Dennis J. Taylor Visiting Professor in Forest Ecosystem Studies

Hiram College seeks an innovative and highly collaborative researcher with a passion for educating and training future conservation scientists and practitioners to serve a four-year term as the first Dennis J. Taylor Visiting Professor in Forest Ecosystem Studies. The successful candidate will contribute to Hiram’s tradition of delivering transformative and inclusive experiential learning exemplified by innovative Hiram Professors James H. Barrow (zoologist) and Dwight H. Berg (botanist) by establishing a research program on forest ecosystems including the un-timbered beech-maple forest at Hiram’s James. H. Barrow Biological Field Station: designing research to address forest dynamics in the face of global change and to support undergraduate student training in forest ecology; collaborating with researchers and practitioners to expand the work and reach of community-based research projects employing a near-peer mentoring model; and teaching one field-based courses per year.

This is an endowed 4-year appointment (12-month contract) with salary, benefits, and a research stipend including support for undergraduate research assistants.

Qualifications:

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong field research experience including publication and evidence of impact of work in forest ecosystem science and/or forest conservation (broadly defined to include forestry, urban forestry, forest ecology, forest ecosystems, interdisciplinary or integrative forest system studies, botany, forest soil systems, forests and global change, forest conservation, human dimensions of forest management.)
• Record of innovative teaching or demonstrated interest in teaching undergraduates.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and successful collaborations.
• Ability and interest to supervise, mentor, and motivate students from diverse populations.
• PhD required.

Duties and Expectations:

• Develop research program on forest ecosystems including the un-timbered forests of the James H. Barrow Biological Field Station; lead research and any associated collaborations onsite; priority on initiating longitudinal studies of forest dynamics.
• Engage undergraduates in mentored research at Hiram College.
• Develop and teach one field course/year that complements our existing curriculum in Biology and Environmental Studies and Hiram’s tradition of interdisciplinary study. Candidates who wish to gain more teaching experience have the opportunity to teach additional courses.
• Opportunity to take a leadership role in collaborative near-peer mentoring program involving undergraduate and high school students within the context of forest conservation.
• Collaborate with Hiram College faculty, field station staff, and external partners.
• Explore possibilities for interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary collaborations across Hiram’s academic programs.

Hiram College, established in 1850 as the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute, is a nationally recognized, private, residential liberal arts college located 30 miles southeast of Cleveland in Ohio’s historic Western Reserve region. At Hiram, close student-faculty interactions and educational innovation are routine. The College’s distinctive academic calendar, the Hiram Plan, offers students the opportunity each semester to learn in both a 12-week format (usually taking 3 courses) and a 3-week intensive format (1 course). All students participate in experiential learning through study abroad/study away trips, internships, and/or research experiences as part of the Hiram Connect initiative.

Applications:
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting 1) a cover letter addressing qualifications while highlighting research interests, interest in working with undergraduate students, and collaborative experience; 2) curriculum vitae, 3) and names and contact information for at least three professional references. Statements of teaching philosophy and research program may be requested prior to second-round interviews.

Please apply online: https://apptrkr.com/4775933 

The search committee will begin consideration of applications November 20, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled. Start date no later than August 1, 2024, and as early as April 2024. Questions may be addressed to Professor Sarah Mabey, mabeyse@hiram.edu.