POSITION SUMMARY. We are seeking an individual with a research program focused on the theory and practice of phylogenetic inference or comparative methods to answer fundamental biological questions. Potential areas of investigation could include but are not limited to speciation and extinction dynamics, trait evolution, systematics, interspecific hybridization/introgression, phylogenomics, and molecular evolutionary biology. The position is open to candidates working on any taxonomic group(s), as well as those using theory or modeling approaches.

This tenure-track position involves developing and managing an innovative and extramurally funded research program (~45%), teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels (~45%), and contributing to service and outreach goals (~10%). CSU provides a highly collaborative and supportive environment with opportunities to interact with faculty in other colleges on campus and to participate in the Graduate Degree Programs in Ecology (https://ecology.colostate.edu/) and Cell & Molecular Biology (https://cmb.colostate.edu/). For more information about CSU in general and the Department of Biology in particular, please visit the Biology Department website: https://www.biology.colostate.edu/.

The Department of Biology at CSU is committed to creating and sustaining an accessible and inclusive culture that values cultural and academic diversity. We seek to hire faculty who will represent our inclusive values in classrooms, labs, and work environments. We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer, and it is a requirement of our faculty that they recognize the need for a diverse and inclusive department as well as the essential role of faculty in that effort.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate will develop a research program that interfaces with an integrative and collaborative department of evolutionary biologists, ecologists, geneticists, molecular biologists, physiologists, and organismal biologists, working at scales from molecules to ecosystems. Teaching responsibilities will reflect the candidate’s area of expertise but may include existing and/or newly developed courses in areas such as evolution, molecular phylogenetics, systematics, organismal diversity, and genetics. The successful candidate will be expected to make impactful service contributions to the university, their academic community, and broader outreach efforts. Candidates who can enhance the department’s commitment to diversity through research, teaching, and outreach are encouraged to apply.

QUALIFICATIONS: The applicant must have a Ph.D. in biology, bioinformatics, or a related field by the time of appointment. Evidence of potential for a successful research program as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications. Preferred qualifications include 1) evidence of research experience, productivity, and impact through graduate and postdoctoral work, 2) a compelling vision for a research program in phylogenetics addressing fundamental biological questions, 3) documented ability to fund research program, 4) experience in teaching and mentoring, and 5) engagement in impactful service and outreach activities and future potential for improving diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Biology Department will assist in the VISA sponsorship for a successful candidate.

SALARY: Salary range is $84,000-$90,000 for a 9-month tenure track faculty position.

POSITION AVAILABLE: as early as August 1, 2024.

UNIVERSITY AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

The Department of Biology at Colorado State University (CSU) is one of eight departments in the College of Natural Sciences. The Department has a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching, as well as an international reputation for excellence in research across a broad range of disciplines, including cell and molecular biology, physiology of plants or animals, animal behavior, ecology, evolutionary biology and computational/theoretical biology. The Department of Biology is housed in a state-of-the-art life sciences research facility that opened in 2017. As a land grant University and as nationally recognized innovators, we are committed to the foundational principles of diversity and inclusion. We recognize that our institutional success depends on how well we welcome, value, and affirm all members of the Colorado State community and how we represent diverse perspectives in our teaching, research, and service throughout all disciplines. Diversity and inclusion resources at CSU include The Institute for Learning and Teaching (https://tilt.colostate.edu/ ), Principles of Community (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/resources/principles-of-community/), and the Office of Inclusive Excellence (inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu). Colorado State University is a land-grant Carnegie Class Doctoral/Research-Extensive University. In the last decade, CSU has produced record enrollment, built on all-time highs in student diversity and student success; record fundraising far outpacing ambitious goals; groundbreaking research driven by a highly productive faculty; a campus revitalized by a transformational building campaign; and, perhaps most important, an unrivaled learning environment where nine of 10 recent graduates say they would choose CSU again and rate their education as excellent.

CSU is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, and is situated on nearly 5,000 acres of land, including the main campus, a foothills campus, the Agricultural Research Development & Education Center (ARDEC), and a mountain campus. Fort Collins is located next to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains about 65 miles north of Denver, nestled along the Cache La Poudre River, the first river in Colorado to be designated a National “Wild and Scenic River.” Fort Collins has a population of over 165,000 and is ranked among the most educated and healthiest cities in the nation. This ranking reflects the highly educated workforce, drawn to Fort Collins by the strong academic environment and the clean and sustainable industries that thrive in the community. The city of Fort Collins is consistently ranked as one of the “Best Places to Live in America,” with nearly 50 similar designations from numerous magazines and polls since 2005 (see: http://www.fcgov.com/visitor/fcfacts.php ).

Application materials include a cover letter, a C.V., a statement describing research accomplishments and future plans (up to 3 pages), a statement describing teaching interests and approaches (1 to 2 pages), a statement describing past contributions and future plans for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (1 to 2 pages), up to three publications that illustrate both expertise in the area of phylogenetics and a research program targeted towards answering fundamental biological questions, and contact information for three references who can provide letters for short-listed candidates at a future date.  For full position announcements and to apply, please visit the full postings at https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/131808. For full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on October 15, 2023. CSU is an EO/EA/AA employer and conducts background checks on all final candidates.