Institution (Location)
University of Washington (Seattle, WA, USA)
Start Date
September 5, 2016
Position Description

The School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington seeks to fill a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor (#0116) level with specialization in the areas of nature, health, and recreation.  This is a full-time (100% FTE) 9-month position which requires a Ph.D., M.D., (or foreign equivalent degree) in a related field.  The successful applicant is expected to establish a collaborative, externally funded, and nationally recognized research program as well as contribute to graduate and undergraduate teaching, advising, and mentoring that supports diversity and inclusion.  Teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate courses in one or more subjects potentially including those related to nature and public health, outdoor recreation, and sustainable natural and human systems, as well as graduate instruction in areas of expertise. The successful candidate will be expected to conduct outreach and collaborate with relevant internal and external institutions such as public natural resource and land management agencies, tribal governments, state and local park and urban forestry departments, and private sector health and recreation organizations, among others.

The University of Washington is building a culturally diverse workforce. The School of Environmental and Forest Sciences has a goal of creating a dedicated team of educators capable of enabling our students to successfully explore and interpret the rich array of disciplines and perspectives related to human-nature interactions. Thus, we are seeking candidates whose research, teaching, and/or service have not only prepared them to fulfill our commitment to inclusion, but have also given them the confidence to fully engage audiences in higher education from a wide spectrum of backgrounds.

As one of the top universities in the world, the University of Washington in Seattle has a unique natural setting from urban to wild lands that acts as a living laboratory. The School of Environmental and Forest Sciences is housed within the University’s College of the Environment. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of ongoing and emerging activities at the UW that span colleges and disciplines including a new environmental institute (EarthLab), a new applied conservation center (Center for Creative Conservation), undergraduate and graduate education (Program on the Environment, Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program), and work with globally recognized programs such as those in Public Health, Global Health, and the Environment.  

Candidate’s Qualifications (who should apply)

We wish to grow an existing group within the School focusing on the human dimensions of the environment, and a larger group across the University interested in the physical, social, cultural, and psychological benefits of nature and outdoor recreation.  Preferred areas of expertise include public health, anthropology, geography, planning, sociology, psychology, or related fields. 

How to Apply

Applications should include a letter of application describing your expertise and experience in research and teaching, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. The letter should include a brief statement on how your teaching, research and/or service demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion through scholarship or by improving access to higher education for underrepresented individuals or groups.

Applications must be submitted to [email protected]

Please contact Dr. Josh Lawler, Associate Professor and Search Committee Chair at jlawler@uw.edu with questions or for additional information.

The position will be open until filled.  For best consideration, apply by 06 January 2016. 

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as protected veterans, or status as qualified individuals with disabilities. University of Washington faculty engage in teaching, research, and service.

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