The School of Biological Sciences (SBS), in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), invites applications for the endowed John F. Davidson PhD and Marian J. Fuller PhD Presidential Chair in the Life Sciences. We seek an outstanding scientist with a record of impactful scholarly achievements within the broad field of integrative plant biology. We expect to make the appointment at the senior associate or full professor level with tenure. 

The successful candidate will work broadly using interdisciplinary and integrative approaches in any area of plant biology and have demonstrated pre-eminence in their field. This position will play a key role in furthering UNL’s goals of integrating plant science research at multiple biological levels, from molecular mechanisms to ecosystem dynamics and from fundamental discoveries to practical applications. The candidate is expected to integrate knowledge from diverse disciplines, potentially including, but not limited to, molecular and cellular biology, plant physiology and development, ecology and environmental science, evolutionary biology, biodiversity, genomics, and bioinformatics in order to address complex questions regarding the function, development, evolution, and/or ecological significance of plants.

The successful candidate will be expected to: (1) maintain an active, nationally and internationally visible, and externally supported research program, (2) teach courses in the plant science curriculum and develop courses in their specific area of expertise, (3) mentor and train students and postdoctoral fellows, and (4) contribute to the university’s mission to promote inclusive excellence in research, education, and mentoring of students of all backgrounds.

The successful candidate will receive dedicated lab and office space and a competitive salary and start-up package, as well as recurring annual research support. They will also have the opportunity to collaborate with an accomplished group of biologists in SBS (biosci.unl.edu), the Center for Plant Science Innovation (psi.unl.edu), and departments associated with the Agricultural Research Division (ard.unl.edu), as well as other units across the UNL campus and the University of Nebraska system. SBS offers a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and welcoming place to work. As articulated in our strategic plans, SBS, CAS, and UNL are committed to enhancing diversity, inclusion, and equity in all aspects of our mission.

The city of Lincoln, Nebraska, provides an outstanding quality of life that includes a vibrant downtown with a lively music and art scene, a collection of over 120 parks and 130 miles of bike trails, plus a low cost of living and opportunities for community connections. 

Application Process

Review of applications will begin March 17, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. To apply, go to https://employment.unl.edu/postings/94827, complete the Faculty Academic/Administrative Information form, and upload the following documents: (1) a cover letter highlighting the candidate’s interest in the position and their qualifications; (2) a Curriculum Vitae; (3) a document with research, teaching, and diversity statements; and (4) the names and contact information for three references, who will be contacted later in the search process. The two-page research statement should describe research interests, accomplishments, and collaborations, as well as potential areas of integration with plant-focused faculty at UNL. The one-page teaching statement should summarize instructional strategies, interests, experiences, and accomplishments. The one-page diversity statement should detail how your experience in teaching, service, and/or research has supported the success of students, postdoctoral fellows, and colleagues from backgrounds that are underrepresented in their academic fields. In addition, please describe how your future plans will further UNL’s commitment to diversity.  Combine the three statements into a single document for upload. Questions regarding the application process may be sent to biologysearch@unl.edu.

UNL seeks to achieve a working and learning environment that is open to all people. Dignity and respect for all in the UNL community are the responsibility of each individual member of the community. The realization of that responsibility across the campus is critical to UNL’s success.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in plant biology or a closely related field.
• Postdoctoral or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated ability and accomplishments in research and associated activities with a primary focus on integrative plant biology.
• Demonstrated ability and accomplishments in teaching and mentoring of students of all backgrounds. 

Preferred Qualifications

• An exceptional record of research leadership as evidenced by peer-reviewed research publications, a documented ability to obtain and manage external research funding, and scientific impact, commensurate with the rank sought and the focal discipline.
• Research interests that complement, enhance, and expand plant biology at UNL.
• Accomplishments and interest in developing new interdisciplinary research collaborations that strengthen regional, national, and international linkages for plant-focused research.
• Excellence in teaching and evidence-based pedagogy of students of all backgrounds.
• Commitment to and experience in building inclusive excellence, including in research mentorship.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, broadly defined, in interdisciplinary life sciences.

About University of Nebraska - Lincoln School of Biological Sciences

The Center for Plant Science Innovation is an interdisciplinary research & development and training program in basic and translational plant sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). UNL is a public, research-intensive land-grant university in Lincoln, Nebraska and the flagship institution of the University of Nebraska state-wide system.

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