in preparation for careers in the agricultural and environmental sciences. LRES consists of 35 research and teaching faculty, about 200 undergraduate students, 25 thesis M.S., 60 online MS, and 25 Ph.D. graduate students, and 40 technical and postdoctoral scientists, and has a strong tradition of interdisciplinary collaboration within the department and across the institution and State. The Department is supported through the College of Agriculture, the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Extension Service, which work together to generate and disseminate superior knowledge and technological solutions to increase the competitiveness of Montana agricultural and natural resource enterprises.


The College
MSU was founded in 1893 as the Agricultural College of the State of Montana. Today, the College of Agriculture is an integral part of fulfilling MSU's land grant mission to provide a liberal, practical education to the sons and daughters of Montana. As part of the College of Agriculture, the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) conducts research on old and new challenges for Montana's agricultural community. MAES creates opportunities for students and faculty to excel through hands-on learning, to serve through campus and community engagement, to explore unique solutions to distinct and interesting questions, and to connect Montanans with the global community.

Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1

Desired Start Date
Upon successful completion of search

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin December 9, 2019. However, applications will continue to be accepted until a robust applicant pool is established.


Special Instructions
Please note, applicants must include the contact information of three professional references in their profile. Please prioritize on references that have had the most extensive direct professional interactions with the applicant. We will only be requesting reference letters for the applications rated in the top tier.
To apply, please upload:

  *   A cover letter highlighting elements of the applicant's experiences that will specifically address the required and preferred qualifications for this position (please limit to two pages)
  *   A statement on the teaching philosophy that will be applied to the the mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students and the design and execution of classes (please limit to two pages)
  *   A statement on the applicant's vision for their future research (please limit to two pages)
  *   A current curriculum vita.

Diversity Statement
Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

Montana State University is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University's mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged.

Montana State University makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant's ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee's ability to perform the duties of the job. To request an accommodation, contact the Human Resources Office, PO Box 172520, Montana State University, Bozeman MT 59717-2520; 406-994-3651; recruitment at montana.edu .

In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

MSU's Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: www2.montana.edu/policy/affirmative_action/ .

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