POSITION AVAILABLE: Tenure-track Assistant Curator of Mammals and Assistant Professor of Biology, Sam Noble Museum and Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma.
SALARY: Negotiable (9-month appointment).
BEGINNING DATE: 16 August 2017
DESCRIPTION OF POSITION: We seek a creative, collaborative thinker with a collection-based research program involving molecular approaches to studying mammalian systems. We are especially interested in candidates who use genomic tools and datasets in combination with innovative computational, ecological, behavioral and/or comparative approaches to address important biological questions ranging from the origin and maintenance of organismal diversity, adaptation to changing environments, evolution, conservation, and human health and disease. Areas of research interests include, but are not limited to: comparative genomics, landscape/population genetics, geographical ecology, global change biology, evolutionary genetics, and mechanisms of evolution. Preference will be given to biologists with a documented record of collections-based research in natural history, including field experience and a broad taxonomic understanding of the Mammalia, who also clearly demonstrate cross-disciplinary research programs. A Ph.D., teaching experience, and field and museum research experience in mammalogy are required.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate will be expected to: (1) develop and maintain an innovative, extramurally-funded research program in mammalian systems; (2) oversee care and obtain support for a collection of about 70,000 specimens by maintaining records, identifying and cataloging specimens, supervising preparators and assistants, expanding and preserving the collections, and developing long-range plans for collection maintenance and development; (3) contribute to museum public exhibit development and support; (4) develop and contribute to museum-related outreach activities; and (5) contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching, including instruction of one course per year (one-half the regular department teaching load) in mammalogy, animal behavior, biogeography, genetics, evolution, comparative anatomy, ecological modeling, or bioinformatics. A full-time Curatorial Associate is funded in this collection (50% mammalogy collection, 40% genetic resources collection, 10% Supervisor of Integrated Pest Management).
GENERAL INFORMATION: The Sam Noble Museum is an organized research unit of the University of Oklahoma and is one of the finest university museums in the world. The museum has an outstanding curatorial, collections, education, exhibits, and support staff that serves the museum’s mission from research to preservation to education at all levels. The Department of Biology is a leading academic department with a tradition of excellence in organismal biology. It is home to 20 of the 44 faculty in the University’s graduate program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and it is currently in the process of hiring several new faculty in the next two to three years to expand on its strengths in geographical ecology and the biology of behavior.
APPLICATIONS: Send cover letter, curriculum vitae, summary of experience and goals (including teaching, research, and curation), and representative pdf reprint examples to Dr. Michael A. Mares, Director, mamares@ou.edu. Applicants should also arrange to have three signed letters of reference sent to mamares@ou.edu or to Genetic Mammalogist Search Committee, Sam Noble Museum, 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman, Oklahoma, 73072-7029. Visit us at http://samnoblemuseum.ou.edu/and http://biology.ou.edu.
CLOSING DATE: Screening of candidates will begin 22 October 2016 and continue until the position is filled.
THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND ENCOURAGES DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE. PROTECTED VETERANS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.