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Asst Prof/Asst Curator in Bee Biodiversity & Evolution

Employer
The University of Kansas
Location
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
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Job Details

Position OverviewThe University of Kansas (KU) invites applications for the Charles D. Michener Assistant Professor and Assistant Curator in Bee Biodiversity and Evolution. This position is a full-time, tenure-track academic year joint appointment in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (EEB, 0.5 Full-Time Equivalent) and the Division of Entomology of the Biodiversity Institute (BI, 0.5 Full-Time Equivalent), a KU Designated Research Center. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an externally funded, internationally recognized, collections-based research program in bee biodiversity and evolution and have a demonstrated commitment to excellence in research, collections, teaching, mentoring and service. They will: conduct collection-based research addressing critical questions in the biodiversity, systematics, phylogenetics, and evolution of bees leading to publications in appropriate outlets; procure external funding to support their research program; teach courses and engage in mentorship contributing to the education of undergraduate and graduate students; contribute to the stewardship of the Biodiversity Institute’s extensive entomological collection; and engage in unit, College, University, and national service. A Ph.D. is expected by the start date of the appointment, and the successful candidate for the position must be eligible to work in the U.S. prior to starting the position.

About Participating Units
Founded in 1865, the University of Kansas (KU) is the state’s flagship university and a Carnegie doctoral/research-intensive R1 university with a $2.8 billion endowment and a faculty of 2,600. The institution is one of only 34 public members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), enrolls more than 28,000 students (19,000 undergraduates), and is located in Lawrence, a vibrant college town of 95,000 that boasts a lively downtown and is 40 minutes from the Kansas City metropolitan area and 30 minutes from the state capital, Topeka. The Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (EEB) is one of the largest and most productive departments in its field and at KU and offers teaching and research expertise from genes to paleobiology and taxa to ecosystems. The University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute (BI), on the Lawrence campus, is a University Designated Research Center and one of the premier research and education institutes in the U.S. in archaeology, biodiversity science and informatics, biogeography, evolutionary biology, paleobiology, and phylogenetics, with a public facing Natural History Museum that offers numerous programs. The Snow Entomological Collection within the Biodiversity Institute is one of the largest university-based insect collections. Founded in 1870, it contains several historic and current taxonomic strengths, including a world-class bee collection.

KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.Job DescriptionAssistant Professor, EEB (0.5 FTE)
Research (20%):Conduct impactful scholarly research in the biodiversity, systematics, phylogenetics, and evolution of bees. Faculty members are expected to develop and maintain a productive research program of national and international stature that substantially advances scholarship and knowledge discovery throughout their career, while continuing to advance in depth and importance. Faculty members are also expected to publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals and books, to gain extramural support for their research activities, and to present findings at professional scientific conferences.
Teaching and Student Mentoring (20%):
Teach the equivalent of one 3-credit course/academic year in EEB (courses may be cross-listed or cross-referenced with other departments) and strive for excellence in the classroom. As part of this work, they will develop curricular programs such as courses in entomology, biodiversity science, organismal biology, etc. in EEB, and prepare for and attend all class meetings. (In case of absence, faculty members must make arrangements for a substitute to teach class; classes should not be canceled.) They will also: provide instruction throughout the semester, usually three hours/week; develop assignments, administer tests, evaluate student work, provide feedback to students, and assign grades; hold regular office hours for students involved in classes taught (while being available for reasonable appointments if a student cannot meet during scheduled office hours); mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students in independent research; adhere to program, College, and University policies.

Service (10%):
Tenure-track faculty members are expected to participate in appropriate professional activities, such as attending EEB meetings, carrying out EEB committee assignments, attending national and international meetings or conferences, serving the College and KU as appropriate, and serving the profession as a reviewer for grant proposals and manuscripts, in an editorial capacity, or as an officer of a professional society.
Assistant Curator, Biodiversity Institute (0.5 FTE)A curator is charged with responsibilities of collection stewardship and administration, research and student mentoring and training, and service that contributes to the mission of the BI. Specific responsibilities are: (1) administration of staff and resources in the Division of Entomology; (2) stewardship of the division’s collections and associated data; (3) maintenance of productive research programs; (4) training and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students; (5) service to the BI, the University and the profession; and (6) participation in the museum’s public program and outreach activities.

Evaluation of curators for merit, promotion, and tenure is based on a weighting of 40% collection stewardship and administration, 40% research and student mentoring, and 20% service to the BI, profession and public programs. The percentages below are adjusted to reflect the scientist’s 50% appointment in the BI. Because the BI is a KU Designated Research Center, acquisition of extramural funding for research is weighted more heavily in annual merit reviews than it might be in other units.

