The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, invites applicants for the position of Assistant Professor of Vertebrate Ecology. This is a tenure-track, academic-year position with teaching, extension, and applied research responsibilities. Predominant responsibilities initially will be in teaching.
=20 RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate for this position will be expected to develop a dynamic teaching program that emphasizes experiential learning and scholarship in the development, delivery, or assessment of learning related to vertebrate ecology. Teaching will include a 2-semester laboratory sequence in Ecology and Systematics of Vertebrates; undergraduate/graduate courses in Herpetology; coordination of a Wildlife Field Practicum, and a graduate course in area of expertise. Curation of the vertebrate teaching collection also is expected. To address extension needs, the successful candidate should have a demonstrated ability to plan, develop and deliver educational programs in science-based wildlife habitat restoration and conservation to landowners, decision makers, environmental organizations, and natural resource professionals. An applied research program should be developed with the aim of informing and complementing teaching and extension activities. A focus on the conservation needs of amphibians and reptiles is desirable, with possible areas of emphasis including but not limited to the roles of habitat restoration, agro-chemicals, invasive species, eutrophication, the pet trade, and their interactive community-level effects with habitat loss and degradation. Opportunities abound for collaboration within the department in areas involving threatened and endangered species, habitat fragmentation, aquatic ecotoxicology, habitat restoration, and forest management related to forested wetlands, as well as university-wide initiatives in climate change and sustainability of ecological systems. In addition, there will be abundant opportunities to develop collaborative relationships with state and federal agencies supporting initiatives on conservation education and herpetofauna.=20 =20 QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. in vertebrate ecology, herpetology, wildlife biology, or related field. The successful candidate must have extensive experience with teaching ecology and systematics of vertebrates at the undergraduate and graduate levels and demonstrated curatorial expertise in managing vertebrate collections. Interest in developing an international dimension in the discipline is desirable. =20 SALARY: Commensurate with experience and training. =20 CLOSING DATE: 15 November 2006 or until filled. =20 APPLICATION PROCESS: Submit: (1) a cover letter, including the names of three people who have been asked to send letters of reference by the position closing date; (2) a curriculum vita; and (3) statements of extension and teaching experience and interests. Application packets should be addressed to Robert K. Swihart, Chair, Vertebrate Ecology Search Committee, Purdue University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, 715 West State Street, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2061. Questions may be directed to the Search Committee Chair via telephone (765-494-3590) or email ([EMAIL PROTECTED]).=20 =20 Purdue University is an Equal Access/Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer. Women and individuals in under represented groups are encouraged to apply. =20
