The Department of Watershed Sciences at Utah State University invites applications for a full-time, academic year (nine-month), tenure-track Assistant Professor position in any physical or ecological discipline contributing to Watershed Science. We seek candidates who conduct innovative, interdisciplinary, and quantitative research that builds on our department's strengths in hydrology, fish ecology, aquatic ecology, wetland ecology, geomorphology, global change biology, climate science, water quality, and restoration of aquatic ecosystems. Disciplinary expertise may include, but is not limited to, limnology, fluvial geomorphology, fluvial hydraulics, ecotoxicology, riparian ecology, water quality, hydrology, restoration of aquatic ecosystems, or any emerging areas of watershed science. The successful candidate will develop a robust, externally funded research program and will teach 2-3 courses per year at undergraduate and graduate levels. To further the Department’s commitment to inclusion and engagement of an increasingly diverse community, we seek candidates who will successfully serve as mentors and role models for students belonging to groups that are historically underrepresented in natural resources and watershed sciences. Anticipated start date: August 1, 2024
USU’s Department of Watershed Sciences excels in the science of ‘wet’ ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, wetlands, reservoirs, oceans, and the watersheds that feed them. Our faculty includes biologists,ecologists, hydrologists, geomorphologists, biogeochemists, and climate scientists committed to making science useful for planning, management, and restoration efforts. The department is well-positioned to study and offer solutions to complex, interdisciplinary problems. We offer undergraduate degrees in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences and Management and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems that are aligned with the Society for Ecological Restoration and the River Management Society. We offer research graduate degrees in Ecology (MS, PhD), Fisheries Biology (MS), and Watershed Sciences (MS, PhD) as well a professional master's degree in Ecological Restoration.
Water research at USU is enhanced by collaborative opportunities through the multidisciplinary Ecology Center (https://www.usu.edu/ecology/), which promotes ecological research at USU and hosts a graduate program in Climate Adaptation Science. USU recently established the Institute for Land, Air and Water (https://www.usu.edu/ilwa/) which connects interdisciplinary research groups at USU with state and local and state governments to better inform environmental policy. USU departments with high collaborative potential include Biology; Civil and Environmental Engineering along with the Utah Water Research Laboratory; Environment and Society; Geosciences; Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning; Mathematics and Statistics; Plants, Soils, and Climate; and Wildland Resources.
Utah State University, established in 1888, is a Carnegie Foundation R1 research institution and the land- and space-grant institution for Utah. USU is located in beautiful Logan, Utah, a thriving small city in northern Utah. Nestled in the idyllic Cache Valley, between the Wellsville and Bear River mountain ranges, Logan offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities including skiing, biking, fishing, and hiking. Logan is a 90-minute drive to Salt Lake City and within a half day’s drive to many National Parks, Monuments, and Conservation Areas.
For questions about this position, please contact search committee chair Edd Hammill at: edd.hammill@usu.edu
Please submit applications by November 15, 2023.
This faculty role is defined as 50% research, 40% teaching, 10% service. The faculty member will be expected to successfully compete for external research grants that support undergraduate and graduate student researchers as well as publish peer-reviewed journal articles and other academic products. Beyond traditional academic products, we seek individuals dedicated to ensuring their research has positive, meaningful impacts on policy, management, restoration, and societal awareness. Promotion to Associate Professor with tenure is based on demonstrating excellence in research and effectiveness in teaching and service.
Minimum qualifications:
Preferred qualifications:
Along with the online application, please attach:
1) Curriculum vitae to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"
2) Cover letter
3) Research Statement highlighting intellectual merit and impacts to the scientific community of past and future research (2 pages max)
4) Teaching Statement describing teaching philosophy, experiences, courses they could teach at USU, contributions regarding inclusive pedagogy and mentoring (2 pages max)
5) Broader Impacts Statement describing the societal, management, and policy impacts of the candidate’s research, both past and foreseeable future (1 page max)
6) Up to 3 representative peer-reviewed publications
7) Names and contact information for three references
*Documents 2-6 to be uploaded under "Other Documents 1-10"
**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**
The environment and physical requirements may change depending on the specific function of the work performed. Incumbents may be in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, in an office space, event space, or public space are protected from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Incumbents may often use repetitive hand motion (such as typing). Outdoors, incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold. Incumbents may be required to walk and/or stand for long periods of time.
The S. J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources is nationally and internationally recognized for its research, extension, and teaching on natural and socio-environmental ecosystems. It is a high-impact college at Utah State University with over $15M in research funding annually, 55 tenure-track faculty in three departments, and close partnerships with federal and state natural resource agencies.
The Department of Watershed Sciences in QCNR is a powerhouse in the science of ‘wet’ ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, wetlands, reservoirs, and the watersheds that feed them. Faculty are committed to making science useful for planning, management and restoration efforts, and are well-positioned to study and solve complex, interdisciplinary problems with a cadre of ecologists, hydrologists, geomorphologists, biogeochemists, and others.
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.
As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.
Utah State is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Learn more about USU.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.
About the Region
U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation.
*updated 7/2023
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 Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266
Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266
Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
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
*updated 09/2023
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