Administration and Collection Stewardship (20%) (i.e., Professional Performance)

Administrative duties of the Curator include supervision of personnel (currently two collection managers in the Division of Entomology) and the physical and fiscal resources of the Curator’s division (including substantial space on KU’s West Campus and extensive endowment funds). The curator will be responsible for coordinating the activities of the Division of Entomology such that they are consistent and collaborative with the activities and goals of the BI. The curator will have the primary responsibility for the acquisition, accession, growth, care, management, and use of the division’s collection and associated data for research, education, and public service. The curator will also be charged with directing the strategic growth of the collection, which should be focused on research and tailored to resources and working with the collection managers of the division to identify the physical, curatorial, and data-management needs of the division’s collections. Moreover, they will seek appropriate solutions for necessary improvements, including submission of proposals for extramural support of collection care and improvement of the physical specimens and associated data. The curator will supervise the two collection managers in the maintenance of appropriate practices for: (1) accession, curation, and conservation of specimens; (2) management of loans of specimens, requests for data, and use of specimens by students and visiting scholars; and (3) management of collection data.

Research and Student Mentoring (20%)

The curator is expected to develop and maintain an internationally recognized, productive, impactful, externally funded, specimen-based research program that contributes to the understanding of bee diversity and evolution. The research program at the BI will also be in keeping with the goals and accountabilities of EEB. Such research will include publication (print or electronic) of original research results in peer-reviewed scholarly publications, regular dissemination of research results at professional meetings and via other outlets as appropriate, and acquisition of extramural support for research activities. The curator is further expected to advise, train and mentor undergraduate and graduate students including those whose studies are related to the systematic collections or other resources in the Division of Entomology and the BI. Graduate and undergraduate training and mentoring at the BI will also be in keeping with the goals and accountabilities of EEB.

Professional Service, Public Programs and Outreach Activities (10%)

The curator is expected to provide service to the University community, the BI, and the national and international scientific and biocollections communities including through membership on committees, the review of papers and grant proposals, and participation in editorial activities. The curator is also expected to contribute to the public education and exhibits programs of the Natural History Museum. Public outreach additionally includes authoring publications for popular audiences, providing lectures and tours to public and school groups, activities with interest groups, participation in media interviews and news releases, and responses to public inquiries about natural history.
Faculty Code
All faculty/curators are expected to carry out their responsibilities in accordance with the Faculty Code of Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct, currently viewable at:
https://policy.ku.edu/FacultyCodeKULawrence/faculty-code-of-rights
Required Qualifications
  1. Ph.D. in Entomology, Biology, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology or related field is expected by the start date of appointment.
  2. Evidence of a strong, collections-based research program in the biodiversity, systematics, phylogenetics, and evolution of bees; and demonstrated plan to obtain extramural grants to support research and collections.
  3. Demonstrated effort and a plan to contribute to the service activities and stewardship of the entomological research collection and associated data for research, education, and service.
  4. Commitment to excellence and innovation in the teaching and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students.
  5. Demonstrated commitment to teaching courses in areas such as entomology, organismal biodiversity and evolution, general biology, and/or other courses in areas of expertise.
Using these requirements, applicants will be reviewed on their: (1) record of research, teaching, and curatorial experience; (2) graduate and/or postdoctoral experience; (3) record of research accomplishments, publications, productivity, and extramural funding; (4) statements of a) teaching philosophy, experience, and interests, b) research interests and future directions, and c) curatorial and data-management philosophy, experience, and interests; (5) professional references; and (6) research focus/expertise in bee biodiversity, systematics, phylogenetics, and evolution as they relate to the existing strengths of KU’s collection and the mission of the Biodiversity Institute and Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology.Additional Candidate InstructionsA complete online application contains: (1) curriculum vitae; (2) statement of research interests and future directions (up to three pages); (3) statement of teaching philosophy, experience, and interests (up to three pages); (4) statement of curatorial and data-management philosophy, experience, and interests (up to three pages); (5) PDF copies of three selected publications/manuscripts; and (6) the names and contact information for three references.

