Connecticut College seeks applicants for a two-year visiting position in sustainable agriculture in the Department of Botany, beginning July 1, 2019. The initial one-year appointment will be renewable for one additional year based on performance evaluation. The successful candidate will have a strong background in one or more areas of sustainable agriculture and alternative farming systems, as well as experience in instruction and developing community partnerships.
We seek a dynamic colleague who is committed to teaching and innovative curricular development. The Department of Botany is noted for linking teaching and research in botany with applied sustainability practices. This position is designed to expand our curriculum in the area of sustainable farming systems, and to foster the integration of several community partners and an on-campus garden into that curriculum. The visitor will teach three courses per year, including an upper-level seminar in sustainable agriculture, a mid-level course with a laboratory component, and a third course in an area of the candidate's choosing. The visitor will also initiate, develop and coordinate curricular and co-curricular activities connecting local community organizations with a variety of courses at the college. Potential community partners include, but are not limited to, an urban garden and youth leadership organization, a local Native American Tribal Nation, and a non-profit promoting healthy eating habits in public schools. In addition, the visitor will provide faculty leadership for a student-run organic garden on campus, and more generally support and contribute to emerging curricular initiatives at the college focused on sustainability, social justice, and food systems.
Required qualifications: A master's degree in biology, botany, agronomy, soil science, anthropology or related field is required; a Ph.D. is preferred. Candidates at the rank of Assistant Professor (Ph.D. required) or Instructor (M.A. or M.S. required) will be considered. Evidence of successful teaching at the college or university level is required, as is demonstrated experience in gardening, farming or horticulture. In certain cases, outreach instruction (e.g., extension work) may substitute for college-level teaching. Preferred qualifications include a background and interest in community-based engagement.
Connecticut College is a private, highly selective institution with a demonstrated commitment to outstanding faculty teaching and research. Recognizing that intellectual vitality and diversity are inseparable, the College has embarked on a successful initiative to diversify its faculty, student body and curriculum. The College seeks creative scholars excited about working in a liberal arts setting, with its strong focus on engaged teaching, participation in shared governance, and active involvement in an institution-wide advancement of diversity. We value the contributions of visitors to our community and encourage their active engagement with their departments and all aspects of campus life during the course of their appointment. Visiting faculty may request voting privileges in order to attend faculty meetings in their first year of an appointment; voting privileges are granted automatically in any subsequent year of service.
We encourage applications from candidates who share this understanding of the faculty role and who will contribute to the diversity of our college community, including members of historically underrepresented groups. Salary is competitive.
Review of applications will begin February 4, 2019 and continue until the position is filled. Please submit 1) a cover letter addressed to Dr. Rachel Spicer, Chair, Visiting Professor in Botany Search Committee, 2) a statement describing experience and philosophy regarding teaching and curricular development, 3) a statement describing experience in both plant cultivation and community engagement, and 4) a current curriculum vitae to http://apply.interfolio.com/58180. Applicants should arrange to have three letters of recommendation submitted to Interfolio by the above-mentioned date as well.
https://www.conncoll.edu/employment/faculty-searches/botany/
