University of Kentucky Seeks Forestry & Natural Resources Faculty, Forest Ecology
Responsibilities
The successful candidate should demonstrate strong ability and experience conducting multiscale (e.g., organism, community, landscape) research in both applied and theoretical aspects of forest ecology. Areas of research pertinent to this position include, but are not limited to, empirical and mechanistic drivers of forest stand dynamics, ecophysiological responses of forest and urban trees to biotic and abiotic stresses and disturbances, process and function of forest ecosystems in the context of climate change, and patterns and mechanisms of forest biodiversity. Expected teaching responsibilities include courses in forest ecology that serve the department’s Bachelor of Science Forestry program and the department’s graduate program(s) in Forest and Natural Resource Sciences, including the recently implemented doctoral program. Additional teaching contributions may include undergraduate and graduate courses aligned with the successful candidate’s area of expertise such as dendrology, winter dendrology, forest fire, tree physiology, biometrics, and/or other introductory forestry and natural resources courses. The candidate is also expected to provide department, college, and university service and support aligned multi-disciplinary programs including the college’s Natural Resources and Environmental Science undergraduate program.
The position is 60% research, 30% teaching, and 10% service, subject to annual evaluation and modification. The successful candidate will be expected to enhance the department’s academic community and contribution to the institution’s land grant mission including building a nationally recognized research program, as demonstrated by success in acquiring extramural funding, publication in leading refereed journals, along with graduate student recruitment and mentorship. The department promotes an interdisciplinary environment with researchers in related fields fostering collaboration with departmental faculty in teaching and through research relating to diverse forestry and natural resource issues. This position is one of four faculty hires being undertaken by the department during the 2021–2022 academic year providing a unique opportunity to collaboratively strengthen the department’s long-term effort to enhance the ecological, economic, and social benefits of forests and related natural resources.
Qualifications
Ph.D. degree in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related discipline. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in the broad field of forest ecology. Postdoctoral research experience is preferred but not required.
The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources is one of 14 academic departments in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment providing undergraduate and graduate instruction in forestry and natural resources, maintains Kentucky’s only Society of American Foresters accredited forestry program and contributes to inter departmental programs and certificates. Faculty of the department conduct basic and applied research to support our understanding and use of forest ecosystems and develop education and outreach solutions to address critical forest resource issues. Emphasis areas include ecology and silviculture, forest management and operations, wildlife ecology and conservation biology, economics, landscape and disturbance ecology, hydrology/watershed management, as well as forest health and restoration. The department has significant resources available to support its mission including the nationally recognized Robinson Forest and has significant partnerships and national recognition in forestry extension. The mixed mesophytic forests in Kentucky are among the most biodiverse temperate forests on Earth with many important tree species critical for wildlife habitat and human’s wellbeing. For information about the Department and the University of Kentucky, see forestry.ca.uky.edu and www.uky.edu. For information about living in Lexington, see www.lexingtonky.gov and www.visitlex.com.
Application Procedure
To apply for job FE02778, submit a UK Online Application at www.uky.edu/ukjobs. Closing date is December 17, 2021. Interested applicants should attach the following documents: a letter of application (Cover Letter), curriculum vitae (Resume), statement of research philosophy (Specific Request 1), statement of teaching philosophy (Specific Request 2), and unofficial transcripts (Specific Request 3), names and contact information for three references (Specific Request 4).
Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Jian Yang, Search Committee Chair, jian.yang@uky.edu, (859) 257-5820.
The University of Kentucky is an equal opportunity university. We encourage applications from women, minorities, and all interested and qualified people. The EEO Coordinator is Tim West, S-105 Agricultural Science North, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0091.