Vice President for Research - Faculty Job Openings

Position Number: 00014925
Department: Center for People & the Environment
Position: Associate Director

The University of North Dakota’s Northern Great Plains Center for People and the Environment seeks an Associate Director to provide joint administrative leadership to a growing multidisciplinary organization.

Duties: The Associate Director will work closely with the Director to: diversify funding sources; assist in operation of a multi-disciplinary, multi-institution, multi-sector research and education organization; prepare proposals and reports; develop and implement a strategic plan; oversee execution of policies and programs; organize meetings and conferences; participate in the Earth System Science and Policy degree program. Other duties as requested by Director.

Qualifications: PhD or equivalent required in a discipline related to global environmental issues, either scientific, socio-economic, or policy oriented; demonstrated stature within field; history of successful external funding; commitment to sustainability; leadership skills necessary for multi-disciplinary, multi-institution team-building; vision and innovativeness; excellent communications skills within and without academia; awareness of funding opportunities and how to pursue them; political astuteness. The position is 12-month, non-tenure-track. The successful applicant should qualify for professorial rank.

Start Date: As soon as a suitable candidate is found.

Description of Organization: The Northern Great Plains Center for People and the Environment (NGP CP&E) is a Center of Excellence at the University of North Dakota (UND). Its mission is to lead a transition to sustainability, i.e., meet the needs and wishes of people while preserving Earth’s vital life-support systems. Since most environmental problems are now social problems, the Center emphasizes interactions with end users, for whom it conducts solutions-driven research aimed at supporting wiser environmental and economic decisions. Instruments are built to permit the required environmental measurements. NGP CP&E’s education mandate is broad, both informal and formal. Television interstitials educate the public about environmental issues. Formal education occurs at UND in an Earth System Science and Policy graduate program (master’s and doctoral). The Center is experiencing significant growth by partnering with NASA to operate the National Suborbital Education and Research Center, the primary resource for which is NASA’s DC-8 airborne laboratory. In addition, the NGP CP&E collaborates with investigators from 7 other universities in the Upper Midwest Aerospace Consortium. See www.umac.org.

To apply, send detailed letter of application describing fit to position described, curriculum vita, and contact information for five references to: Dr. George Seielstad, Northern Great Plains Center for People and the Environment, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9011; gseielst@aero.und.edu; tel. (701) 777-4755; fax (701) 777-2940. UND is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Position Number: New
Department: Center for People & the Environment
Position: Education and Public Outreach Director

The National Suborbital Education and Research Center (NSERC) has an immediate opening for an Education and Public Outreach Director. This position is located within the University of North Dakota's Northern Great Plains Center for People and the Enviornment (NGP CP&E). NSERC conducts the scientic, education, and public outreach functions for NASA's DC-8 research aircraft.

Responsibilities: Develop a national program of education and public outreach centered on research performed using NASA aircraft, especially NASA's DC-8. Examples of initiatives include: Organize a summer short course on airborne research for nationally competitive university students. Organize student-initiated missions on appropriate NASA aircraft. Provide resources and information to Space Grant offices. Create video and oral productions from airborne missions. Assist novice investigators convert ideas for airborne research to opportunities; e.g. piggyback instruments on missions. Prepare media releases. Facilitate sharing of data with students. Enlist co-op students to assist instrument integration. Coordinate education/outreach initiatives with Dryden Flight Research Center and NASA Headquarters education personnel. Submit education outreach/proposals to appropriate agencies.

Skills Sought: Minimum of MS in an Earth Science field, preferably Atmospheric Sciences; strong preference for a PhD. Excellent written and electronic communcation skills, both in the classroom and with the general public. Ability to communicate knowledgably and collegially with research scientists. Teaching experience optional but preferred, especially at post-secondary level; possiblity of lecturing in formal university classes. Ability to design brochures, documents, posters, website content, and the like. Successful record of external awards a strong positive; if no part awards, an ability to prepare strong proposals. Willingness to spend some periods in the field. Self-starter, but strong interpersonal skills when working in a team.

This is a 12-month, fully benefited, non-tenure-track, faculty appointment, open until filled. The position is located at the University of North Dakota in grand Forks, with some travel expected. Interested candidates should submit a CV, list of publications, statement of scientific an deducation interests, and contact information for three references to: Dr. George Seielstad, Center for People and the Environment, University of North Dakota, Clifford Hall Room 300, 4149 University Avenue, Stop 9011, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9011; or e-mail to gseielst@aero.und.edu. Tel. 701-777-4755; fax 701-777-2940.

UND is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

October 26, 2007