Leadership in Ecological Education at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis The National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) seeks to fill a position of leadership in ecological education that is consistent with its mission to foster scientific discovery through the analysis and synthesis of existing data. We wish to recruit a colleague who can help us to creatively envision opportunities for advancing ecological analysis and synthesis in the undergraduate experience. The successful candidate will be charged with articulating a vision for 1) the activities that will lead to learning and adoption of practices by undergraduates that equip them for doing ecology and environmental sciences in a digital age, and 2) the role of NCEAS in fostering those activities. Participation in ongoing educational initiatives with NCEAS and its partners, mentoring of graduate and undergraduate research assistants recruited for education activities at NCEAS, and active collaboration with a variety of NCEAS leaders in developing the vision for such educational advancement will be important aspects of the position. Development of teaching materials and scholarly publications associated with these activities are desirable outcomes. We anticipate that the successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Education, or another related field, as well as significant experience in undergraduate education, publication, and grantsmanship. Prior experience with NCEAS is desirable, and candidates should familiarize themselves with the unique mission of NCEAS when considering application. Funding is guaranteed for one year, with a commitment to pursue longer-term funding for this position or similar. It is possible that the position could be negotiated as a secondment (Leave of Absence), with flexible timing, from the successful candidate's home institution. To apply, please send a C.V., a letter of interest, and the names and contact information for 3 references to [email protected] for consideration by NCEAS Director Ed McCauley. Review of candidates will begin on 15 April 2010. About the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis NCEAS is a research center of the University of California, Santa Barbara (www.nceas.ucsb.edu), located in downtown Santa Barbara. NCEAS supports cross-disciplinary research that uses existing data to address major fundamental issues in ecology and allied fields, and their application to management and policy. NCEAS is a unique institution with an explicit mission to foster synthesis and analysis, turn information into understanding and, through effective collaboration, alter how science is conducted. Since its inception, NCEAS has become known as the leading facility for innovative analysis and synthesis of existing environmental data, and for research in the management of ecological information (ecoinformatics). The resident community at NCEAS is unique and very dynamic; 15-20 post-doctoral researchers, several sabbatical fellows, and a variety of other researchers are at the center at any given time. Additionally, hundreds of scientists from around the world pass through the center for several days to a week at a time as part of scientific working groups, creating an exciting and intellectually stimulating work environment. The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity of the academic community and/or candidates who have a demonstrated record of their commitment to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service. An EO/AA Employer
