Requisition Number: F_200111

Department: School of Natural Resources-0844

Description of Work:

The Social-Ecological Rangeland Scientist holds an academic-year appointment as assistant professor, and is a member of a cohort of scientists leading resilience theory and applications at the University of Nebraska, focusing on how human well-being is intertwined with, and depends upon, a sustainable nexusThe Social-Ecological Rangeland Scientist holds an academic-year appointment as assistant professor, and is a member of a cohort of scientists leading resilience theory and applications at the University of Nebraska, focusing on how human well-being is intertwined with, and depends upon, a sustainable nexus of food, energy, water, and environmental systems. The scholarly program of the incumbent extends the long-history of rangeland expertise in IANR and UNL, and contributes to addressing demand from stakeholders for broader, global perspectives on the social and ecological challenges facing the sustainability of rangeland systems.

The incumbent maintains a high impact, nationally and internationally recognized, externally supported research and teaching program contributing as an effective scholar, citizen, and leader for the integrated (extension, research, and teaching) land-grant mission of the School of Natural Resources (SNR) (60% or 40%) and the Agronomy and Horticulture Department (A&H) (40% or 60%) and IANR, including supporting student recruitment and IANR science literacy. Research (60%) will strengthen the understanding of how social and cultural phenomena are changing in rangeland systems by providing leadership in rangeland vulnerability analysis, systems analysis, complexity science, quantitative social science, or network analysis, and by providing leadership in the applications of these for rangeland governance, policy, and management. The incumbent is an integral member of the Center for Resilience in Working Agricultural Landscapes (CRAWL), the Nebraska Integrated Beef Systems Initiative (NIBSI), the Center for Grassland Studies (CGS), and the rangeland programs in A&H and SNR.

Contributions to the teaching mission are expected to average 0.40 FTE, including development of new courses in social-ecological systems analysis of rangelands and agricultural policy for managing rangelands in conjunction with collaborating units and centers, and team-teaching courses in grassland ecology. Additionally, the incumbent is expected to recruit, advise, and mentor students. Specific course assignments may change according to program needs.

In the area of work covered by the position the incumbent is expected to seek and establish effective disciplinary and trans-disciplinary collaborations including integration with local stakeholders, complementary research groups, extension teams, educational programs, and other partners. The incumbent is expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university levels.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

An earned Ph.D. in Natural Resources, Agronomy, Rangeland Science, Public Policy, Human Dimensions or related field at time of appointment. Record of scientific work, including peer-reviewed manuscripts and grants, which clearly identifies a specialty in social-ecological rangeland science.

Preferred Qualifications:

The successful applicant will have skills that encompass both rangeland ecology and social sciences. Demonstrable field, experimental, and quantitative skills, including the analysis of large datasets. Commitment to excellence in teaching. Excellent oral and written communication skills applicable to communicating with a variety of stakeholders. Ability to engage in scientific teamwork in order to address major issues. Demonstrated interdisciplinary skills, especially blending social-ecological approaches to rangeland science in working landscapes. Demonstrated ability to publish, and establish publication record in social science aspects of resilience application or theory, applied in rangeland/working landscapes. Demonstrated ability to work at interdisciplinary interfaces, and to successfully compete for external funding.

Job Type: 9 Month