Assistant Professor

Summary:           The Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at East Central University (ECU) seeks qualified applicants for a tenure-track, if eligible, Assistant Professor in Environmental Sciences to include exemplary teaching; curriculum planning, implementation, and evaluation; directing undergraduate and graduate research and possible web course development.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
1.         Required to work on scholarship (grant writing, research and publications).

2.         Must be involved in the recruitment and retention activities.

3.         Advise students. 

4.         Teach introductory undergraduate courses, upper level and graduate EHS core and elective courses to include ability to teach in some combination of Environmental Contamination (Air, Water and/or Soil quality), Toxicology and Waste Management, Risk Assessment and/or Biostatistics with potential to manage, mentor and seek funding for research projects merging well with our new graduate specialty in water sciences. Top candidates will have a firm grasp of:  

• Ground and surface water quantity and quality models/simulations
• Water nutrient/contaminant identification via various analytical methods
• Environmental data analyses/statistics
• Stream water ecology

5.         Service to the department, college and university.

6.         Must have a strong work ethic and lead by example.

7.         Must be a professional, credible, and respected representative of the institution internally and in the community.

8.         Demonstrated willingness and ability to act ethically and socially responsible.

9.         Ability to communicate in a courteous manner.

10.       Performs other duties as assigned by Department Chair and Dean of College of Health and Science or designee.

The omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. 

The ECU Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences is a cross-disciplinary department containing multiple concentration programs including Ecology, Health Sciences, Molecular, Environmental and Natural Resources Management, Public Health, Clinical Lab Sciences and Teaching Certification at the undergraduate levels and a Master’s in Biological Sciences with additional optional concentrations in Water Science or Health Science is anticipated to start in Fall 2025, but spring 2025 is also desired. Our faculty pride themselves on the academic environment fostering a community of learning and support. ECU encourages faculty participation in high-impact student experiences such as research with the Center for Learning lab on campus, local access and support to the field sites including the Blue River as well as collaboration with the EPA’s Kerr Labs and local tribes. ECU is classified as a minority-serving primary undergraduate institute and carries a NASNTI Designation by the Department of Education.  

Due to ECU’s unique location in Ada, Oklahoma, faculty have access to an abundance of aquatic and terrestrial biomes for field work as well as university supported research laboratories hosting microscopes (scanning electron, topological, dissection and light), ultra-low freezers, cold-room, microplate, micro-cuvette and large cuvette for UV, electron diffraction, atomic absorption, nucleic acid extraction, concentration and amplification instruments, growth room, ICP, combustion flame analyzer and incubators supporting a wide range of potential research interests and mentor-led student research projects.

The successful candidate for this position will be expected to further ECU’s Mission and Vision to foster a diverse learning experience by providing an engaging, inclusive and supportive community of learning to elevate the student experience.

Minimum Qualifications

Required: Doctoral degree in a related life-science STEM degree, or physical science with extensive application-based experience in the environmental field of study (ABD will be considered). Tenure track requires a terminal degree in hand. A proven record of post-doctoral and/or undergraduate teaching experience.  Candidates with specialties in the field of water analysis, conservation and/or contaminant remediation are especially encouraged to apply.

Preferred: Candidates with a proven record of scholarly activities (including but not limited to publications, scientific presentations and grant writing); a demonstrated commitment to teaching both undergraduates and masters level students; a dedication to professional attainment; demonstrated ability to utilize instructional technology and a commitment to quality improvement.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to walk. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check as mandated by East Central University.   Official transcripts for positions which require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree and/or certification must be presented upon hire. 

TO APPLY: Send letter of application; resume; statement of teaching philosophy; transcripts; name, addresses, phone numbers of three professional references; and a completed Disclosure Statement to Employment Services, East Central University, 1100 E. 14th Street, PMB D-2, Ada, OK 74820 or es@ecok.edu . Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Starting date is for Fall 2025, but spring is preferred. For more information about ECU, visit our web site at http://www.ecok.edu 

East Central University (ECU) is a student-centered regional state university located in Ada, Oklahoma. ECU offers thirty-three undergraduate baccalaureate degree programs in arts and letters, business, education, mathematics and sciences, nursing, and the social sciences; and ten master's degrees in education, human resources, accounting, and psychology. ECU's 4,600 students come from 32 countries and 28 different states. About 65% of the 172 faculty hold doctorates. 

East Central University, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admission, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Employment Services Director, 1100 E. 14th, Adm 160, Ada, OK 74820, (580) 559-5217.