The University of Texas at El Paso College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences and the Environmental Science and Engineering Program Position: Research Assistant Professor in Ecosystem Ecology
Position Description: The Systems Ecology Lab (SEL) housed within the Department of Biological Science and the Environmental Science and Engineering Program at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) announces a non-tenure track Research Assistant Professorship in Dryland Ecosystem Ecology. We are particularly interested in candidates wishing to pursue a career in academia who have a publication record in dryland ecosystem ecology, land-atmosphere carbon, water and energy exchange, and/or site based integration and synthesis of eddy covariance, phenological, micrometeorological and/or remotely sensed data. It is expected that the successful candidate will oversee and coordinate SEL’s research activities on the USDA Jornada Experimental Range in southern New Mexico, co-teach classes in ecosystem science and related fields, mentor student research, and assist with grant writing. Ongoing dryland research within SEL is supported by NSF-CREST, NSF-LTER, and USDA awards. A demonstrated ability to mentor students; collaborate with scientists across multiple disciplines, institutions and agencies; and interact with scientific networks is highly desired. The successful candidate will receive extensive career mentorship and be encouraged to seek independent funding. This position is particularly well suited to candidates who have completed a postdoc and wish to gain additional experience to be competitive in the academic job market over the next 2-3 years. The Systems Ecology Lab (SEL): SEL was established in 2005 and consists of an interdisciplinary team of postdocs with expertise in ecological and data science; technicians with expertise in GIS, remote sensing, software engineering, data science and sensor hardware design and development; and graduate (PhD and MSc) and undergraduate students from nine academic programs spanning science and engineering. The lab includes an ecology lab, GIS-remote sensing and software engineering lab, and a lab for hardware engineering. We conduct research throughout the northern Chihuahuan Desert, the Arctic, and East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. These activities are funded by NSF, USDA, USAID, BOEM, USFWS, NOAA and DHS and generally include extensive local to international collaboration. Graduates from SEL have gained employment in academia, national labs, state and federal agencies, the private sector, and in non-for-profit organizations. About UTEP and El Paso: The University of Texas at El Paso is a burgeoning national and international research university committed to access and excellence. A leader among Hispanic-serving institutions, UTEP enrolls over 23,000 students and is the only doctoral research university in the nation with a majority Mexican-American student body. UTEP is designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as “Community Engaged,” and UTEP faculty have been nationally recognized for their commitment to student success, teaching, research, and scholarship. As a center for intellectual capital, UTEP has awarded more than 110,000 degrees since its founding in 1914 and is one of the major economic engines in the Paso Del Norte region. UTEP offers exciting programs that are open to the public, including: Division I athletics, award-winning theater, dance, and music, the internationally acclaimed Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts, the Centennial Museum and Desert Gardens, and continuing and lifelong educational opportunities. El Paso County is a highly livable, bi-cultural community of approximately 800,000 people, which offers affordable homes and attractive neighborhoods. It is the safest large city of its size in the United States. Embraced by mountains on three sides, El Paso experiences more than 300 days of sunshine annually and a dry climate, making it possible to enjoy outdoor activities year round. The city of El Paso is adjacent to both the state of New Mexico and the country of Mexico, making it the nation’s leading area for cultural diversity and border health research. El Paso comprises 248 square miles, making it the 6th largest city in Texas and 19th largest city in the United States. Required Qualifications: The successful candidates must have a Ph.D. degree in a relevant field at the time of appointment and a demonstrated capacity to manage an eddy covariance (EC) tower, processes EC data, and synthesize results into manuscripts. Candidates capable of building active research programs, teaching at all levels, and engaging in collaborative research are encouraged to apply. The successful applicant must be physically able to conduct field work (carry heavy loads, climb towers, drive a vehicle etc). Preferred Qualifications: Postdoctoral training in a relevant field is preferred, as is a track record of peer-reviewed publication and attainment of research funding in related disciplines. Experience in mentoring students, managing an interdisciplinary team, and teaching in the field, laboratory or classroom is desired. Demonstrated participation in national and international networks and collaborations will be valued highly. Application Procedures: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled. The anticipated appointment date is Spring 2017. Applications must be submitted electronically via email as a single PDF file that includes the following: (1) a letter of application; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) a description of career goals; (4) a manuscript related to the position description; and (5) complete contact information for at least three references. For applications, please include “Research Assistant Professor Position: YOUR NAME” in the subject block of the email addressed to: Dr. Craig E. Tweedie. ctweedie@utep,edu Professor, Department of Biological Science Director, Environmental Science and Engineering Program This position is state-funded and will be renewable annually, contingent upon the successful candidate’s performance and available budget. The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity in employment or the provision of services.
