Assistant Professor in Evolutionary Plant Biology

The Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Colorado Denver seeks to hire a tenure-track faculty member at the rank of Assistant Professor in Plant Evolutionary Biology. The department seeks an individual who uses cutting-edge approaches and analytic tools to study evolutionary processes.

Preference will be given to candidates who engage undergraduate and graduate students in basic research that crosses disciplines and complements existing research areas in the department. Any area of specialization within plant evolutionary biology will be considered. We encourage applications from individuals who work at or across any scale (from local to global; from micro to macro) and on any taxa (from fungi through algae to flowering plants). The successful candidate will establish a productive, externally funded research program, and excel in inclusive teaching and mentoring of a diverse student population. We are actively seeking faculty whose research, teaching, and service demonstrate their commitment to inclusion and equity of under-represented individuals in STEM. 

The candidate could contribute to a variety of courses in the program, such as Introduction to Evolution, Plant Science, Plant Diversity, and/or Flora of Colorado. Generally, in an academic year, tenure track faculty teach one undergraduate service course (e.g., Introduction to Evolution) and two courses in their area of expertise at either the graduate or undergraduate level.

Many research and teaching resources exist locally. We have established formal connections with Denver Botanic Gardens and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, which may be of relevance to the candidate. Affiliate faculty from Denver Botanic Gardens supervise graduate students within our department and serve on committees. Facilities, collections, and resources at the Gardens may be requested by CU Denver faculty and research collaborations are possible. There are a variety of other laboratory, field, and collections resources available within the area. Our faculty have current or past partnerships at Niwot LTER, Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, USDA ARS Pawnee National Grasslands, and Rocky Mountain National Park, to name a few.

About the Department:

The Department offers both MS and PhD degrees and supports 2,000 undergraduate students. The Biology Major is the largest undergraduate program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The new hire will contribute to graduate programs that integrate educational and research opportunities, including our interdisciplinary PhD Program in Integrative and Systems Biology. PhD and Masters programs in Integrative and Systems Biology encourage multi-disciplinary faculty participation from across the CU Denver Campus, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Anschutz Medical Campus. 

The Department of Integrative Biology is on a growth trajectory, and offers competitive start-up packages and modern research facilities. Sponsored research is supported by a diverse array of local, state, and federal partners. 

About the University:

Located in downtown Denver, The University of Colorado Denver is Colorado’s only public urban research university. Our close connection with the nearby Anschutz Medical Campus offers access to state-of-the-art core facilities and cutting-edge medical research. CU Denver serves 15,000 students, and offers more than 100 degree programs across 8 schools and colleges. Our campus is located in downtown Denver, next to a vibrant commercial and cultural district, three major professional sports venues, the Denver Convention Center, the Performing Arts Center, city and state government offices, and a broad range of scientific institutions, such as Colorado State University, University of Colorado Boulder, and major governmental research labs (e.g., NOAA, USGS).

Competitive applicants will contribute to the CU Denver and the Department of Integrative Biology mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM education. CU Denver serves 15,000 students, and offers more than 100 degree programs across eight schools and colleges. The University student body is diverse: for our undergraduates, 52% percent are women, 44% are students of color, and 51% of freshmen are 1st generation students. CU Denver is also listed on G.I. Jobs “Military Friendly Schools” list. CU Denver is a member of The National Science Foundation’s Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation, and a recipient of a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Inclusive Excellence Grant for enhancing equity in STEM education. Diversity and inclusion are embedded in all aspects of campus life, described further at: http://www.ucdenver.edu/about/departments/odi/diversitymatters.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary is commensurate with skills and experience. The University of Colorado offers a full benefits package. Information on University benefits programs, including eligibility, is located at Employee Services.

University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks for all new employees prior to their employment.

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Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits.

Total Compensation Calculator: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/total-compensation

Diversity and Equity:

Please click here for information on disability accommodations: http://www.ucdenver.edu/about/departments/HR/jobs/Pages/JobsatCUDenver.aspx

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications: We encourage scientists working in any area of evolutionary plant biology to apply.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in the biological sciences or related field;
• published peer reviewed literature in the field of plant evolutionary biology;
• the ability to establish a productive, externally funded research program, as evidenced by compelling and attainable research goals, high impact publications, and significant involvement in the larger community of researchers;
• a demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM;
• the academic preparation to contribute to the undergraduate and graduate teaching mission of the department, in part by being able to offer courses relevant to undergraduates interested in plant biology and evolution

Preferred qualifications:  

• postdoctoral training or other post-graduate research experience;
• experience applying to and/or obtaining extramural funding;
• ability to add value and contribute to existing strengths of the department and university;
• a record of inclusive mentoring and teaching;
• experience teaching Plant Evolutionary Biology courses at the university level
• Special Instructions to Applicants: When applying at CU Careers, applicants must include: 

   

• Applications must include the following. Evidence of past efforts and future plans to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion should be provided in the cover letter, research, and/or teaching statements. Please thread evidence of your philosophy, experience, and plans for diversity and inclusion in your research and teaching.

Special Instructions to Applicants: When applying at CU Careers, applicants must include:

• A cover letter addressing the position requirements, summarizing your qualifications, and describing how you will fit within the department
• Full Curriculum Vitae.
• Research Statement describing research interests, accomplishments, and future plans (including funding potential)
• Teaching Statement describing teaching and mentoring philosophy, history of teaching and mentoring students, and potential course offerings in the Department 
• The names, addresses, and daytime phone numbers for three professional references
• Review of applications begins 30 November, 2019 and continues until filled.