Assistant Professor-Drylands Ecology

The Department of Ecology and Evolution at Stony Brook University, in collaboration with the Turkana Basin Institute, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of Drylands Ecology. In particular, research seeking to understand drylands ecology in the context of anthropogenic climate change aligns with a university-wide emphasis and strength in this area. We invite applications from researchers working with plants, animals or other biota at the organismal, population, community or ecosystem level, including conservation biology.

This position is intended for researchers whose interests intersect with the goals and mission of the Turkana Basin Institute (TBI). We seek a candidate with the potential to augment or build upon one or more of the Department of Ecology and Evolution's current research strengths, while taking advantage of Stony Brook's unique relationship with the Turkana Basin Institute. TBI is a Stony Brook University Institute, established by the late paleoanthropologist, conservationist and Stony Brook University faculty member Richard Leakey. TBI's mission is to support and drive research in the greater Turkana Basin, a remote region of sub-Saharan Africa, by providing permanent research support infrastructure at its two field campuses, TBI-Turkwel and TBI-Ileret, support for logistics, as well as through an administrative support center in Nairobi. Partnership with local and national research organizations and local communities is a key part of TBI's mission. The Turkana Basin is a premier site for the discovery and understanding of hominid and vertebrate evolution and the ecological and climatological context of these processes, and ongoing contributions make it one of the world's most significant scientific research areas. Candidates need not have a current research program in the Turkana Basin.

We seek a candidate who will be an effective teacher in undergraduate and graduate courses in the areas of ecology and evolution, and who will develop a research program that enhances and complements the work of our current faculty. Details of the department's areas of research emphasis and current facilities may be found at http://www.stonybrook.edu/ecoevo/.

The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in ecology, evolution, or a closely related field at the time of appointment; preference will be given to those with related post-doctoral experience. The successful candidate must also have the clear potential to establish an internationally recognized, externally funded research program. They will teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including contributing to field courses taught at the Turkana Basin, Kenya, generate external funding to support their research, perform research including developing a research program in the Turkana Basin, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, participate in departmental and university committees, and perform service to support the Department of Ecology and Evolution and the Turkana Basin Institute.

Required Qualifications:
Doctoral Degree (or foreign equivalent) in ecology, evolution, or a field closely related to the subject of the search, received by August 1, 2025. Evidence of research activity relevant to the subject of the search. Potential for leveraging the affiliation with Turkana Basin for teaching or research. The applicant need not have a research program in the Turkana Basin at present.

Preferred Qualifications:
Postdoctoral training in a field closely related to the subject of the search. High quality research and publications relevant to the subject of the search. History of, or strong potential for, attracting external funding. Proven experience or demonstrated potential as an effective teacher and mentor consistent with the Ecology & Evolution graduate program and mission of Stony Brook University. Ability and interest in developing or contributing to field courses at the Turkana Basin Institute. Ability and interest in developing and maintaining an active research program involving the Turkana Basin. Commitment to expanding diversity in the fields of ecology and evolution.

Review of applications will start on October 15, 2024 and applications will continue to be accepted until November 19, 2024. Applications must be submitted through Interfolio by clicking "Apply Now." Applications must include a cover letter; CV; research, teaching, and diversity statements; and the names and contact information of at least three references. The research statement should include a plan for obtaining external funding. The teaching statement should address teaching and mentorship, including an articulated teaching philosophy, and ability to contribute to teaching needs in Ecology & Evolution and field courses at the Turkana Basin Institute. The diversity statement should stress past or potential leadership in advancing excellence in diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging as a teacher and a researcher in higher education.

Questions should be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Elizabeth Watson; elizabeth.b.watson@stonybrook.edu.

The selected candidate must successfully clear a background investigation.

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