Assistant Professor in Forest Ecosystem Science
November 19th, 2012Assistant Professor in Forest Ecosystem Science
(Carbon & Climate Dynamics)
School of Forest Resources
The School of Forest Resources, University of Maine, in partnership with the Northern Research Station of the US Forest Service, is seeking an Assistant Professor to develop an internationally recognized research program addressing fundamental and applied questions in managed forest ecosystems that emphasizes carbon dynamics and climate change.
RESPONSIBILITIES: This is an academic-year, tenure-track position with responsibilities of 75% research and 25% teaching. The successful candidate will quantify and analyze ecosystem processes influencing carbon dynamics on forested landscapes under alternative management regimes in response to changing climate. The ideal candidate would integrate field studies, remote sensing technologies, ecosystem process models, historical evidence from paleoecological and dendrochronological studies, and other emerging technologies. The candidate’s research is expected to complement ongoing research in The University of Maine School of Forest Resources (http://forest.umaine.edu) and The University of Maine Climate Change Institute (http://climatechange.umaine.edu), both flagship research programs at the University of Maine. In addition, collaboration and involvement with ongoing, long-term research at the Penobscot Experimental Forest (http://nrs.fs.fed.us/ef/locations/me/penobscot) and scientists at the US Forest Service Northern Research Station (http://nrs.fs.fed.us) is expected.
Teaching responsibilities include undergraduate Forest Ecology course and Field Lab (taught annually) and a graduate course (taught in alternate years) in candidate’s discipline. Desirable graduate course topics include: forest carbon dynamics, dendroecology, forest ecology, landscape ecology, quantitative ecology, ecological models, or climatic influences on forest ecosystems. As the State’s Land Grant University, service and outreach to the region’s stakeholders is also expected.
QUALIFICATIONS: A Ph.D. is required by date of hire in forest ecosystem sciences, forest ecology, forest management, ecophysiology, landscape ecology, ecosystem modeling, remote sensing, or closely related field with a strong focus on managed forest landscapes and associated human impacts. Applicants must demonstrate training and/or experience in the ecological and physiological processes that control forest production and carbon sequestration, emphasizing applications to large forest landscapes of diverse ownerships. Experience with forest ecosystem processes, dendroecology, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and modeling is desirable.
Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated success in obtaining extramural research funding, publishing in leading peer-reviewed journals, participation in interdisciplinary collaborations, and delivering effective classroom instruction. A proven ability to effectively communicate with students and professional colleagues is essential. Applicants must be available to start work on June 1, 2013.
BACKGROUND: The University of Maine is a Land Grant and Sea Grant university. The School of Forest Resources awards Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Forestry; Forest Operations, Bioproducts, & Bioenergy; and Parks, Recreation & Tourism; as well as Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees in Forest Resources. Detailed information about the programs and faculty is available at www.forest.umaine.edu. The School is closely aligned with a Center for Research on Sustainable Forests (http://www.crsf.umaine.edu). The School also manages 13,000 acres of forestland, including the 4,000-acre Penobscot Experimental Forest (PEF) jointly managed with the USFS Northern Research Station.
The University of Maine is located in Orono, a small college town bounded by the Stillwater and Penobscot Rivers. The campus is just eight miles north of Bangor, one of the largest cities in Maine, and serves as the commercial and medical hub for northern Maine. The Bangor Region is centrally located in the state, providing nearby access to mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, major parks (Baxter State Park and Acadia National Park), and the Atlantic coast. Orono is a 4-hour drive from Boston, 4.5 hours from Quebec City, and 45 minutes from Bar Harbor.
APPLICATION: To apply, submit an application letter with specific information about disciplinary focus, professional activities and other information relevant to meeting position qualifications, including curriculum vitae; copies of academic transcripts; names, addresses & telephone numbers of three references; copies of research publications and course teaching evaluations (if available) to:
Dr. Aaron Weiskittel
Search Committee Chair
5755 Nutting Hall
School of Forest Resources
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469-5755
Phone: (207) 581- 2857; FAX (207) 581-2875
aaron.weiskittel@maine.edu
Incomplete applications cannot be considered. Appropriate background checks will be required.
Review of applications will begin January 31, 2013 and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified. Starting date for this position is June 1, 2013.
The University of Maine is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
The University of Maine does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status and gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities.