New

Assistant Professor, Zooplankton Ecology

Florida Gulf Coast University
United States, Florida, Fort Myers
10501 FGCU Boulevard South (Show on map)
Nov 25, 2024
Job Summary The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University seeks candidates for an Assistant Professor of Zooplankton Ecology in the Department of Marine and Earth Sciences. The Water School is an interdisciplinary enterprise that brings together faculty from five colleges and schools representing 15 departments to focus on the environmental, economic, and human dimensions of coastal resilience, ecosystem integrity, health and well being, and restoration and remediation. The Water School encourages nominations for and applications from qualified individuals with research and teaching interests in zooplankton ecology. We particularly welcome applicants with interests in the investigation of individual and population responses to environmental change, resilience to ecosystem disturbances (e.g., riverine discharges, harmful algal blooms) and trophodynamics. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in marine science/oceanography, marine ecology, and other related disciplines and will have the opportunity to develop new courses in their area of expertise. They will have the opportunity to contribute to the implementation of a new Ph.D. program in Coastal Watershed Science and Policy (anticipated Fall 2025). The successful candidate will also be expected to develop a strong program of research in the Gulf of Mexico and Southwest Florida that involves students; to disseminate research findings to environmental agencies, as appropriate, and the academic community; and to acquire external support for their research. Applicants will be expected to collaborate with other Water School faculty and to build relationships with water management districts and other agencies as appropriate. FGCU is a comprehensive university dedicated to quality education, research, and service. Faculty are expected to be excellent teachers who are responsive to changing professional needs, be committed to innovative delivery of instruction resulting in improved student learning, be committed to effective use of technology including distance learning, produce peer-reviewed scholarship, and provide service to the university and the local community. Primary teaching assignments may be on the main campus and at The Water School's Vester Marine Field Station located on Estero Bay (https://www.fgcu.edu/thewaterschool/centers/vestermarine/). With an enrollment of over 16,000 students, FGCU has a main campus of 800 acres with LEED-certified buildings and 400 acres of protected habitat. The university's award-winning initiatives in education, energy production, research, and sustainable practices makes FGCU one of the nation's greenest campuses. FGCU is located in beautiful Southwest Florida, known for its beaches, resorts, nature preserves, and outdoor recreation. Located between the cities of Fort Myers and Naples, FGCU is just two hours by car from the major cities of St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Miami, and 15 minutes from the Southwest Florida International Airport. The region is surrounded by water-important estuaries to the north, Lake Okeechobee to the east, the Florida Everglades and Florida Bay to the south, and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. However, the region is experiencing rapid population growth and corresponding demand for conversion of natural and agricultural lands for development. As such, FGCU provides an unparalleled setting to study all facets of water and environmental issues. FGCU is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity and Access Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, veteran status, and any other protected class(es), as required by applicable state and federal law, as well as University regulations and policies. Job Description Typical duties may include but are not limited to: Teach assigned courses and adequately perform other duties/responsibilities as articulated on the annual assignment. Hold office hours. Attend departmental meetings. Adopt course materials in a timely manner. Adopt the university learning management system. Adopt other campus-wide technology platforms as appropriate to other specified job duties. Complete mandatory/required training in a timely manner. Abide by University Policies and Regulations. Participate in the evaluation process in accordance with the CBA and related documents. Participate in the assessment process as required by your respective department. Timely and professional communication with students, colleagues, staff, and administrators Engage in essential duties with the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, excellence, and within the accepted practices and norms of your respective field/profession. Prepare syllabi and instructional materials, develop and deliver lectures, tests, and evaluate students. Engages in reflective self-assessment of teaching styles and methods to ensure consistently effective instructional performance. Ensure the timely completion and reporting of student learning assessments. Continued professional development activity is expected at a level commensurate with rank and the mission of the University. Actively participate in community, institutional, and professional service in furtherance of FGCU's mission. Attends faculty and college meetings as required. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor Participate in curriculum development and advancement of the respective program. Prepare and deliver consistent, interactive lectures that align with curriculum goals. Work collaboratively with departmental faculty to ensure curriculum outcomes and accreditation standards are met. Advise students and provide individual assistance to students during weekly office hours. Perform regular scholarly research and publication. Additional Job Description Required Qualifications Ph.D. in Zooplankton ecology, Biological Oceanography, Marine Science, or related discipline from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent accreditation. ABDwill be considered if the degree is conferred by August 7, 2025. If successful candidate isABD, appointment will be made at a Lecturer level on a fixed contract. Demonstrated experience teaching in marine ecology or related field. Evidence of scholarly expertise related to zooplankton ecology with a record of research publications in scholarly journals. Preferred Qualifications Teaching, research, and scholarly interests that align with degree programs and areas of research interests in The Water School. Teaching experience as instructor of record in courses related to zooplankton ecology. Experience collaborating with a interdisciplinary team of scholars to address natural resource issues of regional concern. Interdisciplinary teaching and research perspective with well-defined research goals. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of major concepts, assumptions, debates, processes of inquiry, and ways of knowing that are central to the discipline(s). Understanding how to use digital and interactive technologies for efficiently and effectively achieving specific learning goals. Knowledge of critical thinking processes and understanding how to help learners develop high level questioning skills. Knowledge and skill in the use of inquiry-based instructional models and strategies. Knowledge and ability to use technology in various teaching modalities (e.g. Face-to-face, synchronous online or asynchronous online). Ability to collaborate with stakeholders both within and outside the University in the development and delivery of instruction, resulting in improved student learning. Special Instructions to Applicants Appointment will be made on a 9-month continuous multi-year appointment basis available August 2025. Because applications and materials are subject to public review and retention under Florida's Public Records Law, please DO NOT send examples of your project/scholarship unless requested to do so. Therefore, all submitted materials including articles, disks, slides, books, etc., become the property of FGCU and CANNOT BE RETURNED. As applicable, finalists will be notified of the need to submit specific additional materials. Such materials will become the property of FGCU. Under Florida's Public Records law, applications will be available for public review upon request. Required Application Materials Unofficial Transcripts Statement of Teaching Philosophy Statement of Research Interests Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter Contact information for five (5) Professional References The position is listed as open until filled; however, applications received by November 15, 2024 will receive priority consideration. Salary commensurate with education and experience