University of Utah

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

The University of Utah is creating a new, interdisciplinary faculty cluster focusing on Society, Water, and Climate. This 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. 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. 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 seek a social scientist 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.

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.

Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2014, position open until filled.

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.

Questions regarding the position can be directed to the search co-chairs, Drs. Dave Bowling (david.bowling@utah.edu) and Andrea Brunelle (andrea.brunelle@geog.utah.edu).