The University of Utah is creating a new, interdisciplinary faculty cluster focusing on Society, Water, and Climate (SWC). This transformative cluster will connect research on hydrology, air quality, climate change, societal response, and policy, seeking to meld multiple scientific perspectives to lead society towards sustainable water solutions in a changing world. This interdisciplinary cluster will enhance the University of Utah's core commitment to sustainability, and complement ongoing, related research across departments and colleges on campus. Possible home departments for the hires are Political Science, Anthropology, Geography, Economics, Geology and Geophysics, Atmospheric Sciences, Biology, and Civil and Environmental Engineering. A full description of the positions and participating departments can be found here http://www.utah.edu/faculty/swc/.
As part of our cluster initiative, we are seeking applicants for three tenure-track or tenured faculty positions at the advanced Assistant or Associate rank to begin in July 2015. Exceptional candidates of other rank may also be considered. An additional two hires are planned for 2016 to complete the cluster. Candidates should have an excellent and sustained record of research, a demonstrated ability to generate extramural funding, and extensive experience in working with diverse researchers from across the disciplinary spectrum. Positions are not tied to a specific department. We anticipate hiring a total of five new faculty members for the cluster with expertise in one or more of the following areas: Social Science with a focus on the human dimensions of environmental change, as it relates to water and climate change. Research should address at least one of the following areas: policy, governance, communications, planning, measurement, conservation, cultural adaptation, human behavior, conflict, energy, food security or land use as related to climate change and with a focus on water vulnerability. Research should use theoretically grounded approaches that incorporate diverse data types and analysis methods. Interested applicants click here: http://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/35101 Climatology with a focus on past, recent, and/or future climate variability related to drought and water resources especially in mountain environments since many communities in the west rely on water resources originating from snowpack. An ability to visualize and communicate climate variability research is strongly desired. Interested applicants click here: http://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/35123 Ecohydrology with a focus on climate change impacts on ecosystems including the interactions and feedbacks between ecological processes (including disturbance) and hydrological processes, in terrestrial and/or aquatic ecosystems. Interested applicants click here: http://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/35134 Hydrological Modeling with a focus on large-scale hydrological forecasting, coupled Earth-systems modeling, or hydroinformatics and data assimilation. Interested applicants click here: http://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/35154 Snow Hydrology with a focus on snowpack extent and snow water equivalent, and/or measuring changes in snow across spatial and temporal scales. Interested candidates click here: http://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/35155 Air Quality with a focus on air quality modeling. We are especially interested in candidates with demonstrated scholarship linking air quality/atmospheric chemistry with climate change and the hydrological cycle. http://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/35157 The University of Utah is committed to providing resources to support and grow the SWC cluster. Applications will be reviewed by an interdisciplinary committee. Successful candidates will show strength in their discipline but also demonstrate potential for genuine collaboration in the SWC cluster and with other interdisciplinary centers at the University of Utah. One of the new cluster hires will serve as the Director of the Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program. The director will serve a three-year term, with expected service of two terms, and then return as regular faculty to their home department. Applicants should submit their materials to the relevant cluster hire position(s) (e.g. Social Scientist, Ecohydrologist) and should select the option indicating their interest in the Director position. The University of Utah is a comprehensive and diverse Research I public institution located in the Wasatch Front urban corridor with easy access to research and recreational opportunities in the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin, and the Colorado Plateau. Salt Lake City is a dynamic, high-tech and bike-friendly metropolitan area with high-quality cultural and entertainment amenities, an extensive public transit system, and a sunny, dry four-season climate and “the Greatest Snow on Earth”. Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2014, position open until filled. Using the online application system (links provided above), applicants should provide a cover letter that details the position(s) that they are interested in, if they would like to be considered for the Director of Environmental and Sustainability Studies, and their preferred home department(s). In addition applicants should provide a CV, and statements of research and teaching interests that address their experience and interest in interdisciplinary collaboration. Applicants should provide the names, institutions, and email addresses of exactly three references who will only be contacted if the applicant advances past the first round of review. The search committee also requests that candidates upload their three most relevant publications. Applicants interested in being considered for the Director of Environmental and Sustainability Studies should also include a statement that addresses the applicant’s administrative experience in working across multiple disciplines including an overview of why this position fits their interests and their vision for the program. Questions regarding the position can be directed to the search co-chairs, Drs. Dave Bowling (david.bowl...@utah.edu) and Andrea Brunelle (andrea.brune...@geog.utah.edu). The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, national origin, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, status as a person with a disability, genetic information, or Protected Veteran status. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. To inquire about the University’s nondiscrimination or affirmative action policies or to request disability accommodation, please contact: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 201 S. Presidents Circle, Rm 135, (801) 581-8365. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds, and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students.
