Assistant Professor in Organism-Environment Interactions (TT)

The Division of Biological Sciences (DBS) at the University of Missouri-Columbia seeks an outstanding individual with an innovative and integrative research program spanning multiple disciplines, that would extend and complement existing faculty strengths in DBS. We recognize the need for fostering a diverse and inclusive community, in order to achieve our core values of excellence in education and research. A successful candidate is expected to contribute to this core value by engaging in mentoring activities to support our efforts, with particularly an ability to directly provide mentorship to students and trainees from underrepresented groups. Thus, DBS is committed to increasing the representation of historically underrepresented minorities across all levels of its community.

We seek applications from candidates using integrative approaches to study interactions between organisms and their environment, broadly defined across molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological scales. We are particularly interested in candidates using quantitative approaches and who view themselves in an Integrative Biology context. The candidate is expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program, and to teach at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Also, candidates are expected to synergize with the broad range of research areas within DBS, including plant biology, microbiology, neurobiology, and behavior. We expect this hire to be part of a cluster of at least two hires in this research area within 3 years.

Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. in biology or related field at the time of appointment. Candidates will be evaluated on their work on organism-environment interactions, especially those employing innovative and integrative approaches.

Application

Applications will be evaluated with an initial blind review process that focuses on the three required statements, independent of CV and cover letter, beginning with the inclusion and equity statement. Applicants should include the following documents for review:

  1. a cover letter describing their interest in the position;
  2. a statement outlining the applicant’s previous contributions to inclusion and equity, and/or how they plan to contribute in future such efforts at MU. As part of this statement, applicants should include: a section outlining their mentorship experience, how they will provide an equitable and inclusive environment for their research lab members, and how their personal and professional experience shapes their contributions to inclusion and equity;
  3. a statement that outlines relevant teaching interests, philosophy, experience, and approaches, and if available we welcome evidence of previous teaching effectiveness;
  4. a research statement including a summary of past work and a description of the applicant’s future research direction, with language that addresses the integrative and synergistic nature of their work in the context of our department;
  5. a curriculum vitae;
  6. contact information for 3 letters of reference.

Review of applications will commence December 20, 2022, and continue until the position is filled. We anticipate a first round of Zoom interviews to take place in mid-January.

Applicants wishing to apply should do so here.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website.

Diversity Commitment

The University of Missouri is fully committed to achieving the goal of a diverse and inclusive academic community of faculty, staff and students. We seek individuals who are committed to this goal and our core campus values of respect, responsibility, discovery and excellence.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Vice Chancellor of Human Resource Services/Affirmative Action officer at 573-882-4256.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Disability Inclusion and ADA Compliance Manager at 573-884-7278.

EEO IS THE LAW

To read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) please use the following links: