Assistant Professor

Assistant Professor - Rangeland Ecology

Job ID2951241
Business UnitNorth Dakota State University
Location
Fargo

Full/Part TimeFull-Time
DepartmentAES School of Nat Res Sciences
Close DateOpen Until Filled

Position Information
Description & Details:

The School of Natural Resource Sciences (SNRS) at North Dakota State University is recruiting a Rangeland Ecologist. We seek applicants for a 12-month, tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level in the area of rangeland ecology and management addressing challenges associated with managing multi-functional landscapes in agroecosystems and native rangelands. Any candidates with experience doing applied research in rangelands are encouraged to apply but those with experience in the areas of plant community dynamics, grazing systems, and fire ecology will be particularly competitive. The SNRS at NDSU is comprised of four programs (entomology, natural resource management, rangeland science, and soil science) that work in collaboration to address research that can improve the livelihoods of North Dakota citizens while also contributing to the scientific community. Our faculty conduct both applied and fundamental research to address the needs of stakeholders in production agriculture and native ecosystems, seeking common ground between the two.

Currently, SNRS has 23 full-time faculty members with diverse expertise. We also have 19 research staff and strong administrative support. Facilities available to this position include a state-of-the-art greenhouse complex, laboratory space, and access to field research locations throughout North Dakota, including possible collaborations with seven Research Extension Centers.

As pressures associated with climate change and the human population continue to increase, systems are generally experiencing greater variability in the production and provisioning of ecosystem services. Specifically addressing these challenges is increasingly paramount to the stakeholders of North Dakota. We are seeking a faculty member focused on innovative solutions to mitigate these problems in rangeland systems through a position that is (80%) research and (20%) teaching. The successful candidate will develop an independent and collaborative, multi-disciplinary, and externally-funded research program focused on developing solution-based approaches for stakeholders of North Dakota. This position is expected to address numerous aspects of ecological challenges associated with plants, livestock, and wildlife populations in rangelands. This could include, but is not limited to, research related to rangeland management, disturbances (including prescribed fire), climate change, grazing systems, land use and land cover change, invasive species, energy development, and wildlife populations.

The successful candidate will provide expertise and leadership in research, teaching, and service. Responsibilities and duties include (but are not limited to) the following:

Develop a stakeholder-driven research program in rangeland ecology that is regionally and nationally recognized
Secure funding to support a research program which includes graduate students
Disseminate research outputs to the scientific community and other stakeholders, including peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and other formats
Teach multiple courses at graduate or undergraduate level including development of courses for online delivery
Advise undergraduate students and actively participate in graduate student training
Provide service to the scientific community, university, and SNRS
Actively engage with the rangeland community in North Dakota including private landowners
Work together with other scientists to develop multi-disciplinary teams that address current and future challenges relevant to the discipline
Work Schedule:

Full-time, tenure track, 12-month (80% research and 20% teaching responsibilities)

Advertised Salary:

Commensurate with experience

Minimum Qualifications:

A Ph.D. degree in range science, natural resource management, ecology, or related field.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:

Evidence of communicating science through peer-reviewed publications in high quality journals
Experience with rangeland disturbances, including prescribed fire and grazing
Evidence of procuring extramural funding to support research
High-level quantitative research skills
History of successful collaborations
Successful mentoring and/or management of students, technicians, or other personnel
Service to discipline or university, including engagement with professional societies
A commitment to working with diverse stakeholders and student populations
Evidence of quality teaching experience