Assistant Professor of Environmental Microbiology (Tenure-Track)

Assistant Professor of Environmental Microbiology (Tenure-Track)

The George Mason University, Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP) is seeking an enthusiastic and energetic individual for a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor position in Molecular Environmental Microbiology to supplement existing departmental strengths in applied ecology, aquatic ecology, one health and conservation. This is a full-time, tenure-track position to begin August 2018. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment. 

Responsibilities:
Successful candidates will have a doctoral degree in a relevant field and will be expected to develop and maintain a nationally recognized, externally funded research program in their area of expertise, as well as teach and advise students at the undergraduate and graduate level (Master’s and Ph.D.). Possible courses include Environmental Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Molecular Ecology, Bioinformatics, and participation in the department’s undergraduate Environmental Science major core sequence. Service activities within the ESP and the College of Science are expected. The position includes funds two support one GRA for two years.

The successful candidate will have access to significant resources at the Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, including the Shared Research Instrumentation Facility, as well as resources at the new Potomac Science Center, where ESP’s Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC) resides for collaborative research on the tidal Potomac River and adjacent water bodies. The Department also partners with the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, Front Royal, to offer graduate level courses in biodiversity and conservation. George Mason University is a Carnegie Research-1 “highest research activity” institution. With a projected global enrollment of over 38,000 in AY 2018-19, Mason is the largest public research institution in the Commonwealth. 

Required Qualifications:

• Completion of a Ph.D. in environmental science, biology, ecology, microbiology, or a related field prior to the first day of the appointment and the ability to share the department’s commitment to interdisciplinary education;
• Interest in and commitment to teaching lecture and laboratory courses at the graduate and undergraduate level;
• Expertise in molecular microbiological techniques (e.g., next generation sequencing and bioinformatics) as well as traditional environmental microbiology techniques; and
• Candidates must have the ability to collaborate with other natural scientists and social scientists in research, teaching and outreach. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research experience in the biological, environmental, and functional diversity of microbiomes, interactions of microbes and aquatic living resources (marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems), and the role of microbes in organismal and ecosystem health;
• Experience in securing extramural funding from federal and state granting institutions;
• Experience teaching lecture and laboratory courses at the graduate and undergraduate level;
• Candidates who use computational and/or microbial genomic approaches and bioinformatics to understand the ecological, developmental, physiological, genetic, and/or epigenetic mechanisms underlying responses to environmental changes are particularly attractive;
• The ability to communicate scientific knowledge to a range of stakeholders and additional experience in environmental science/marine policy is desired; and
• Knowledge of higher education and student services.

About Us:
As one of the academic units of the College of Science, ESP is well known for its truly interdisciplinary faculty focused on environmental natural and social sciences. ESP also includes additional graduate program faculty from across the university and numerous affiliated environmental professionals. The following degrees are awarded: B.S. in Environmental Science, B.A. in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Public Policy. ESP has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence among its faculty and staff and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich our academic and culturally inclusive environment. We are deeply committed to increasing diversity and encourage applications from women and minority scholars. 

For more information about the Environmental Science and Policy department, visit http://esp.gmu.edu

For more information about the College of Science, visit http://cos.gmu.edu

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, please complete the online application by visiting http://jobs.gmu.edu/ and entering the position number F129AZ in the search field. Applicants should include the following in their application: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) summary of current and proposed research (2-3 pages), 4) teaching philosophy and interests (2-3 pages), and 5) names and email addresses of four references. A criminal background check will be conducted on finalists.

Equity Statement: 

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.