Associate or Full Professor in Applied Organismal Biology & Aquaculture and Executive Director of the Western Regional Aquaculture Center

Description

The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS) at the University of Washington seeks to fill a tenured position at the Associate or Professor level with specialization in applied organismal biology and aquaculture, with an administrative appointment as Executive Director of Western Regional Aquaculture Center (WRAC). WRAC is one of five regional aquaculture centers in the U.S. supported by the USDA’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The College has hosted WRAC since the inception of the national Regional Aquaculture Center program in 1986

The successful applicant will devote 50% of their effort to serving as Executive Director of WRAC and 50% to duties as UW faculty.  The primary duty of the Executive Director is to support WRAC’s Board of Directors and committees in the processes associated with the selection and management of regional aquaculture research and outreach projects by investigators within the 12 western states (AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY). The successful candidate will be expected to administer programs, including staff supervision and partnering with a diverse community of stakeholders.  The director will be expected to work effectively with USDA staff and interact with relevant state agencies through both oral and written communication.

The successful applicant is expected to establish a collaborative, externally funded and nationally recognized research program in applied organismal biology and other fields with applications to aquaculture that align with both WRAC and the School’s priorities in research and teaching.  Research areas that align with both WRAC and SAFS include: shellfish and fish diseases, impacts and mitigation of harmful algal blooms, applied aquatic animal physiology, applied genetics and genomics, climate resilience, invasive species and environmental sustainability of aquaculture practices.  In addition, the successful applicant will contribute to the teaching mission of the school through innovative classroom teaching and effective mentorship of undergraduate/graduate students and postdocs. 

Our School strives to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where people of all backgrounds, who bring a range of perspectives and life experiences, are welcomed, heard, and supported. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to these efforts. We seek applications from underrepresented groups. In all aspects of this position, the candidate will join us to promote a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for students, faculty, staff, and the public. 

The successful applicant will be appointed as a tenured professor in the School. All University of Washington faculty engage in teaching, research/scholarship, and service. The Associate Professor / Professor appointment is a tenured, nine-month, full-time (100% FTE) indefinite position. The WRAC Executive Director appointment is renewable at the discretion of the Dean of the College of the Environment and the WRAC Board of Directors. The anticipated start date is September 16, 2025.  All University of Washington faculty engage in teaching, research/scholarship and service.

Compensation

The base salary range for this position will be $9,500-$22,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. Other compensation associated with this position may include a moving allowance, a relocation incentive, and/or commitment of summer salary.  Two months of summer salary are provided annually while serving as WRAC Executive Director.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. (or foreign equivlant) in a relevant field, a track record of research and scholarship in applied organismal biology and aquaculture in at least one of the following areas that align with both WRAC and SAFS: shellfish and fish diseases, impacts and mitigation of harmful algal blooms, applied aquatic animal physiology, applied genetics and genomics, climate resilience, invasive species and environmental sustainability of aquaculture practices. They must also show evidence of teaching effectiveness and/or potential for high-quality teaching and mentoring.

Application Instructions

Candidates should submit the following information via interfolio

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Research statement (2 pages). Please summarize your past research, your overall approach to conducting research, how you envision your research program at SAFS, and how this aligns with the job description.
4.  WRAC leadership statement (2 pages).  Please summarize your past leadership experience, specifically indicating qualifications and experience that you would bring to managing the WRAC program, and describe what you see as the primary challenges facing the aquaculture industr