Assistant Professor

Faculty Position in the Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota
Assistant Professor in Forest Systems Social-Ecological Spatial Analysis

Date: January 2024
Classification & Title: 9403, Assistant Professor
Position Opening ID: 359470
Working Title/ Specialty: Forest Systems Social-Ecological Spatial Analysis
FLSA Status: Exempt, 100%
Term: 9 month (academic year) 50% Research / 50% Teaching
Type: Tenure-track
Reports to: Department Head
College/ Admin Unit: College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus Location: St. Paul, MN

College Overview
The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of 12 academic departments, 10 Research and Outreach Centers across Minnesota, plus the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers that span the college, the university, and the globe. CFANS offers 13 undergraduate majors and 13 graduate majors, three pre-major/pre-professional programs and 23 minors for undergraduate students. Undergraduate enrollment in the college is about 2,000 students. CFANS students are well-prepared for a diverse, multicultural workforce through the college's emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary, and intercultural learning; internships and global perspectives.

At CFANS, we aim to inspire minds, nourish people, and enhance the natural environment, and we believe that's only possible if everyone feels seen, heard and respected. Our College embraces equity and diversity and prioritizes purpose-driven scientific discovery in order for us to build a better tomorrow, together. We align with the University of Minnesota in providing equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Department Overview
The Department of Forest Resources () is one of the oldest and most highly regarded forestry programs in the country. Its mission is to inform and advance the science and management of forest and related natural resources. The Department has 18 faculty and approximately 50 full-time researchers, scientists, and postdocs representing a breadth of disciplines in the biological, physical, social, and managerial sciences. The Department hosts B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. programs, supports many nationally and internationally recognized research programs, and has a long tradition of public engagement and outreach.

Faculty and scientists use several University centers across the state including the 3,400 acre Cloquet Forestry Center, Hubachek Wilderness Research Center near Ely, Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in East Bethel, and North Central Research and Outreach Center in Grand Rapids. Departmental members partner with UMN Extension, outreach/continuing
education groups (e.g. Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative), as well as other university-based research partnerships (e.g. Institute on the Environment, Midwest Climate Adaptation Center). Departmental faculty and staff engage with urban-focused groups and initiatives such as the Urban Forestry Outreach Nursery and Research Lab, the Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area Long Term Ecological Research Program. Members of the department collaborate with federal partners, such as the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station and US Geological Survey, both with offices on our campus. Department members work with state agencies (e.g MN DNR) and benefit from the vast geospatial resources (e.g Minnesota Geospatial Commons).

Twin Cities Overview
The Twin Cities is located on traditional and ancestral lands of the Dakota people. The Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area is a thriving community of nearly three million people across seven counties and 182 communities. It is home to an extensive parks and trails system with over 47 million visits per year. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus is Minnesota's only land-grant university and one of the most prestigious public research universities in the nation.

Position Description:
Nine-month, full-time, tenure-track assistant professor appointment with responsibilities for research (50%) and teaching (50%). The position is in the Department of Forest Resources and located on the St. Paul Campus. The successful candidate will have access to the Department office and laboratory space. The position is available beginning August 2024, with review of applications beginning February 25, 2024.

Responsibilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Establish a nationally recognized research program that addresses important issues affecting social-ecological forest landscapes. This research would be undertaken in collaboration with other faculty located at the University of Minnesota, as well as scientists and practitioners locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Seek and secure extramural funding needed to develop a nationally recognized social-ecological forest systems spatial analysis research program. Publish in refereed journals and other outlets. Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (FNRM 3131/5151 and one other current GIS or remote sensing course based on need) choosing from a variety of modalities and formats in topics such as forest and water systems, urbanization, population growth, regional migration associated with equity and justice, and others as assigned. Mentor undergraduate students in Department-affiliated majors (Forest and Natural Resource Management and Environmental Science, Policy and Management). Recruit, advise, train, and mentor graduate students. Prepare a diverse body of students for successful careers in spatial analysis, forest systems, and complementary areas. Participate in University faculty governance and, where appropriate, provide leadership to continuing education and outreach activities statewide. Provide service to the profession.

Minimum Qualifications:
* Ph.D. by the time of appointment with a concentration in spatial analysis of forest systems or a related field.
* Experience in identifying and conducting research that addresses important issues related to spatial analysis of forest systems, such as climate change, equity, watersheds, human population dynamics, and/or urban-rural gradients.
* Demonstrated experience in teaching GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and/or related fields using software systems common to forest and natural resource management organizations.
* Demonstrated strong written communication skills, including preparing and publishing in relevant peer-reviewed scientific journals.
* Demonstrated strong oral communication skills, as evidenced by presentations at professional meetings, seminars, workshops, or conferences.
* Demonstrated experience or commitment to working with people with diverse identities and underrepresented communities in formal or informal settings.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Demonstrated excellence in delivering undergraduate and graduate instruction.
* Demonstrated experience in, or commitment to, instruction programs that support diverse learners and build inclusive classroom environments.
* Success or evidence of potential to secure extramural funding.
* Demonstrated experience or evidence of potential in advising and training graduate students, especially from a range of cultures and experiences.
* Demonstrated success or evidence of potential in securing and fostering public and private partnerships.
* Expertise in a sub-discipline of forest geospatial analysis such as remote sensing, forests/water systems, forests/tree health, forest assessment, or land use/land cover change (LULCC).
* Expertise in an allied discipline such as forest ecology, forest genetics, forest management, hydrology, regional science, sociology, or environmental justice.
* Demonstrated experience in managing large datasets and drafting data management plans.
* Expertise in collecting, estimating and combining social and natural resources spatial data boundaries and data types.
* Demonstrated experience in online mapping products (e.g., Google Earth Engine, EPA's EJ Screen, Social Explorer, Web Soil Survey, Earth Explorer, iTree Suite) useful for academic teaching and research.
* Evidence of work in a collaborative environment.

Working at the University

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. The 9-month salary (option to be paid over 12 months) can be supplemented through research and/or educational grants. Salary will be supplemented with nine (9) weeks of summer salary for the first three (3) years of the appointment. Additional start-up funding includes graduate student support, moving expenses, and other start-up expenses.

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position.

Required application materials:
* Cover letter.
* Curriculum vitae.
* Statement of teaching interests and philosophy* (1 page).
* Statement of research interests and philosophy* (1 page).
* Diversity statement (1 page) (please see below).
* Copy of undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
* Names, addresses and email contact information for three (3) professional references. References will be contacted only for those applicants judged most appropriate.

* Teaching and research statements should highlight accomplishments, experience, and interests.

PLEASE: Combine all parts of the application (i.e., letter, CV, statements, etc.) into a single document before uploading.

*Instructions for Diversity Statement (include with application materials)

Applicants are required to submit a diversity statement for this position. CFANS values and is actively invested in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout all our academic programs. Please review the CFANS and the DEI strategic plan for the and .

For the diversity statement, please provide details of your professional and/or personal experiences in fostering DEI. Experiences may include:

* Working with diverse communities or local organizations.
* Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into the curriculum.
* Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into your research.
* Your own educational experiences, such as courses or workshops you have participated in and how you anticipate incorporating what you have learned in your future work.

For questions or inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Diana Karwan (dlkarwan@umn.edu), Social-Ecological Spatial Analysis Committee chair. For questions about the application process, please contact Amber Grupe (argrupe@umn.edu). Applications review will begin February 25, 2024.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).