Assistant Professor in Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis

Essential Qualifications: Ph.D. by the time of appointment with concentration in remote sensing and geospatial analysis or a closely related field. In-depth understanding of and experience with remote sensing and geospatial analysis technologies and applications to forests and natural resources using a multidisciplinary approach. Demonstrated potential to secure extramural funding for remote sensing and geospatial analysis research. Demonstrated potential to provide effective undergraduate and graduate instruction on a range of remote sensing and geospatial analysis topics. A commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate instruction, including a commitment to successfully advise and train graduate students. Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to publish in leading peer-reviewed scientific journals. At least one degree or substantial education and/or experience in forestry.

Preferred Qualifications: Specialized expertise in a complimentary area such as silviculture, resource economics, forest ecology, resource analysis, biometrics, informatics, spatial statistics, or data science. Experience with forest health, management and productivity issues in Minnesota and/or the U.S. Upper Great Lakes Region. Experience applying remote sensing and geospatial analysis tools and techniques in a field setting. Demonstrated success in securing extramural funding for remote sensing and geospatial analysis research. Demonstrated success in effectively delivering undergraduate and graduate instruction. A forestry degree accredited by the Society of American Foresters.

Description: Nine-month, full-time, tenure-track assistant professor appointment with responsibilities for teaching (50%) and research (50%).   The position is in the Department of Forest Resources and located on the St. Paul Campus. The funding for this position is provided under State of Minnesota Legislation supporting Agricultural Research, Education, Extension and Technology Transfer with the goal of enhancing Minnesota's economy through advancements in productivity of forestry and agricultural industries.

Responsibilities: Establish a nationally-recognized research program that uses remote sensing and geospatial analysis to address important problems in forest and natural resources management and conservation. The research would be undertaken in collaboration with faculty located in St. Paul, Grand Rapids, and Cloquet, as well as scientists locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Seek and secure funding needed to develop a nationally-recognized research program. Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in remote sensing and geospatial analysis, and other courses as assigned. Mentor undergraduate students in the Forest and Natural Resource Science and Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Managementmajors. Recruit, advise, train, and mentor graduate students from culturally diverse backgrounds. Participate in University faculty governance and service. Provide leadership to continuing education and outreach activities statewide. Provide service to the profession.  Serve as a resource for the forest products stakeholders in Minnesota and beyond.

Salary and Benefits: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include participation in the University faculty retirement program, as well as optional retirement plan, group life, medical, and dental insurance plans. The position is available August 26, 2019. Detailed benefits information is available at:http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/benefits/index.html.

Description of the Department of Forest Resources

The University of Minnesota is a comprehensive land-grant university, based in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. The Department of Forest Resources (https://www.forestry.umn.edu/) is one of the oldest and most highly-regarded forestry programs in the country.  Its mission is to inform and advance the science and management of forest and related natural resources. The Department has 18 faculty and approximately 50 full-time researchers, scientists, and postdocs representing a breadth of disciplines in the biological, physical, social, and managerial sciences.  Located within the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences in Saint Paul, the Department hosts BS, MS, and PhD programs, supports many nationally and internationally recognized research programs, and has a long tradition of public engagement and outreach.  Faculty and scientists utilize several outstate University centers including the 3,400-acre Cloquet Forestry Center, the 350-acre Hubachek Wilderness Research Center near Ely, and the North Central Research and Outreach Center in Grand Rapids.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  

Applications must include the following: (1) cover letter; (2) detailed CV/resume; (3) brief statement describing teaching interests and philosophy (1 page); (4) brief statement describing research interests and philosophy (1-2 pages); (5) brief statement describing interest in, experience with, and commitment to diversity and inclusiveness (1 page); (6) copy ofundergraduate and graduate transcripts; and (7) names and contact information for three professional references (reference letters should only be provided upon request). Combine all parts of the application (i.e., letter, CV, statements, etc.) into a single document before uploading.

For questions or inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Joe Knight (jknight@umn.edu), Chair of the Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis Search Committee. For questions about the application process, please contact Lori Loberg, CFANS Human Resources, at theis020@umn.edu.  Review of applications will begin January 31, 2019 and continue until the position is filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).