Assistant Professor, Ecological Modeling

The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (NREM) at Oklahoma State University invites applications for a full-time, eleven-month, tenure-track position (75% Research and 25% Teaching) in ecological modeling. Oklahoma is an ecologically rich and diverse state with ecosystems ranging from mesic forests in the east to shortgrass prairie in the west. Oklahoma experiences frequent disturbances from agents such as fire, drought, and severe weather.  These affect the management and sustainability of our natural resources and threaten our urban/exurban areas and infrastructure. 

We are seeking a candidate to contribute to research related to understanding and modeling disturbance and its impacts on natural and human environments in Oklahoma and the United States. Application and/or development of models to understand fire behavior, drought, severe weather, and other disturbances at multiple spatial scales is required. Outcomes of research should lead to improvement of natural resources, mitigation of potential climate change impacts, increased resilience of infrastructure, or improved human health and wellbeing. The successful candidate is expected to work closely with multidisciplinary faculty in natural resources, climatology, social science, and engineering to meet the needs of diverse stakeholder groups. The successful candidate’s teaching program will contribute to the department’s undergraduate and graduate programs. Specific instructional assignments, including undergraduate academic advising, depend upon the candidate’s expertise and the needs of the department.

The department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is comprised of about 20 faculty with expertise in aquatic, fisheries, forest, rangeland, and wildlife resources, plus 15 research, teaching, and support staff. Approximately 45 masters and doctoral graduate students are advised by NREM faculty, and we serve approximately 265 undergraduate students. The Department is also the administrative home of the Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. The candidate will be expected to serve on departmental, college, and university committees.

Requirements include a Ph.D. in natural resources or field related to ecological modeling. Documented evidence of effective oral and written education skills, an understanding of the land-grant mission, and a strong interest in working with landowners, stakeholders, and land management agencies is required. Evidence of the ability to conduct both independent and collaborative programs with other faculty and natural resource professionals, to develop and maintain an active research program, to publish peer reviewed articles, to seek and secure extramural funding to support a research program, to create curriculum for teaching, demonstrated ability to deliver lectures, and the ability to provide mentorship of students is required.

Candidates should submit:  1) a letter of application that includes a brief description of the applicant’s research and teaching philosophy, 2) a complete CV that includes: background, education, experience, and a list of publications and extramural funding, 3) official academic transcripts, and 4) contact information for five (5) references.  Questions can be directed to Rodney Will rodney.will@okstate.edu

Review of applications will begin March 15, 2021, and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.  The position will be filled by June 1, 2021, or as soon thereafter as an outstanding candidate is available.  Continuation of this position is subject to performance and need.

For more information about the department, visit http://nrem.okstate.edu.