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Job Summary

We seek a colleague with a successful research, publication, and funding record to join our senior research staff. We hope to identify a candidate who will flourish in the Forest’s collaborative intellectual environment and its setting and facilities in central New England. The Forest is connected to many departments and schools across Harvard University and other institutions. From a rural field station setting, with robust long-long-term ecological research experiments, Harvard Forest scientists build transformative research programs that serve stakeholders across the region and globe and prepare a diverse next generation of ecologists and land stewards.

The disciplinary area is open but should augment and enhance existing programs at the Harvard Forest and leverage established archival, land, and research infrastructure developed over more than a century of study. The researcher will join a collaborative group of senior scientists who design, fund, conduct, and publish research relating to forested landscapes of New England; advance engagement with relevant policy- and decision-makers; and collaborate with a wide network of external researchers. Senior researchers’ salaries are department-funded, and scientists are expected to develop an externally funded research program. Senior Scientists mentor undergraduates (from Harvard and elsewhere) in Harvard Forest summer/winter internships and co-curricular programs. They may also advise graduate students and post-doctoral fellows as part of their research program and contribute to our renowned LTER Schoolyard K-12 education program.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

We seek someone who will:

  • Develop an externally funded research group to expand the Harvard Forest’s disciplinary expertise while enriching existing research foci.
  • Work with the larger Harvard community of scientists and educators and contribute to the Harvard Forest mission that includes collaborative science and engagement, and a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
  • Leverage the infrastructure base provided by existing research laboratories, 1750-hectare land base, archival records, and long-term site-to-regional studies in biogeochemistry, ecophysiology, molecular/microbial ecology, forest demography, paleoecology, dendrochronology, and landscape analysis.
  • Mentor undergraduate students in the Harvard Forest Summer Research Program and contribute to academic-year co-curricular programs that engage diverse students across disciplines.
  • Collaborate with Harvard Forest colleagues to share research results that guide policy, improve livelihoods, inform land stewardship, and address environmental challenges.

Basic Qualifications

PhD required. Post-doctoral or similar experience including a history of collaborative research, publication, student mentorship, engagement with broader audiences, and external funding.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

  • Evidence of research productivity
  • Evidence of/Potential for securing research funding
  • Evidence of/Potential for scholarly impact
  • Evidence/Potential for student mentorship (undergraduates, graduate students, and/or post-docs)
  • Evidence of incorporating Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging in research, teaching, and/or service
  • Commitment to collaboration with colleagues
  • Alignment to Harvard Forest priorities (placed-based research, use of land/facilities)

Additional Information

For additional information, including a July 20 webinar about the position, visit the following website: https://harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu/ScientistSearch

We encourage applicants from all career stages. The competitive salary for this department-funded position will be determined by background and experience. The Harvard Forest offers an excellent research, academic, and collegial environment and will assist in developing appropriate research facilities.

To apply, go to https://bit.ly/3i94McP

The completed application will include:

  1. cover letter;
  2. CV;
  3. research statement describing:
    1. research program growth and development to date,
    2. future directions,
    3. integration of mentorship, and
    4. the fit between the individual’s expertise and interests and current work at the Harvard Forest (see https://harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu/ );
  4. diversity statement including
    1. What does diversity, inclusion and belonging mean to you?
    2. How do you incorporate this principle in your work?
    3. What do you see as the fundamental characteristics of organizations that create an inclusive environment? and;
  5. contact information for three references.

Application review will begin September 15; the position will remain open until it is filled. For additional information please contact: Search Chair David Orwig (orwig@fas.harvard.edu)

Harvard University offers an outstanding benefits package including:

  • Time Off: 3 – 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
  • Medical/Dental/Vision
  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
  • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
  • Child Care: Limited scholarship funds are available to help defray the cost of child care. Awards are based on household income.
  • Wellness options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complementary health services.

All formal written offers will be made by FAS HR.

The Harvard Forest Community

Harvard Forest is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. We have initiated an ongoing series of staff-wide trainings and formed a standing committee to build competence in DEIB in our workplace, improved physical and digital accessibility of our campus resources, and re-examined and replaced harmful artwork. We are working toward including Indigenous knowledge and communities in our research and education, land use, and public programs, improving field safety for at-risk populations, and diversifying our team of investigators and educators. The aim of this work is to collectively support and implement our mission: the investigation, understanding, and communication of the ways in which physical, biological, and human systems interact to change our Earth, while ensuring that all participants should feel that they are critical parts of the Harvard Forest community, whatever their identity groups. We welcome, recruit, develop, and advance talented staff, students, and visiting scholars from diverse backgrounds, and strive to ensure that all are included in our mission. Harvard Forest is also committed to supporting the work-life balance of its staff.

We particularly encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in the sciences (Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members) and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Job location: Petersham, MA
Salary grade: 59
Pre-Employment Screening: DMV, Education, Identity

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

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