Assistant Professor in Ecology

Assistant Professor in Ecology

The Macalester College Department of Environmental Studies is accepting applications for a full-time, tenure-track position at the level of Assistant Professor to begin in August 2025. We seek applicants who are committed to excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level and who are dedicated to developing an active research program that engages students.  Areas of research specialization might include aquatic ecology, agroecology, biogeochemistry, and/or urban ecology, ideally in the context of addressing environmental inequities and/or climate change, adaptation and resilience. Candidates for this position could employ a range of research methods depending on their field of expertise, and would have the opportunity to develop projects at Macalester’s nearly-300 acre Katharine Ordway Natural History Area Study Area, located 25 minutes from campus on the Mississippi River. 

For over fifty years, Macalester has had a dedicated and deeply interdisciplinary focus on Environmental Studies. We use case studies, problem-solving, and a community-centered approach to address environmental problems at the local, national and global levels. Our core faculty bring expertise from the humanities, social sciences, physical, and biological sciences. Our affiliated faculty come from all corners of campus, including anthropology, biology, chemistry, economics, education, geography, geology, and physics. The successful candidate will teach our required introductory course Ecology and the Environment, as well as other courses at a variety of levels of the curriculum; we welcome candidates who can cross-list courses in other departments and college-wide concentrations. We seek candidates whose research and teaching complement the College’s current strengths in plant ecology and wildlife ecology. In Fall 2024, we are also conducting a tenure-track search in Natural Resources Science and Management. 

Candidates should submit their materials on Academic Jobs Online by October 1, 2024, for full consideration. The cover letter should include a statement of interest in Macalester and discuss demonstrated activity and contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Strong candidates will have experience and vision regarding teaching and mentorship of students of diverse backgrounds with attention to structural barriers that limit access to educational opportunities. 

In addition to the cover letter, applications should include:

• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching statement
• Research statement
• Candidates should be prepared to provide three letters of reference by October 21, 2024, if requested

Teaching statement should include: 

• Teaching philosophy and statement of effective strategies for teaching and learning;
• Commitment to teaching, advising, and mentoring undergraduate students, including students from diverse backgrounds; 
• Prior experience with Ecology coursework

Research statement should include: 

• Research specialization within Ecology; 
• Commitment to and interest in maintaining an active research program; 
• Understanding of scholarly research at a liberal arts college, and interest or experience in engaging undergraduate students in research

Macalester is a highly selective, private liberal arts college in the vibrant Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, with a population of approximately three million people and home to numerous colleges and universities, including the University of Minnesota. Macalester's diverse student body comprises over 2000 undergraduates from all 50 states and the District of Columbia and 99 countries. The College maintains a longstanding commitment to academic excellence with a special emphasis on internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society. As an Equal Opportunity employer supportive of affirmative efforts to achieve diversity among its faculty, Macalester College strongly encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented minority groups. International scholars will receive H-1B visa assistance if selected for this position. Please note that candidates who are invited for a campus interview will be required to complete faculty screening questions, and offers of employment are contingent upon a successful criminal background check at the time of offer. 

Inquiries can be directed to Professor Louisa Bradtmiller, lbradtmi@macalester.edu.