JOB OPENING: Director of Research (Scientist/Researcher Level III)
Sutton Avian Research Center, Oklahoma Biological Survey, University of
Oklahoma, Bartlesville, OK
http://suttoncenter.org/pages/positions_and_opportunites
Description:
The George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center (“Sutton Center”) is a
leading nonprofit organization dedicated to exceptional avian
conservation, research, education, and outreach programs. The Sutton
Center is also a constituent part of the Oklahoma Biological Survey at
the University of Oklahoma. The mission of the Sutton Center is “finding
cooperative conservation solutions for birds and the natural world
through science and education.” For more than 30 years the Sutton Center
has led a broad range of projects related to basic or applied
ornithology, including: the ecology and conservation of grouse; nesting
ecology of grassland songbirds; captive rearing, release, monitoring,
and satellite-tracking of the Southern Bald Eagle; shortgrass prairie
raptor breeding ecology; population monitoring of Central American
parrots; severe storm ecology; Breeding and Winter Bird Atlases; and
spatiotemporal modeling of bird migration.
We seek a Director of Research to lead, grow, and oversee our diverse
research programs. Duties include development of a strategic research
focus, coordination among projects, data collection and analysis,
publication and dissemination of results, and seeking grant funding for
established and new research projects. The Director of Research will
supervise a staff that includes 4 full-time biologists, a postdoctoral
researcher, and a variable number of temporary staff and seasonal
technicians. Other core duties include preparation of peer-reviewed
papers, annual reports, and oral presentations, and interaction with a
Board of Directors. The Director of Research needs to be a well-rounded
scientist with good communication and interpersonal skills with more
than just an academic interest in conservation.
The Director of Research will be supported by a strong research
infrastructure at the Sutton Center and the University of Oklahoma,
which collectively provides a significant advantage in establishing and
funding effective research and conservation programs. The selected
candidate will have the opportunity for adjunct faculty status at the
University of Oklahoma and, with this status, mentor graduate students
and teach summer courses on or around the Sutton Center campus.
The Sutton Center is located in the Osage Hills south of Bartlesville,
OK, a low-cost city with many intellectually-stimulating events
throughout the year that appeal to the large population of petrochemical
engineers and scientists who work in the community. This region boasts
the roughly 40,000 acre Tallgrass Prairie Preserve and a diversity of
other habitats, in a state that regularly hosts 300+ breeding,
wintering, or passage-migrant bird species. Our secluded 40-acre hilltop
campus is comprised of five main buildings that house various
administrative and research staff offices, conference rooms, archival
collections, and live birds featured in an interactive free-flight
traveling education program. For more information on the Sutton Avian
Research Center call Executive Director Dr. Jeremy Ross at (918) 336-
7778 or visit SuttonCenter.org
Qualifications:
Preference will be given to applicants who are experienced researchers
in avian ecology and general ornithology as demonstrated by: (1) an
earned Ph.D. in wildlife ecology, biology or related field; (2)
publication of significant research papers; (3) successful funding of
research through competitive grants, and (4) experience forging
effective conservation partnerships. Strong quantitative and study
design skills are also needed as the incumbent will be responsible for
statistical analysis of large complex sets of spatially-explicit,
multivariate, time-series, and/or modeled data.
Particularly relevant experience, such as any work with protected
species, upland game bird research, or involvement with nonprofit
organizations, should be highlighted in the application cover letter.
Exceptional candidates who have successfully defended their thesis and
are only awaiting conferral of their Doctorate will also be considered.
Compensation:
Starting salary: $50,000 - $56,000
Benefits:
Moving allowance up to $5000
As a University of Oklahoma employee, the Director of Research will be
provided: health insurance, subsidized vision and dental plans, life
insurance, disability/dismemberment/long-term care insurance, a matched
retirement plan, tuition waivers for dependents, and 27 days of paid
leave time each year (with 5-year increases). This position will also
convey other OU staff benefits, including: access to professional
development training, financial planning assistance, discounted pricing
at various businesses and technology stores, special access or pricing
for various OU academic and athletic events, and access to Employee
Assistance Programs in the Bartlesville/Tulsa area.
Number of Positions:1
Deadline: September 30, 2015 at 17:00
Instructions:
Applicants MUST apply for this position online at https://jobs.ou.edu
under job requisition #23011 or use the quick link:
jobs.ou.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=90187
Applicants will be required to submit: (1) a cover letter outlining
their research interests, their long-term vision for the Sutton Center's
Research Division and, if applicable, their teaching and mentoring
interests; (2) a Curriculum Vitae; and (3) a list of at least three
references.
Position will remain open until filled. If a suitable pool of
exceptional candidates emerges prior to the stated application deadline,
we may commence interviews and selection of the position at that time.
Start date may be negotiated, though January 11, 2016 would be the
latest possible starting date.
The University of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Protected
veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
