Gund Professor and Director Opening at the University of Vermont
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Gund Professor of Ecological Economics, and
Director of the Gund Institute for Ecological Economics
University of Vermont, Burlington, VT USA
The Gund Institute for Ecological Economics is a transdisciplinary research center at the University of Vermont, administered by the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources and structured to encourage campus‐wide collaborations that study and develop solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. The Gund Professor is an endowed, tenured, 9‐month position, and also serves as the Director of the Institute. The Director provides intellectual leadership for the Institute and works with faculty and students of all of UVM’s colleges and schools, as well as state, national, and international organizations to develop the fields of ecological economics and design through practical systems analysis and problem‐solving.
Ecological economics is a heterodox approach to economics and the environment, focusing on the human economy as embedded in complex social and biophysical systems. The Gund Institute is developing practical approaches to problem‐solving for sustainability, tested in Vermont’s living laboratory and applied throughout the world. The State of Vermont and City of Burlington are recognized leaders in efforts to redefine economic progress; strengthen rural working landscapes and urban communities; transform energy, food, and health care systems; manage common resources; and design livable human communities. The Gund Institute is ideally situated to play a leading role in developing the science of sustainable development, pioneering policy initiatives, and training the ecological entrepreneurs of the 21st century.
We seek a highly entrepreneurial systems thinker to advance an internationally renowned transdisciplinary research program in ecological economics and design; raise funds in support of that research agenda; build relationships with state, national, and international organizations; and teach and advise graduate students. The Director also works with the Gund’s Managing Director in support of business operations, research and teaching collaborations, and campus relations. We encourage candidates from diverse fields, but training or experience in economics is expected. Applicants should demonstrate (1) a record of transdisciplinary research at the interface between ecological and socio-economic systems; (2) established ties to the professional communities of ecological economics, ecological design, or related fields; (3) a history of sustained research funding and support of graduate students; (4) evidence of teaching excellence, including integrative, problem‐based or service‐learning formats; and, (5) a commitment to promoting diversity in educational experiences and staff/student recruitment. The University of Vermont aspires to be among the nation’s premier small research universities with a commitment to liberal education, environment, health, and public service. In pursuing that goal, the University recently identified three “Spires of Excellence” in which it will strategically focus institutional investments and growth over the next several years. These include Neuroscience, Behavior and Health; Complex Systems; and Food Systems (www.uvm.edu/~tri/). For this position, we particularly encourage candidates who take a complex systems approach to environmental problem solving. Interests and experience in complex systems modeling, sustainable food and energy systems, climate change adaptation, health and environment, livable community design, or economic behavior research would all be welcome.
Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2010, with an anticipated start date of September 1, 2011. The expected appointment is at full professor rank with tenure. The University of Vermont is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and welcomes applications from women; underrepresented ethnic, racial and cultural groups; and from people with disabilities. The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and/or service. Applicants are requested to include in their cover letter information about how they will further this goal. Applications must include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references, and must be submitted electronically at www.uvmjobs.com referencing requisition number 033777. Further information about the Gund Institute, current projects, and collaborations are available at www.uvm.edu/giee/. Inquiries may be made to Professor Jon Erickson, Managing Director of the Gund Institute for Ecological Economics and chair of the search committee at jon.erickson@uvm.edu or 802-656-2906.