This is an exciting opportunity for a senior scientist with the ambition to work with other faculty on cross-disciplinary university initiatives and in the nation's capital at the interface of science, policy, and urban resilience. -- Matt

Associate or Full Professor of Environmental Science

American University, Washington DC

American University invites applications for a senior position at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor in urban ecology and community resilience beginning in Fall 2013. As we move forward into the next several decades, the combination of climate change, growing demand for resources, global population growth, and increasing urbanization will place increasing stress upon human communities, ecosystems, and the services they provide. While the resulting challenges will confront communities of every type, mega-urban areas will be particularly challenged to provide adequate energy, water and food; to avoid or minimize the health and ecological consequences of global environmental stresses; and to respond to these interlocking challenges in ways that do not aggravate the situation.

We are especially interested in an energetic visionary who can draw together environmental studies faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of International Service, School of Communication, and School of Public Affairs around this theme. Our strengths include a strategic Washington location, a strong campus-wide research commitment to sustainability, several innovative, interdisciplinary graduate programs, and strong ties to the environmental science and policy community via federal agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and the environmental NGOs.

We are searching for someone with (a) a demonstrated capacity for doing scientifically rigorous, funded research on emerging challenges relevant to the unifying theme; (b) a research orientation that facilitates building bridges to other disciplines and intellectual traditions on campus; and (c) a desire to do policy-engaged research and public outreach. Although we do not propose limiting the focus to a specific research areas within the rubric of Urban Ecology and Resilience, work that synergistically taps the food/water/energy science-policy nexus and environmental communications would be particularly attractive.

Applicants must have a PhD in a scientific discipline, at least ten years’ experience in academia or government, and a successful funding record. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2012 and continue until the position is filled. Candidates should send an application letter outlining research interests, teaching experience and philosophy; a CV; and no more than three sample publications. Please arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent directly from the referees.

Application materials should be sent to: Dr. David C. Culver Chair, Urban Ecology and Community Resilience Search Department of Environmental Science American University, Beeghly 104 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW Washington, DC 20016-8007, Email: environmental@american.edu (electronic submission is encouraged)

American University is an affirmative action/Equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.