Director, Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands, and Aquatic Systems

The University of Missouri is seeking its first Director for the newly-established Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands, and Aquatics Systems (https://snr.missouri.edu/institute-of-fisheries-wetlands-and-aquatic-systems/ ) within the School of Natural Resources (SNR; snr.missouri.edu ), a division of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR; cafnr.missouri.edu ).  The Institute was established through a unique public-private partnership. This novel approach, the first of its kind, reflects the innovation that defines CAFNR’s strategic plan the Drive to Distinction. The primary criterion for selection is established leadership in natural resources conservation with demonstrated ability to build collaborative partnerships, secure external funding and train the next generation of conservation professionals.  Qualified applicants may choose to seek an academic position at the rank of associate or full professor. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

Starting date: August 1, 2024 or as negotiated.

Responsibilities: 

Administration - The successful candidate will be the first to hold the title of Director of the Institute of Fisheries Wetlands, and Aquatics Systems. The vision for this Institute is to become a hallmark of public-private collaboration that drives applied research and land management decisions to inform priority aquatic systems issues in Missouri, regionally and nationally. The Institute will be a world class training center for the next generation of researchers, land managers and industry leaders with a focus on integrated education.  The Institute will also play a foundational role in outreach by communicating knowledge across the array of decision-makers including the public.  The Institute is provided office and laboratory space by the University. It is the responsibility of the Director to provide leadership in the building of collaborative partnerships, oversight of a projected $30M endowment, procurement of extramural funding for programmatic support, and guiding the Institute's research, outreach, and student training efforts. 

Research - The successful candidate will be expected to lead the Institute towards a nationally-recognized extramurally funded research, outreach and education program in fisheries, wetlands and aquatic systems. The Director will enhance capabilities of winning major grants, forming innovative new partnerships with private and public partners, and contribute toward improving metrics considered in the AAU rankings. 

Teaching and Training - The candidate selected is expected to contribute to undergraduate and/or graduate education in an area related to their expertise that would complement current courses in the School of Natural Resources. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to lead the Institute toward establishing a work-force development program. 

Minimum Qualification: A Ph.D. is preferred, with at least one degree in fisheries, wetlands, aquatic science, or a closely related area.

Candidates will be evaluated on: Administrative experience is highly desirable along with demonstrated leadership and ability to secure external funding. The successful candidate should have national recognition as a scientist or administrator in fisheries, wetlands, aquatic science, or a closely related discipline, with a proven track record in building collaborative partnerships, peer-reviewed publications and extramural or collaborative grant support. 

To apply for this position, please visit the MU web site at http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic/ , Job 51169. Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, narrative highlighting collaborative partnerships, narrative of teaching philosophy, narrative of current and future research interests, and the names and contact information of three references.

Review of applications will begin on May 1, 2024. 

For additional information about the position, please contact The Institute’s Interim Director Eric Kurzejeski ([email protected] ) or Dr. Patrick Market ([email protected] ), Director of the School of Natural Resources.   

About MU: MU, the flagship institution in the University of Missouri System, has nearly 31,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is a land grant institution and a member of the Association of American Universities. Located midway between St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is a vibrant small city that is consistently ranked among the top such places to live in across America. The School of Natural Resources awards B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Natural Resources with emphases in multiple sub-disciplines. Detailed information about the programs and faculty is available at http://snr.missouri.edu . The School operates many laboratory and greenhouse facilities and has access to extensive field areas available within the College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resource's AES Research, Extension and Education Centers network (https://moaes.missouri.edu/ ). The School of Natural Resources has robust collaborative ties to state and federal agencies charged with managing natural resources and numerous opportunities are available to access and conduct research on the extensive and diverse public lands across the state. 

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.  For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits . 

Values Commitment
We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement.  This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.
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