Job Summary:
The mission of the UW Arboretum, which is a center within the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR), is to conserve and restore Arboretum lands, advance restoration ecology, and foster the land ethic. The Research Ecologist supports the Arboretum program by engaging in fundamental and applied research that aligns with Arboretum's mission, overseeing research program staff and day-to-day operations, and serving as the research program's internal and external liaison.
Founded in 1934, the Arboretum serves as a research and teaching center that includes remnant and restored ecosystems and classic horticultural areas for use by campus students and educators, as well as tens of thousands of members of the public annually. The Arboretum is the site of the first successful prairie restoration and serves a worldwide community of scholars, researchers, and practitioners engaged in restoration, research, and education. It is an urban green space with over 1200 acres, including natural areas, gardens and 17 miles of trails. It offers a variety of educational programming, and hundreds of volunteers help carry out mission-related activities.
Created as a field research and teaching laboratory for university faculty and students, the Arboretum has a long history of scholarship in the field of ecological restoration, conservation and land stewardship. The Research Ecologist is expected to continue this tradition of research excellence.
UW-Madison is highly rated in the field of Ecology and Environmental Science providing a rich academic environment for collaborative research. The UW Arboretum supports dozens of research projects per year, including research by undergraduate and graduate students, faculty from multiple departments, and external organizations. The Arboretum awards several competitive graduate student fellowships annually and supports an active citizen science program.
This position reports to the Arboretum Director and will oversee three research staff, including a data and GIS coordinator, a citizen science coordinator, and a research specialist.
As research ecologist you will provide research leadership and vision in restoration ecology and conservation building on the Arboretum's long-standing reputation in these areas, and taking advantage of the Arboretum's diverse ecological systems and rich research base. You will be expected to secure intramural and extramural funding through grants to help strengthen financial independence of the Arboretum's research programs.
In addition to leading research initiatives, you will manage the Arboretum's research unit, which includes supervising, mentoring, and evaluating performance of the research unit's three staff, and facilitating their professional development. You will Administer the day-to-day operational activities of the research unit and serve as liaison between the Arboretum research unit and researchers both internal and external to UW.
An important aspect of his position is contributing to the restoration, management, and preservation of Arboretum lands and biological communities by providing science-based guidance to the Arboretum's Land Care team. The Arboretum has strong connections to the surrounding community and provides unparalleled opportunities for science outreach, communication, and participatory science initiatives.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to help us pioneer the next phase of research for this historic program.
Applicants for this position will be considered for the titles listed in this posting. The title is determined by the experience and qualifications of the finalist.
Responsibilities: Scientist II (RE044)
Scientist III (RE045) Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion
Education:
Required
Terminal Degree
PhD in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Botany, Conservation or related field.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications
- Proven excellence and creativity in scholarly research, demonstrated by a strong publication record.
- Expertise in fostering and leading a collaborative research environment.
- Experience managing and overseeing complex research projects, including data management, grant writing, and supervision of research staff.
Preferred Qualifications
- Rich experience in interdisciplinary collaboration, working across various disciplinary and institutional boundaries.
- Strong track record of collaboration with academic, governmental, and community partners.
- Exceptional skills in science communication and outreach, with the ability to effectively disseminate research findings to diverse audiences.
- Research background in restoration ecology, with an emphasis on applied ecological solutions.
- 2-3 years of post-doctoral experience, with a proven history of securing external funding.
- Strong leadership and mentoring abilities, supporting junior researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students.
- Adaptability to evolving research methodologies and technologies, with a commitment to staying current with scientific advances.
- Proven capability to develop and maintain collaborative research networks, both nationally and internationally.
License/Certification:
Required
Drivers License - Valid and Meets UW Risk Management Standards
Work Type:
Full Time: 100%
It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.
Appointment Type, Duration:
Ongoing/Renewable
Salary:
Negotiable
ANNUAL (12 months)
Salary is negotiable based on qualifications and experience.
Additional Information:
This job is located at the UW Arboretum and free parking is provided.
How to Apply:
To apply for this position, please submit a CV, a letter of interest highlighting your relevant experience and detailing your interest in the position, and contact information for three professional references.
Contact:
Josh Goldman
josh.goldman@wisc.edu
608-890-4612
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Official Title:
Scientist II(RE044) or Scientist III(RE045)
Department(s):
A34-OVCR/ARBORETUM/ARBORETUM
Employment Class:
Academic Staff-Renewable
Job Number:
311115-AS
