February 13, 2023
The University of California, Davis, Office of Research in partnership with the College of Engineering invites applications for the position of Director, Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC). This position, open to all candidates who are eligible to hold a tenured faculty position at UC Davis, will be appointed at a level of 50% for five years with the possibility of extension. The director will hold an additional 50% tenured faculty appointment (associate or full professor) in a relevant academic department to be determined at the time of appointment. Upon completion of the term(s) as director, the individual will hold a 100% appointment in an academic department.
The UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center is a Special Research Program under the auspices of the Office of Research that is dedicated to interdisciplinary research and education to advance the knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and their interactions within natural and developed Earth systems, and to communicate science-informed solutions worldwide. The vision of TERC is to achieve healthy aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems through scientific understanding and education for the benefit of communities locally and globally; guide the preservation of a resilient and sustainable ecosystem at Lake Tahoe for generations to come; and provide objective scientific knowledge to the public, school children, private industry, government agencies, and elected officials. The work at TERC is anchored in the Lake Tahoe basin, but the research undertaken by TERC scientists on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems occurs beyond that region and has impacts around the globe. TERC’s research is rapidly transferred and disseminated to the public through many active public education and outreach programs. The goal of the education programs is to provide science-based information about the Lake Tahoe region to foster responsible action and stewardship.
As a faculty member, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing an internationally impactful program of funded research and for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in the area of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Specific requirements will be determined by the needs of the home academic department of the candidate. While developing an independent research program, the candidate must be willing to contribute in a collaborative manner to the strategic visions of their home academic department, their home school of college and the Tahoe Environmental Research Center. In addition, participation in department, college, and university service is an expectation under our faculty shared governance model.
The director will provide leadership in multiple areas that include updating and implementing the TERC strategic plan that continues to broaden the research mission of TERC and engages additional UC faculty; overseeing an appropriate, sustainable business model for operations, including a vision for the renewal of facilities and equipment; leading the unique educational and research efforts of an interdisciplinary program anchored by a flagship laboratory located in two states; securing funding from a wide spectrum of state, federal and private research and education sources; sustaining an impactful community outreach and communications strategy to expand the range of scientific contributions of TERC research; collaborating with multiple governmental and community organizations to advance the mission of TERC; and creating a larger community of financial supporters for TERC.
Requirements:
- PhD, or equivalent degree, in limnology, water science or engineering, aquatic ecology, or a related discipline
- Distinguished track record of scholarly publication and teaching in the area of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
- Demonstrated leadership ability, ideally with prior experience in overseeing multi-faceted, interdisciplinary research enterprises within a university environment
- Experience with building synergistic relationships with state, and federal agencies, private foundations, community-based organizations and industry-based research funding organizations
- Understanding of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem science, policy, and protocol issues and familiarity with decision makers in relevant federal, state, corporate and non-profit organizations
- Evidence of ability to successfully engage in philanthropic fundraising activities needed to support the mission of TERC
We seek candidates who aspire to advance UC Davis’s strategic goal of improving access and building an inclusive community for all populations, and who demonstrate commitment to the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion for historically underrepresented and marginalized communities.
In addition, the successful candidate will need to spend significant time at a location (Lake Tahoe) that is remote from the main campus in Davis.
Application Procedure and Deadline
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, for full consideration, please submit your application by March 9, 2024. Please submit the following electronically at: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF05974
- Curriculum Vitae – Please submit a complete CV including full publication, funding, teaching, and mentorship records
- Statement of Research – Describe past research contributions and statement of how your research program would fit in the aquatic and terrestrial ecology focus of TERC at UC Davis (2-3 pages)
- Statement of Teaching and Mentorship – Describe your pedagogical values and methods, your record of mentorship, and what aquatic and terrestrial ecology courses (undergraduate & graduate) you would teach (about 2 pages)
- Statement of past leadership or administrative experience and vision for TERC (about 2 pages)
- Statement of Contributions to Diversity addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and service (1-2 pages)
- The names of 3 – 5 individuals who can provide a reference
- Cover Letter
- Authorization to Release Information
The University of California, in accordance with applicable federal and state law and university policy, prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person employed by or seeking employment with the university on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status or age. The University of California also prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran or within the limits imposed by law or university policy, on the basis of citizenship.
In conformance with applicable law and university policy, the University of California is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. The university undertakes affirmative action for underrepresented minorities and women, for persons with disabilities and for Vietnam-era veterans and disabled veterans.
Affirmative actions include training programs, outreach efforts, and other positive steps to ensure equal employment opportunity.
