Assistant Professor of Biology

[C24-058]

Assistant Professor of Biology (Ornithology w/ Climate Change Emphasis)

Biology Department

Central Connecticut State University’s Biology Department, invites applications for a full time, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Ornithology with an emphasis on Climate Change. The successful candidate will begin in August 2025.

Central’s Biology department offers a variety of opportunities and experiences that transect the broad field of biology. The department offers undergraduate students a broad education in the field, with major specializations in General Biology; Human Biology; Ecology, Biodiversity, and Evolution; and Environmental Science. We also have a strong program in Wildlife and Conservation Biology. All of these programs emphasize a student-oriented, hands-on approach to learning. Upper-level courses offer opportunities for faculty to showcase their fields of expertise and establish important connections for mentoring and advising outside the classroom. In addition, the university recently established an interdisciplinary BA and BS programs in Climate Change Studies that highlight the multi- and interdisciplinary causes and effects of climate change, and prepares students to become leaders in creating multi- and interdisciplinary responses to the same.

This position is in an area of study that will offer many opportunities for outreach to local and regional environmental organizations (e.g., Connecticut Audubon, Connecticut Ornithological Association, Farmington River Watershed Association, the Farmington Land Trust and other regional land trusts, and the Connecticut River Conservancy), as well as the CT DEEP and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, including opportunities for our students to gain practical experience and intern with these organizations.

We look to hire an Ornithologist with expertise in how bird species, communities, or populations are affected by climate change. We envision that this position will contribute to the Wildlife and Conservation Biology program and the new interdisciplinary BS program in Climate Change Studies. This research area offers great and varied outreach opportunities with local and regional organizations, and an international reach as well. The successful candidate will have the following responsibilities: 1) teach existing courses BIO 420, Ornithology and contribute to BIO 322, Vertebrate Biology, and BIO 305, Ecology, 2) develop and teach courses related to wildlife, conservation, or climate change biology, such as Avian Population Ecology, Urban/Suburban Ecology or Climate Change Impacts on Bird Populations, 3) teach introductory/intermediate-level biology courses for both majors and non-majors, and 4) develop a field-oriented research program appropriate for the participation of undergraduate and Master’s level students. This tenure-track role encompasses both undergraduate and graduate teaching, service on departmental and university committees, advising students, and conducting scholarly research. The regular teaching load is 12 hours per semester with some evening classes required. Candidates are expected to be committed to multiculturalism and working with a diverse student body.

About Central’s School of Engineering, Science & Technology

The School of Engineering, Science, and Technology (SEST) serves students from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to become leaders and responsible citizens. The school achieves this by providing high-quality educational experiences in STEM disciplines at the undergraduate and graduate levels through excellent instruction, research, outreach, and innovative programs. The School is a leader in developing cross-disciplinary initiatives that combine and expand the talents of students and faculty across the university. SEST facilities include greenhouse, herbarium, photosynthesis research laboratory, ecology research laboratory, experimental gardens, controlled environment rooms, and growth chambers. Faculty and students also have research and teaching access to Outer Island (Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge) through the Connecticut State University Center for Education and Research at Outer Island (CEROI). Industry partners regularly work with students and faculty in our state-of-the-art labs to engage in applied research and employer-based projects. Our graduates are well-prepared for a multidisciplinary world thanks to a flexible and diverse curriculum, informed through strong employer partnerships, which meets the needs for a well-educated and skilled workforce.

Position Profile

Academic excellence is the cornerstone of the Central Connecticut State University mission, and our faculty, full- and part-time, take pride in being scholars, mentors, and advisors who collectively contribute to a vibrant and engaged community. Central fosters a collaborative environment characterized by the commitment of faculty and staff to support each other in service of the university’s academic mission. The voting membership of the Faculty Senate includes representatives of academic and administrative departments, with non-voting representation for university administrators and the student government association. Teaching faculty are represented by the Connecticut State University Association of University Professors (AAUP). The collective bargaining agreement defines the process for renewal, promotion, and tenure, while also delineating support for professional development.

Applicant Evaluative Criteria

Applicant profiles and supplementary materials will be evaluated for appointment based on the following:

To be hired at the rank of Assistant Professor:

• Earned doctoral degree in Biology or related discipline. ABD candidate must include a letter from the thesis advisor stating the anticipated date of completion, which must be prior to the time of appointment.
• College or university teaching experience.
• Demonstrated areas of expertise in 1) avian biology, 2) avian conservation, or 3) response of avian populations to climate change
• Evidence of effective communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in population ecology
• Teaching experience includes all aspects of course preparation and full course responsibility for the entire academic term, i.e., experience beyond teaching assistantships and guest lectures
• College teaching experience in both lower-level and upper-level biology courses
• Demonstrated expertise in scientific areas related to climate change

For more information about Central Connecticut State University, please visit CCSU.

To Apply

To begin the application process, select the apply button and electronically submit the following documents by October 31, 2024.

• Letter of interest addressing the qualifications for this position.
• Current curriculum vitae
• Names of three current professional references with titles, email addresses and telephone numbers.
• A statement of teaching philosophy and interests (two-page maximum).
• A research statement including accomplishments, goals, and five-year plan (two-page maximum).
• A diversity impact statement addressing how your teaching and research programs have/will advance equity, diversity, and inclusion goals (one-page maximum).
• Unofficial transcripts (in English).

Note: Candidates uploading additional materials must combine all documents into one PDF file. For further assistance, please email c.henry@ccsu.edu

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. E-mailed, and mailed applications will not be accepted. Please redact any personally identifiable information (i.e., Social Security Number, date of birth, marital status, country of origin) from any documents submitted.

Inquiries may be sent to Dr. Mark Jackson, Search Committee Chair, at (860) 832-2650 or jacksonmae@ccsu.edu

Compensation and Employee Benefits

In accordance with the Connecticut State University American Association of University Professors (AAUP) Collective Bargaining Union Contract, compensation for this position is at the rank of Assistant Professor. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. For more information on the AAUP Collective Bargaining Agreement, please visit AAUP.

The State of Connecticut and Central Connecticut State University are proud to offer its employees competitive wages and a wide range of fringe benefits including voluntary and supplemental benefits.

Fringe benefits include: paid personal, and sick leave accruals; medical, dental, and prescription plans; group life insurance; retirement; retiree health care; tuition waiver for employee and eligible dependents at any of the Connecticut State Universities (Central, Eastern, Southern or Western) as well as an array of voluntary and supplemental benefits such as Deferred Retirement Contribution plans, Dependent Care Assistance and Medical Flexible spending accounts; long and short term disability insurance plans.

For more detailed information, please visit CCSU Human Resources.

As an affirmative action employer, Central Connecticut State University actively seeks and encourages applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

CCSU is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Members of all underrepresented groups, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are invited and encouraged to apply.