Assistant Professor, Science Communication for Environmental Decision-Making and Policy (Tenure-Track)

Department: Environmental Science & Policy (ESP)

Web Announcement:

Assistant Professor, Science Communication for Environmental Decision-Making and Policy (Tenure-Track)

The George Mason University, Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP) in the College of Science is seeking an enthusiastic and energetic individual for a full-time 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Science Communication for Environmental Decision-making and Policy position beginning in August 2019. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.

Responsibilities:

This position reflects the important role of the study and practice of communication in environmental policy: spanning boundaries between the environmental science and policy communities; incorporating community outreach and participation in decision-making processes to achieve democratic and social justice goals; and designing and implementing evidence-based environmental programs with public-facing components. A research agenda focused on governmental science advice, science communication for policy, public participation in environmental decision-making, and/or behavioral policy is particularly valued.

We seek applicants who will lead the Environmental Science Communication Concentration (ESCM) in our master's program in Environmental Science and Policy. In addition to leading a popular environmental science communication concentration within our master's degree program, the successful candidate will teach and advise students within our undergraduate and doctoral programs. More specifically, the successful candidate will teach and advise in the department's interdisciplinary Ph.D. and master's graduate programs. In addition, they will teach undergraduate courses as part of a B.A. program in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. The successful applicant will also be expected to develop an externally funded research program as a team player and to collaborate with other researchers across the college and the university to enhance trans-disciplinary research and advance the department's externally funded multidisciplinary research.

This position will complement existing departmental disciplines including sociology, geography, political science, public policy, and economics. The candidate is expected to contribute to George Mason University's commitment to interdisciplinary research within the department and College of Science, and between other colleges. Service activities within the ESP and the College of Science are expected.

Required Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a Ph.D. in environmental science and policy, an environmental social science, or a related field prior to the first day of the appointment;
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative and qualitative social science methods;
• The ability to share the department's commitment to interdisciplinary education;
• An established record of scholarly activity demonstrated by publication record in peer-reviewed journals;
• Demonstrated potential to establish an independent research program;
• Commitment and interest in teaching lecture courses at the graduate and undergraduate level;
• Strong commitment to mentoring and supervising graduate students;
• Effective interpersonal communication skills; and
• The ability to collaborate with other natural scientists and social scientists in research, teaching and outreach.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Post-doctoral experience in governmental science advice, science communication for policy, public participation in environmental decision-making, and/or behavioral policy is highly desirable;
• Demonstrated experience in developing successful externally-funded research collaborations is beneficial.
• A record of seeking and securing extramural research support evidenced by proposal submission and/or recipient of funding awards; and
• Demonstrated successful teamwork in a collaborative environment.
  

About Us:

ESP is well known for its truly interdisciplinary faculty focused on environmental natural and social sciences. ESP also includes additional graduate program faculty from across the university and numerous affiliated environmental professionals. The following degrees are awarded: B.S. in Environmental Science, B.A. in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Public Policy. The Department also partners with the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation in Front Royal, VA, to offer graduate level courses in biodiversity and conservation. ESP has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence among its faculty and staff and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich our academic and culturally inclusive environment. We are deeply committed to increasing diversity and encourage applications from women and minority scholars.

For more information about the department, visit us online at https://esp.gmu.edu/. For more information about the College of Science, visit https://cos.gmu.edu/

Salary: Commensurate with education and experience.

Location: Fairfax, VA

Mason Ad Statement:

Great Careers Begin at Mason!

George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report “Up and Coming” spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.

Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.

If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!

George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition. 

Special Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applications are to be submitted electronically for position F351AZ at https://jobs.gmu.edu. In addition to the online application, upload a cover letter, CV, a philosophy of teaching statement, a research statement, and a list of three professional references with contact information. Review of applications will begin January 15, 2019 and will continue until the position is filled.

Equity Statement:

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.