The University of Oklahoma, Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences seeks an Organismal Biologist to serve as the Director of the Oklahoma Biological Survey (OBS) at the level of Associate or Full Professor (Tenured). The successful candidate will run an active research lab, train graduate students, and teach one course per year that pertains to their area of expertise. In addition, they will lead our research unit toward fulfillment of its mission (see below) by forging partnerships, raising funds, and coordinating research efforts within the OBS. Due to recent and imminent retirements, the new OBS director will have an exciting opportunity to hire new personnel and thus guide the trajectory of our organization.

The OBS is both a state office and a research unit affiliated with the new School of Biological Sciences at the University of Oklahoma. Established in 1927, our ongoing mission is to consolidate expertise and information on biodiversity with an emphasis on the plants and animals of the state of Oklahoma. Through coordinated research and monitoring, the OBS compiles detailed information on biological communities in the state and surrounding regions while enhancing our general understanding of ecology and natural history for the benefit of the scientific community, elected officials, and the public. The OBS is home to the Bebb Herbarium, the largest plant collection in the state, the Oklahoma Natural Heritage Inventory which documents and tracks species of concern, and the Oklahoma Natural Registry program that partners with landowners to advance conservation efforts. The OBS contributes to the scientific community of the University of Oklahoma and beyond through innovative research that advances a multitude of areas within the biological and environmental sciences while bringing external funding to the university and fostering expertise needed to confront present and future challenges.

This position is a 12-month appointment, and it offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience as well as a startup package and generous benefits including paid leave, health coverage, life insurance, and retirement funds. Starting date is expected to be in the August of 2025 or January of 2026.

The Norman Community - Norman is a vibrant university town of more than 130,000 inhabitants with a growing entertainment and art scene. With outstanding schools, amenities, and a low cost of living, Norman is a perennial contender in “best place to live” rankings. Visit http://soonerway.ou.edu for more information. Within an easy commute, Oklahoma City features a dynamic economy and outstanding cultural venues adding to the region’s growing appeal. 

Required Qualifications:

• A compelling vision for the future of the Oklahoma Biological Survey. Candidates will be expected to articulate clear goals for the OBS that will fulfill our mandate as a provider of fundamental biodiversity information and advance our standing as a state office and research unit.
• A widely recognized research program that blends documentation of biodiversity with important research themes in Biology, Conservation, and/or Environmental Science. Candidates should have expertise in one or more taxonomic areas that adds to the range of specialties at the OBS. Candidates should also demonstrate a strong record of publication, external funding, and student mentorship that merits appointment at the Associate or full Professor level.
• Relevant administrative experience that entails leadership of research teams.
• University classroom teaching experience or demonstrated capacity to teach at the university level. 
• A PhD in the biological sciences or a related field.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with biodiversity programs (e.g. Natural Heritage programs, other Biological Surveys, NatureServe, conservation organizations, natural history museums, natural-resource management agencies at the state or federal level)
• Experience with natural systems in the South Central United States
• A record of partnerships with state agencies, citizen groups, and/or NGOs that pertains to conservation and biodiversity research

Application materials should include a statement of interest (limited to 2000 words) that includes the following: motivations for applying, elements of the candidate’s vision for the research unit, and a brief summary of the candidate’s accomplishments regarding research, teaching, administration, mentorship and other relevant qualifications. In addition, applicants must submit a long-form CV (no page limit) as well as names and contact information for three professional references who provide confidential letters of recommendation as part of the application package. Applicants are welcome to include up to three publications as examples of their past research output. Additional materials may be requested following initial application reviews. All applications and letters of recommendation must be submitted via Interfolio: http://apply.interfolio.com/155536

Application reviews will begin on November 15, 2024 and remain open until filled. Address inquiries to the search committee chair:

Eli Bridge

Associate Professor and Interim Director

Oklahoma Biological Survey

[email protected]