Founding Director, Center for Great Lakes and Watershed Studies

Bowling Green State University

Founding Director, Center forGreat Lakes and Watershed Studies

The Department of Biological Sciences invites applications from internationally recognized scientists whose research expertise is in any area related to aquatic systems or watershed science for a fulltime, 9-month tenured appointment as Associate Professor or Professor, with a possible named, endowed professorship, depending upon qualifications. The successful applicant will engage and collaborate with researchers from units across the College (notably Biology, Chemistry, and the School of Earth, Environment, and Society) and collaboratively lead the Center forGreat Lakes and Watershed Studies. Start date is August 2024.

Information about Program and College

A critical mass of research-productive faculty from Biology, Chemistry, and the School of Earth, Environment, and Society (SEES) with common interests in water quality and Watershed science have worked together informally as the Center forGreat Lakes and Watershed Studies since 2017. Representing one of three designated “research pillars” at the university, these faculty are working towards formal establishment for the Center, following university governance processes.

Accordingly, the Department of Biological Sciences is seeking to hire a senior scientist to carry out research consistent with the Center’s mission and serve as its Founding Director. The Center’s mission is to “conduct collaborative, interdisciplinary research to advance the understanding of watershed science, including connections with land use practices, ecosystem dynamics, and restoration activities. This work, across the interface of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, will help further our understanding and management of biodiversity, ecosystem function, and water quality. Integrating interdisciplinary research, education, and community engagement, we address critical issues that threaten fresh waters and Watersheds in Ohio and around the world.”

Currently, faculty researchers across the university in the emergent Center regularly collaborate with each other, share advanced equipment and resources (e.g., research vessels, mass spectrometers, a greenhouse, a field station) and enjoy relationships with a local agricultural incubator and the Toledo Zoo’s conservation program and facilities. The Director would be expected to collaborate with current faculty researchers, help advance a common vision and goals, and lead efforts in seeking collaborative research and training grants.

With 27 full-time faculty, the Department of Biological Sciences is one of the largest units in the College and is among the top units at the university in external funding for research. We offer both a Master’s and PhD in biology with specializations in several areas, and we are among the top units in the College with over 600 undergraduate majors. As an appointee in biology, the successful applicant is eligible to be named an Endowed Professor of Biology, pending approval by the department chair and the dean. For more information about the department, please see https://www.bgsu.edu/arts-and- sciences/biological-sciences.html

The Department of Biological Sciences is located within the College of Arts and Sciences. The College strives to foster and sustain an engaging culture of discovery, creativity, teaching, learning, and collaboration, enriched by a diversity of experiences and perspectives. We are especially interested in recruiting candidates who can contribute, through their teaching, scholarly/creative work, and/or service, to our efforts to meet the challenge of achieving inclusive excellence in our academic community. The College takes a cohort-based approach to faculty success, providing resources and support within the Dean’s Office and through collaboration with Arts and Sciences departments and schools, leadership teams in other colleges, and university-serving partners such as the Center for Faculty Excellence. Through these connections, we are developing comprehensive programming that supports the professional growth and advancement of faculty across all disciplines, ranks, and career stages. We value and practice shared governance and are committed to maintaining a vibrant and equitable working environment.

Essential Functions

The successful applicant is expected to continue building upon their strong scholarly record by publishing in peer-reviewed journals or book chapters, obtaining external funding for their research, collaborating with researchers, and mentoring faculty and students. Formal classroom teaching is also expected, although some of the standard teaching workload will be reassigned to administrative workload for performing duties as Founding Director of the Center forGreat Lakes and Watershed Studies (CGLWS).

The Founding Director is expected to work towards achieving formal recognition for the CGLWS by working through the university’s governance process, serve formally as Director when the Center is recognized, and until that time, serve informally as director of the emergent Center. The successful applicant will work with center members to develop a strategic plan for the growth and sustainability of the Center, represent the Center to internal and external stakeholders, and oversee operations and governance of the Center.

By accomplishing the above, the successful applicant should meet the institutional expectations regarding research, teaching, and service as a faculty member of the Department of Biological Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Biology or an area related to water quality or watershed science (e.g., Ecology, Environmental Science, Watershed Science, Environmental Toxicology, Hydrology, Environmental Engineering) Scholarly, teaching, and service records that merit appointment at the rank of Associate Professor under the Department of Biological Sciences Reappointment, Tenure, and Promotion policy (posted here: https://www.bgsu.edu/provost/faculty- affairs/policies-guidelines/reappointment-tenure-promotion-policies.html) Demonstrated record of extramural funding to support research as PI, Co-PI, or subcontractee - Demonstrated record of consistent publication of peer-reviewed articles or book chapters and conference presentations Leadership or administrative experience beyond serving on or chairing department committees

Application Process

Applications accepted online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/bgsu.

Application Materials Required

- A one-two page cover letter

- Curriculum vitae

- Names and contact information of three professional references

- Up to five PDF files of in-press manuscripts or publications across the career

- Statement of current research interests and plans for future research and potential funding sources (up to three pages in length, excluding references)

- Statement of leadership philosophy that includes a discussion of the applicant’s experience with broadening participation in science as well as examples of how the applicant has promoted a cooperative, collegial, positive, and successful work environment (up to two pages in length, excluding references)

- Statement of teaching philosophy, including training of students (up to two pages in length, excluding references).

- Sample syllabus and assignments that illustrate inclusive pedagogy or student learning-focused course design. Syllabus and assignments may be from previous or proposed courses.

Unofficial transcripts of highest degree earned are required for candidates invited for in-person interviews. Finalist will be required to submit official transcripts.

BGSU policy requires finalist to authorize and pass a background check prior to receiving an offer of employment.

Application Deadline

The search committee will review applications until the position is filled; however, for best consideration, applications should be provided by February 8, 2024.

Salary & Benefits

Competitive and commensurate with candidate’s experience and credentials. Full benefits package available.

Further Information

For further information, please contact Kevin McCluney (kmcclun@bgsu.edu), Search Committee Chair.

Bowling Green State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer . We are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Bowling Green State University, please call 419-372-8421 or email ohr@bgsu.edu.

Bowling Green State University

Address 1851 N Research Drive Huntington Building Bowling Green, Ohio, 43403

Phone(419) 372-8421

Website https://www.bgsu.edu/human-resources/careers.html