The Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Connecticut invites applications for a faculty and administrative leadership position as the Department Head starting August 2021. The field of specialty is open; however, candidates whose research focuses on water within natural and/or human systems are highly encouraged to apply.
The Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Connecticut was established in 2019 through the reorganization of the Center of Integrative Earth Sciences (2004-2019) and offers interdisciplinary programs that advance understanding of the interactions between geological, biological, chemical, and physical processes. The Department consists of 11 tenured/tenure-track faculty, 4 joint and/or teaching faculty, a graduate program of ~20 students, and an undergraduate major of ~50 students. We maintain a high-quality, well-funded research program (~$2 million in annual research awards) with strong participation from students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The Department offers a B.S. and B.A. in Earth Sciences and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. More information about the University of Connecticut Department of Earth Sciences can be found at https://earthsciences.uconn.edu/
The Department Head will be tasked with guiding the Department of Earth Sciences at UConn toward continued growth as an internationally-recognized center of research and innovation. Applicants should articulate a vision of how to build on current strengths of the Department in the context of emerging opportunities and challenges in the discipline at the state, national, and international level. The successful candidate will be expected to advance the Department’s mission by attracting and mentoring the highest quality faculty, cultivating a diverse graduate and undergraduate program, and expanding interdisciplinary research activities.
Successful candidates will work within the Department, at UConn, and with external partners to:
Provide leadership to enhance the mission and activities of the Department by cultivating a vision and strategy to strengthen research, teaching and collaboration across the University;
Promote a world-class environment for research and scholarship;
Oversee Departmental operations and budget for strategic, academic, and operational development;
Represent the Department to the University administration, academic units, industry, and to public and private agencies at the local, regional, national, and international levels;
Cultivate strategic growth of the Department through the recruitment and retention of world-class faculty, staff and students;
Lead Departmental fundraising initiatives, budget preparation and management; and
Maintain an internationally recognized research program
Successful candidates will highlight a commitment to equity and be expected to broaden participation among members of under-represented groups; demonstrate through their research, teaching, and/or public engagement multiple perspectives as the foundation of a rich learning experience; integrate diverse experiences into instructional methods and research tools; and/or provide leadership in developing pedagogical techniques designed to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, populations, and intellectual interests.
Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A PhD in earth sciences or a closely-related STEM field, with academic achievements corresponding to appointment as full professor with tenure
A highly distinguished record of externally-funded research, teaching, mentoring students and public engagement
A commitment to diversity and excellence in the learning experience
A demonstrated record of leadership, management and administrative skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience managing an organization/unit including budgetary decision-making
A record of attracting, retaining and mentoring the highest quality faculty
A record of growing a diverse graduate and undergraduate program
A record of expanding interdisciplinary research activities
APPOINTMENT TERMS
This is a full-time, 10-month, tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2021. The successful candidate’s academic appointment will be at the Storrs campus. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
TO APPLY
Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/17436 and submit the following application materials:
A cover letter
Curriculum vitae
Statement of leadership philosophy
Research and scholarship statement
Teaching statement (including teaching philosophy, teaching experience, commitment to effective learning, concepts for new course development, etc.)
Commitment to diversity statement (including broadening participation, integrating novel research and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, etc.)
Contact information for 3 references (contact with references will not be made without your prior consent and only if selected as a viable candidate)
Evaluation of applicants will begin December 15, 2020 and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Any questions regarding this position should be directed Michael Hren, Search Committee Chair (Michael.Hren@uconn.edu).
At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
This position will be filled subject to budgetary approval.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.