Deadline: Open until filled
Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics
Director of Intermountain Herbarium
ASSISTANT or ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
The Department of Biology (www.biology.usu.edu) invites applications for a 1.0 FTE, 9‐month tenure‐track Assistant or Associate Professor position (50% research, 30% teaching, and 20% service) in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics. We seek an innovative scientist who takes an integrative approach to plant ecology/evolution and systematics. The service role includes an administrative role as the Director of the Intermountain Herbarium. Preference will be given to applicants whose research complements and expands existing programs in the department and university, and those who will engage the Intermountain Herbarium in their research. The research appointment will be affiliated with the Ecology Center and the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station, and reap the benefits of their support services. Teaching responsibilities may include undergraduate and graduate courses in the area of Plant Systematics and Diversity, Organismal Biology and Physiology Lab, and advanced courses in the applicant’s area of specialization.
The Intermountain Herbarium (UTC) (https://herbarium.usu.edu/) is staffed by a full-time manager, student assistants, and volunteers. Founded in 1932, holdings include nearly 284,000 specimens with 62% of specimens databased, and 33% with digitized images. The Herbarium is housed in the Department of Biology and overseen by the Director with support from the Intermountain Herbarium Advisory Board. The Herbarium engages in outreach opportunities in K-12 and university classes as well as extension, research, and the public community. University courses and researchers utilize Herbarium resources as well as volunteers and plant enthusiasts world-wide.
A PhD is required and postdoctoral experience is strongly preferred. Experience with herbarium management is preferred. Candidates will be expected to establish an independent, externally funded, and nationally recognized research program, form effective collaborations with colleagues, and contribute to undergraduate and graduate education in the Department of Biology. Candidates will be expected to engage the Intermountain Herbarium in outreach, development, service, teaching, and research initiatives. Implementation of innovative teaching methods and a commitment to promoting diversity in STEM is encouraged. The University offers an attractive startup package and internal funding opportunities.
Applicants must apply electronically, using the online system at https://jobs.usu.edu or CLICK HERE. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statements of teaching and research philosophy and goals, a statement of herbarium leadership vision for a land grant university, and the names and contact information (including email addresses) for three references. References will be contacted upon submission of application materials and asked to submit a letter of reference before the application will be considered complete. Up to three example publications or manuscripts should also be submitted. For further information or inquiries, please contact Nancy Kay Pierson (NancyKay.Pierson@usu.edu), Search Manager. Review of applications will begin 30 September 2020 and will continue until the position is filled.
The Department of Biology has over 700 undergraduate students, nearly 60 graduate students, more than 45 faculty at 6 campuses across the State, 11 administrative staff members, and well over 100 hourly employees. Biology instructors serve over 4,380 students each year through our general education courses. The Department of Biology maintains a large research enterprise. Biology and USU fosters innovation and professional development of faculty in their efforts to enhance student learning and engagement in offering support of professional association membership, conference/academy attendance, and an Empowering Teaching Excellence program offered by the Provost’s Office.
Utah State University (USU) was founded in 1888 and is honored to be Utah’s land-grant and space-grant university. USU is a Carnegie RU/H (Research University/High Research Activity) institution with approximately 28,000 students (25,000 undergraduates and 3,000 graduate students) on the Logan main campus, four regional campuses, two USU Eastern campuses, and 28 centers throughout the state. USU offers 162 undergraduate majors, 153 graduate programs, and a variety of innovative stackable associate and certificate credentials. The 2018 rankings from Washington Monthly ranked USU as one of the top 30 national Universities and the 5th best public national university in the nation. As one of the two premier research institutions in Utah, USU is proud to provide a high-quality education at an affordable price. Additional information about Utah State University can be found at: https://www.usu.edu/about/at-a-glance/.
A core characteristic of USU is engagement with communities and people in economic development, improvements to quality of life, and human capital. Through the practical application of knowledge, the University and its faculty engage and share expertise with the state, nation, and world, preserving the historical land-grant tradition of partnering with communities to address critical societal issues in the interest of the public good.
The USU main campus is located in beautiful Logan, Utah; a city of about 50,000 situated in a picturesque mountain valley about 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. Outstanding recreational opportunities abound in the nearby mountains and proximate region. Additional information about Logan can be found at: http://www.loganutah.org/visitors/about_logan/index.php.
USU recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the university’s academic mission of learning, discovery, and engagement (https://www.usu.edu/president/missionstatement/). USU is an AA/EO employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or local, state, or federal law. Learn more at www.aaeo.usu.edu/non-discrimination. USU is sensitive to the needs of dual career couples and provides a Dual Career Assistance program. Additional information can be found at: http://www.usu.edu/provost/faculty-life/dual-career-assistance.cfm.
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:
Executive Director of the Office of Equity: Alison Adams-Perlac, alison.adams-perlac@usu.edu, Old Main Rm. 161, 435-797-1266
Title IX Coordinator: Hilary Renshaw, hilary.renshaw@usu.edu, Old Main Rm. 161, 435-797-1266
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/ or contact:
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481 OCR@ed.gov
U.S. Department of Education, Denver Regional Office, 303-844-5695, OCR.Denver@ed.gov