Washington University in St. Louis has an immediate need for an Associate Director of its environmental field station, Tyson Research Center. The Associate Director position is a fulltime, 12 month, non-tenure-track academic position, and the successful candidate will participate in all aspects of the field station's mission and activities.

Primary duties include: 1) Facilitation and promotion of Tyson's academic mission of research, teaching, and outreach in environmental biology and related disciplines. 2) Development of an active research program at Tyson in the candidate's area of expertise and that involves Washington University undergraduate students; 3) Oversight, management, and planning of day-to-day support operations at Tyson, including supervision of 3-6 field station staff; 4) Collaboration with the Director and other administrative and academic units at Washington University to plan and ensure the long-term success of Tyson as a unit of the University.

Although non-tenure-track, this is a career academic position with significant opportunity for research, teaching, and outreach in environmental biology. We seek a dynamic individual who is interested in contributing to all aspects of the mission of a growing field station. The minimum qualifications for this position are a PhD in ecology, evolutionary biology, environmental science, or a related field. Research expertise in some aspect of environmental biology is required.

The specific research emphasis is open, but a relevance to local ecosystems is required. Postdoctoral experience is required and experience working at or in a field station environment is strongly preferred. Some supervisory experience is required, and more extensive staff supervision, project management, or administrative experience will be viewed favorably. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential, as is an interest in the diversity of tasks that are associated with running a field station.

Compensation includes a competitive salary and full benefits. Some internal research funds are available for use by the Associate Director, although it is expected that major research projects will be externally funded. Opportunities for involvement in academic departments at Washington University are available and are encouraged and adjunct faculty status is possible.

About Tyson Research Center: Tyson is a 2000 acre field facility located at the edge of suburban St. Louis, approximately 20 miles southwest of the Washington University main campus. The landscape of Tyson is dominated by oak-hickory forest and steep ridges typical of the Ozark region. Other habitats at Tyson include old fields, seasonal streams, ponds, and experimental prairie and glade habitats. Tyson also owns a stretch of riparian habitat along the nearby Meramec River, as well as part of the La Barque Creek, one of the most biologically diverse streams in Missouri. Research activities at Tyson are diverse, intensive, and expanding, with particular strengths in population and community ecology, aquatic ecology, landscape ecology, restoration ecology, forest ecology and dynamics, and invasion ecology.

Outreach at Tyson focuses on the inclusion of local high school students in authentic research experiences with undergraduates and research mentors. Facilities at Tyson include a relatively new (2009) Living Building Challenge-certified classroom building. The main administrative office building is currently being renovated (May 2013 completion), and a new laboratory building is being constructed (fall 2013 completion). Tyson is deeply involved in the sustainability initiatives of Washington University and is a component of the International Center for Advanced Renewable Energy and Sustainability (I-CARES, http://icares.wustl.edu). Tyson also maintains a working relationship with the Missouri Botanical Garden's Shaw Nature Reserve (http://www.shawnature.org) and the Missouri Department of Conservation. Researchers affiliated with Tyson often conduct field work on MDC and Shaw properties.

To apply, applicants should email a single .pdf file to [email protected], including the following: 1) A cover letter, 2) a 1-2 page statement of research interests, including some information on your future goals and how they may align with the resources available at Tyson, 3) a CV, and 4) contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received by April 30, 2013 will receive full consideration.

Questions regarding the search process can be directed to Kevin G. Smith, Interim Director, Tyson Research Center at [email protected].