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The Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (OEB) seeks to appoint a tenured professor in terrestrial ecology to serve as the next director of Harvard Forest. Terrestrial ecology is defined broadly, including studies at the physiological, population, community, or ecosystem level, and encompasses both above- and below-ground terrestrial ecosystems, and all biological kingdoms. We are especially interested in individuals who conduct rigorous observational and/or experimental work on how the structure, composition and functioning of eastern temperate forests are changing as a result of human activities. In addition, we are also interested in individuals who are advancing our understanding of how to conserve biodiversity in natural and human-dominated landscapes, the role of biodiversity in the maintenance of ecosystem services, and the dynamics of coupled human-natural systems. 

 

Both OEB and Harvard Forest value diversity and are committed to building and sustaining culturally diverse intellectual communities on campus and at Harvard Forest.  We especially welcome applications from members of groups historically under-represented in STEM and candidates with experience teaching and working with diverse communities and students. The professor will teach and advise at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Harvard Forest and the OEB Department have strong linkages to other allied departments and institutions, including: the Dept. of Earth and Planetary Science, the Arnold Arboretum, the Harvard University Herbaria, the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, the Harvard Center for the Environment, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard's professional schools, and Harvard's new Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability. 

 

Harvard Forest (https://harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu), located in central Massachusetts, hosts integrated research, and educational and outreach programs investigating responses of forest dynamics to natural and human disturbances and environmental changes over broad spatial and temporal scales. It has more than 30 full-time staff, including six senior researchers. Its mission is to advance understanding of biological, physical, and social dimensions of terrestrial ecosystems in the forest landscapes of the eastern United States. Harvard Forest practices an open, inclusive, and collaborative approach to addressing local to global environmental challenges. The Forest's 4,000-acre land base hosts 100+ active research projects annually by PIs at more than two dozen institutions. Research includes deep engagement with regional stakeholders including conservation and forestry organizations, tribal nations, and state and federal agencies. Harvard Forest is one of the founding Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites and plays a major role in LTER leadership, strategic planning, network-wide studies, and public engagement programs. It is also a National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) site and member of the Ameriflux and ForestGEO research networks. Successful candidates will be expected to provide innovative leadership for Harvard Forest's mission in research and experiential education, particularly in the areas of ecology, ecosystem science, conservation biology, or global climate change. In addition, candidates will be expected to develop creative and impactful programs that leverage Harvard Forest's unique resources toward the benefit of research and education at the broader University. 

 

 The appointment is expected to begin on or after July 1, 2023. 

 

Candidates are required to have a doctorate in terrestrial ecology, ecosystem science, or related discipline.

Demonstrated strong commitment to teaching, advising, and research is desired. Candidates should also evince intellectual leadership and impact on the field and potential for significant contributions to the department, University, and wider scholarly community.

Paul Moorcroft or Missy Holbrook, Search Committee, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology

Please submit the following materials through the ARIeS portal (https://academicpositions.harvard.edu). Review of applications will begin on January 9th 2023.

1. Cover letter

2. Curriculum Vitae

3. Teaching/advising statement (describing teaching philosophy and practices)

4. Research statement

5. Statement describing the candidate's vision for the future of inclusive leadership of a high-impact field station and center for experiential learning, including a history of collaborative research and synthesis, student mentorship, and engagement with broad stakeholders.

6. Statement describing efforts to encourage diversity, inclusion, and belonging. This can include a description of past and ongoing efforts, and anticipated future contributions.

7. Authorization form

Harvard University is committed to fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive and experience a sense of inclusion and belonging. Community members are encouraged to model our values of integrity, responsible mentorship, equity, and excellence no matter where they are.

To support this commitment to our values of inclusion and excellence, the external finalist for this position will be required to complete a conduct questionnaire – specifically regarding findings of violation, on-going formal complaint investigations, or formal complaint investigations that did not conclude due to the external finalist's departure concerning: harassment or discrimination, retaliation, sexual misconduct, bullying or intimidating/abusive behavior, unprofessional relationship, or misconduct related to scholarship, research, teaching, service, or clinical/patient care.

Harvard will also make conduct inquiries to current and former employers of the external finalist regarding such misconduct. To facilitate these inquiries, Harvard requires all external applicants for this position to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled

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About Harvard University

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

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