Job Details

Assistant/Associate Professor: Indigenous Knowledge
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Position Number: 5829938
Location: Corvallis, OR
Position Type: Agriculture - Environmental Science, Ecology & Forestry

Assistant/Associate Professor: Indigenous Knowledge

Oregon State University

Department: Forest Ecosyst & Society (FOR)
Appointment Type: Academic Faculty
Job Location: Corvallis
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000

Job Summary:

The Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 9-month, Tenure-Track, Assistant or Associate Professor position, specializing in Indigenous Knowledge on forest, ecosystem, and cultural stewardship.

Appointment at the Assistant Professor rank is anticipated; however, higher rank may be considered depending upon the qualifications of the successful candidate.

Any hiring at the rank of Associate Professor/Professor with indefinite tenure will be subject to a successful out-of-cycle tenure review process: https://facultyaffairs.oregonstate.edu/out-cycle-tenure-review-procedure.

We seek an individual with a research area grounded in Indigenous Knowledge, such as ethnobotany and/or ethnoecology, particularly as related to forest ecosystems. Candidates should have expertise in both Indigenous Knowledge and western science-based knowledge systems, and their integration. The faculty member in this position would seek to promote diverse knowledge approaches to seeking solutions to systemic challenges affecting humans and nature.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

Maintain a research program that centers on Indigenous Knowledge on forest, ecosystem, and cultural stewardship.
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses incorporating Indigenous Knowledge into their curriculum. The FES department has an opportunity to work with the Indigenous Studies Program in teaching existing courses or developing new ones through this position based on the incumbents education and interests. The faculty member should inspire students to engage critically with diverse knowledge systems and foster an inclusive learning environment.
Partner and collaborate closely with Indigenous communities/Tribal Nations and stakeholders in their research and teaching endeavors. Building strong partnerships based on mutual respect and reciprocity, the faculty member will work together with communities to address pressing challenges and support community efforts in sustainable forest ecosystem stewardship.
Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, particularly those from Indigenous and underrepresented backgrounds. The faculty member will support students academic and professional growth, encouraging students to pursue knowledge aligned with their passions and cultural backgrounds.
Actively participate in and advance the departments, colleges, and universitys missions and objectives.

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We dont wait for challenges to present themselves - we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS:

Top 1.4% university in the world
More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
217k+ alumni worldwide
For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon States beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of Americas best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
Retirement savings paid by the university.
A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

Key Responsibilities

50% - Research/Scholarship:

Conduct research and scholarship on Indigenous Knowledge on forest, ecosystem, and cultural stewardship. Develop, manage, and maintain an equitable and inclusive program of nationally and internationally recognized research and scholarship that is documented, validated by peers, and communicated through appropriate outlets. Build research partnerships and allyships across cultures for impactful outcomes. Supervise Graduate Assistants and other research faculty as needed.

30% - Instruction/Teaching/Mentoring:

Teach approximately three, academic-quarter courses per year. Teaching assignments may be adjusted to reflect the departments needs, including on-campus and online (E-campus) instruction. Recruit, supervise, support, mentor, and serve as major advisor for 2-4 Masters and/or PhD students. Mentor undergraduate students and provide opportunities for their involvement in conducting research to help foster professional development and placement.

10% - Outreach:

Participate in the larger OSU effort on behalf of COF to develop and foster reciprocal relationships with Tribal Nations.

10% - Service:

Participate in departmental, college, and university level affairs and governance. Serve as a mentor to other faculty and staff in the department. Service is also expected in support of industry, academic organizations, facilitating student-industry interface and other professional groups and associations.

What You Will Need

Minimum/Required Qualifications for all ranks (Assistant or Associate Professor)

An earned PhD by the start of the appointment with a focus on Indigenous Knowledge, ethnobotany, ethnoecology, or related field.
Evidence of effective interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) enabling collaboration with a broad spectrum of students, teachers, researchers, industrial professionals, stakeholder groups, and Tribal Nations and communities.
Experience working directly with Tribal Nations in North America on forest ecosystem sustainability and cultural stewardship, and STEM programs.
Life experiences, training, and/or education that broadens capacity to equalize student success or positively impact underserved audiences while meeting the values and mission in the College of Forestrys Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Strategic Plan.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid drivers license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

Additional Required Qualifications for the rank of Assistant Professor

Demonstrated potential to effectively teach undergraduate and graduate level courses in a manner that is consistent with the principles identified in the OSU Quality Teaching Framework as evidenced by instruction (formally or informally), curriculum development, or student evaluations.
Demonstrated potential for developing and managing an equitable and inclusive research program in Indigenous Knowledge on forest, ecosystem, and cultural stewardship as evidenced by at least one of the following: securing external research funds, developing grant proposals, or fostering diverse perspectives on research teams.
Demonstrated potential to conduct effective research and scholarly work as evidenced by high-impact outputs (documented, validated by peers, and communicated through appropriate outlets) with potential for distinction.

Additional Required Qualifications for the rank of Associate Professor:

Distinction in teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses in a manner that is consistent with the principles identified in the OSU Quality Teaching Framework and as evidenced by sustained and effective instruction (formally or informally), curriculum development, and student evaluations.
Demonstrated success in sustaining an equitable and inclusive research program in Indigenous Knowledge on forest, ecosystem, and cultural stewardship as evidenced by external research funds, successful grant proposals, and engaging diverse perspectives on research teams.
Demonstrated distinction in research and scholarly work as evidenced by a sustained record of high-impact outputs (documented, validated by peers, and communicated through appropriate outlets) that are internationally recognized.

What We Would Like You to Have

Preferred Qualifications for all ranks (Assistant or Associate Professor)

A focus on forest ecosystems when earning a PhD or in subsequent professional work.
Research or work experience in applying diverse knowledge approaches to seeking solutions to systemic challenges affecting humans and nature, including Indigenous Knowledge and western scientific approaches, and their integration.
Positive experience mentoring students, postdocs, and/or peers.
Experience with online or alternative teaching modalities.
Evidence of direct experience working with Tribal Nations located in the United States of America.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

Travel/driving may be required for research, teaching, and outreach.
Field research may require working outdoors in uneven and rugged terrain to collect field data or samples.
Work schedule and location are flexible to meet the requirements of active research projects.
Remote work is possible, as agreed upon between the employee and supervisor.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by January 3, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A Curriculum Vitae; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

3) Statement of Research

4) Statement of Teaching

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:
Randy Rosenberger
r.rosenberger@oregonstate.edu

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSUs Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/162116