Assistant Professor of Urban Ecology

Starting Date: September 1, 2025, or as negotiated

This is a tenure-track position in the School of Natural Resources (http://www.snr.missouri.edu) at the University of Missouri (MU). The successful candidate will develop an exciting and high-impact, nationally/internationally recognized, externally funded research program in the field of urban ecology, urban biodiversity, and urban wildlife conservation that will complements existing strengths in wildlife ecology and conservation. The position will strengthen growing education programs, collaborate with other established MU research centers to garner major grants, form innovative new partnerships with private and public partners, and contribute greatly toward improving grant and publication metrics considered in the Association of American Universities' (AAU) rankings. Teaching may include undergraduate courses in urban wildlife conservation, urban ecology, natural resources planning and management, urban biodiversity, and graduate courses related to the individual's expertise (total of 3-4 courses per year).

This position will complement and collaborate with faculty in the School of Natural Resources; the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) and its divisions; other colleges and departments across the MU campus (e.g. Biology, Geography. Collaborative efforts will also develop through participation in the Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands, and Aquatic Systems, with state scientists from the Missouri Department of Conservation, the USDA Forest Service Northern Forest Research Station (unit housed on campus), and the USGS Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (also housed on campus).

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology, Ecology, Conservation Biology, or a closely related discipline by the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on: a strong background in urban ecology, urban biodiversity, and urban wildlife conservation; a strong record of impactful peer-reviewed publications; teaching experience; and a level of grantsmanship that reflects high productivity relative to the applicant's career stage. The area of expertise should complement existing institutional strengths in wildlife ecology and conservation. The candidate should have a demonstrated interest in working with state and federal agencies and other private and public stakeholders.

To apply for this position, please visit the MU web site at http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic/ - Job ID 53258. Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, narrative of teaching philosophy (approximately 2 pages), narrative of current and future research interests (approximately 2 pages), a values statement (https://missouri.edu/mission-values), and the names and contact information of three references.

Review of applications will begin on 28 October 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. For additional information about the position, please contact Dr. Michael Byrne, Chair of the Search Committee, (byrnem@missouri.edu).

About MU: MU, the flagship institution in the University of Missouri System, has nearly 31,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is a land grant institution and a member of the Association of American Universities. Located midway between St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is a vibrant small city that is consistently ranked among the top such places to live in across America. The School of Natural Resources awards Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Natural Resources with emphases in multiple sub-disciplines and three B.S. degrees (Environmental Sciences; Natural Resources Science and Management; and Parks, Recreation and Sport). Detailed information about the programs and faculty is available at http://snr.missouri.edu. The School operates many laboratory and greenhouse facilities and has access to extensive field areas available within CAFNR's Farms and Centers Network ( http://cafnr.missouri.edu/ ). The School has robust collaborative ties to state and federal agencies charged with managing natural resources and numerous opportunities are available to access and conduct research on the extensive and diverse public lands surrounding Columbia.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.