The School of Biological Sciences (SBS) at the University of Oklahoma (OU) invites applications for a full-time 9-month tenure-track position as Assistant Professor with a start in Fall 2025. 

We are seeking an innovative and creative scholar who will establish a discipline-leading, student-involved, cross-disciplinary, and externally funded research program in Physiological Ecology. The candidate should complement existing collaborations within one or more of the four exciting, synergistic research themes of the SBS (Ecology of a Changing Planet, Behaviors from Molecules to Ecosystems, Mechanisms of Biodiversity, and Biological Foundations of One Health; see here), and create new convergent collaborations across themes and the Norman and Health Sciences campuses, as well as nationally and internationally. The SBS represents integration of two departments, Biology and Microbiology/Plant Biology, which aligns instructional programs, research, and faculty strengths within the Vice President for Research and Partnership’s Strategic Research Framework, part of OU’s Lead On Strategic Plan. 

The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain an extramurally funded research program focusing on Physiological Ecology of model or other focal organisms ranging from microbes to plants and animals, as well as across micro to macro scales. The research program should include mentoring of postdocs, graduate, and undergraduate students in research and professional development. The candidate will also be expected to contribute to formal undergraduate and graduate instruction in the form of one course per semester, with a rotation including at least one foundational course in the following: Animal, Plant, Fungal, or Microbial Physiology, other courses within the SBS curricula, as well as newly developed courses within their specific area of expertise. 

University of Oklahoma

OU invests in its faculty by providing support and resources through the Center for Faculty Excellence and Vice President for Research and Partnerships Office. The Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences supports faculty development through mentoring, new faculty orientation series, and access to research and educational support. We encourage candidates to apply who are seeking to work in a rapidly growing college with collegial interdisciplinary groups and strong academic units. 

The University of Oklahoma (OU) is a Carnegie-R1 comprehensive public research university known for excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement, serving the educational, cultural, economic, and healthcare needs of the state, region, and nation from three campuses: Norman, Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, and the Schusterman Center in Tulsa. OU enrolls over 32,000 students and has more than 2,700 full-time faculty members in 21 colleges. 

The Norman Community 

Norman is a vibrant university town of more than 130,000 inhabitants with a growing entertainment and art scene. With outstanding schools, amenities, and a low cost of living, Norman is a perennial contender in “best place to live” rankings. Visit http://soonerway.ou.edu for more information. Within an easy commute, Oklahoma City features a dynamic economy and outstanding cultural venues adding to the region’s growing appeal. 

Required Qualifications: 

·        Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology, Microbiology, or other related field in hand by start date. 

·        Established record of high-quality research and publications. 

·        Demonstrated record of, or clear potential for, strong extramural funding. 

·        Ability to contribute to core physiological curricula in the SBS. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

·        One or more years of post-doctoral experience. 

·        Experience leading collaborative projects and working with interdisciplinary teams. 

·        Potential for collaborations with others within the SBS and across the OU campuses and beyond.  

·        Evidence of excellence in teaching, including commitment to or familiarity with effective teaching practices and mentoring approaches that support students from a wide range of backgrounds. 

Applicants should submit 1) a cover letter describing their interest in the position and their fit with the SBS research themes, 2) a full curriculum vitae, 3) a research plan describing their research focus, methods, and future trajectory, 4) a teaching plan briefly describing their approach to teaching and student mentorship, and their goals for teaching at OU (including existing and proposed courses) and advising undergraduate and graduate students, 5) names and contact information for three confidential letters of reference, 6) and up to three selected reprints/preprints as PDF files. Please keep cover letter, teaching, and research plans to 1-3 pages each. Applications must be submitted online via Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/154741. 

Screening of candidates will begin November 4, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.   

Inquiries should be directed to the search committee chair: 

Dr. Dave Hambright, Regents' Professor of Biology, University of Oklahoma 

[email protected]