The Department of Biological Sciences at Northern Kentucky University seeks to welcome a new colleague into a tenure track assistant professor position in environmental science focusing on sustainability science and/or urban ecosystems, starting Fall 2022. Applicants with experience in GIS are encouraged to apply. The Department values fostering an inclusive culture for a diverse body of students, faculty and staff and we are actively working to consistently improve our community for the success of our people and programs.

The department's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) impacts our faculty, staff, and students. We offer department-sponsored professional development opportunities such as hosting workshops on inclusive pedagogy, providing assistance to increase course accessibility, department book clubs on various DEI topics, and funding for individuals to seek growth in areas of their interest. Last year the department voted to create a scholarship fund to support an annual student DEI scholarship. Our majors are also supported with NSF and NKU-funded retention efforts including early undergraduate research, peer teaching assistants, cohort programs and math preparation courses, all aimed at closing achievement gaps.

Our new colleague will teach undergraduate courses, provide student mentoring, run a research program involving undergraduate students, and collaborate with the community. Candidates should demonstrate commitment and/or experience promoting and fostering a learning environment that is supportive of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Candidates should be strongly committed to teaching at the undergraduate level and should incorporate innovative, inquiry-based, dynamic, active-learning methods into courses. Primary teaching responsibilities will include courses in our environmental science curriculum. Additional teaching assignments will depend on the candidate's expertise and departmental needs but will include courses in the biology department such as Introductory Biology, Ecology, Scientific Writing, and other ENV courses that the successful candidate is interested in developing. We encourage applicants with expertise that can contribute to both our B.S. and B.A. degree programs in environmental science. The successful candidate is expected to grow a productive research program that involves undergraduate students and to pursue external funding. Faculty members are also expected to engage in service activities at all levels of the university, collaborate with community groups, and to provide mentoring to students.

The Department of Biological Sciences has 28 full-time faculty members and approximately 500 undergraduate students. The Environmental Science (ENV) Program is an interdisciplinary program housed in the Department of Biological Sciences. The Environmental Science Program has approximately 90 students split among the B.S. and B.A. majors in environmental science, and the environmental studies minor. Student success is at the heart of our University's mission as well as being a tenet of the ENV Program. One example of this focus was the selection of the ENV Program for the University-level Excellence in Career & Community Engagement Award for the work in developing career competencies in our students through our emphasis on providing numerous experiential learning opportunities. NKU is a comprehensive regional university of 16,400 students located seven miles from downtown Cincinnati, OH in an area offering an outstanding quality of life. It is near a variety of natural areas and is a nationally recognized metropolitan university committed to active engagement with the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati region of nearly two million people. In addition, Cincinnati has been a national leader in urban sustainability. For additional information about NKU, the Department of Biological Sciences, and the Environmental Science Program please visit , , .

Submit to 1) a cover letter specifically addressing experience and qualifications, 2) a statement of teaching philosophy, including a discussion on using evidence-based instructional practices in the classroom, 3) a description of current research and goals for future research including plans for external funding, 4) a statement on diversity and inclusion philosophy including why they are important in higher education and a discussion on commitment to fostering diversity by engaging with students from underrepresented populations, 5) a current curriculum vitae, 6) transcripts, and 7) contact information for three references.

A Ph.D. in environmental science, biology, or other closely aligned fields of study; evidence of potential for developing a significant research program in environmental science, with a sustainability or urban ecosystem focus preferred; a strong and demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Applicant review will begin November 15th.