Review of applications will begin November 1, 2024.Contact Information to ApplicantsFor more information visit https://eeb.ku.edu/ or https://biodiversity.ku.edu/ or contact the search committee chair Dr. Bruce S. Lieberman (blieber@ku.edu). Advertised Salary RangeCommensurate with experienceApplication Review BeginsFriday November 1, 2024Anticipated Start DateMonday August 18, 2025Apply to Job

Organization

Working at the University of Kansas 

Join the University of Kansas, and you’ll become part of a Jayhawk family that spans the globe. Wear your KU shirt in London, Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Nairobi or anywhere else, and you will likely hear a resounding “Rock Chalk!” from a stranger. Of course, the appropriate response is an enthusiastic “Jayhawk!” Because, after all, they’re not really strangers, they’re family.

The Jayhawk community is united by more than 150 years of tradition and by our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, transforming the academic experience, and creating solutions through innovative research. KU’s mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world.  

The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university and one of just 66 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). We consistently earn high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university.

KU faculty and staff embrace our role as the state’s flagship university, AAU member and R1 institution that serves the state, nation and world. We celebrate the energy and compassion that infuse the Jayhawk spirit; and, we remain true to KU’s historic values: the elevating force of education, the transformative power of research and the healing power of service.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging 

The University of Kansas is committed to a learning and workplace environment that is representative of our nation and global society, accepts and values everyone, appreciates our common humanity and understands that our multiple differences are the cornerstone of academic preparation, professional excellence and distinction. KU must be a place where all people feel they belong and have access to resources and support that help them attain their educational and professional goals.

We recognize there are inequalities and privileges generated by historical and persistent intersecting differences by race, ethnicity, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, abilities, religion, regional background, veteran status, citizenship status and nationality. And we hold ourselves accountable for policies, processes and programs that appreciate these and other differences and create more fair, safe and just learning, working and living environments for KU students, faculty and staff.

Instruction 

KU offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate study programs, and we fulfill our mission through academic and research programs of international distinction, coupled with outstanding libraries, teaching museums and information technology. These resources enrich the academic experience for students from all 50 states and 112 countries, and provide enrichment resources for KU faculty and staff.

Research 

The university attains high levels of research productivity and recognizes that faculty are part of a network of scholars and academicians that shape a discipline as well as teach it. KU staff are integral to our research success, participating in and supporting discoveries that expand knowledge and improve lives.

Service 

The university and our employees serve society through research, teaching and the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. KU's academic programs, arts facilities and public programs provide cultural enrichment opportunities for the larger community. And, KU offers educational, research and service programs throughout the state. KU employees are encouraged to participate in and serve the campus and surrounding communities in a way that is meaningful to them.

International Dimension 

KU offers more than 100 programs of international study and cooperative research for KU students and faculty at sites around the world. The university offers teaching and research that draw upon and contribute to the most advanced developments throughout the United States and abroad. At the same time, KU's extensive international ties support economic development in Kansas.

Values 

The University of Kansas, our students and employees are committed to excellence. We foster a multicultural, inclusive environment in which the dignity and rights of individuals are respected. Intellectual diversity, integrity and disciplined inquiry in the search for knowledge are of paramount importance.

Our City and State 

KU sits atop Mt. Oread in the center of Lawrence, a town full of natural beauty and culture. In fact, Rolling Stone magazine named Lawrence one of the best college towns in the United States. Lawrence is home to more than 100,000 people, and has a charming, Midwestern friendliness that welcomes visitors and celebrates diversity. In addition to KU, Lawrence is home to Haskell Indian Nations University, the premiere tribal university in the United States.

Lawrence’s historic and thriving downtown features restaurants, nightlife and local shops offering unique finds that you won’t find anywhere else. The town has more than 50 parks, an encompassing mixed-use trail, and quick access to biking/hiking trails along the Kansas River and around Clinton Lake. A five-minute drive from Lawrence, Clinton Lake offers fishing, boating, beaches, camping and other outdoor activities.

Located just 40 minutes west of Kansas City, Lawrence offers the appeal of a mid-size, suburban town with quick access to the amenities of a large city, including an international airport. The Kansas City metro area is home to world-class museums and cultural activities, Jazz clubs and other nightlife venues, expansive shopping options, and exciting professional sports with the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Sporting KC.

Kansas is in the center of the country, making it convenient and cost effective to fly or drive to destinations throughout the United States. Far from flat, the Flint Hills, just 90 minutes from Lawrence, offer panoramic vistas that showcase the breathtaking beauty of America.

Making KU Your Home 

Something about Lawrence is magnetic. Long-time residents are never surprised when a KU student or employee from out of state decides to make Lawrence their permanent home. And, even those who do leave often find themselves returning to “the nest” at some point in the future. In fact, Lawrence has been named by several publications as one of the best places to retire.

At the University of Kansas, you’ll join a global Jayhawk family and find a place to call home.

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