Assistant Research Professor - Interdisciplinary Sustainability Scholarship

Assistant Research Professor – Interdisciplinary Sustainability Scholarship

Join to apply for the Assistant Research Professor – Interdisciplinary Sustainability Scholarship role at CHEManager International

The Institute on the Environment (IonE), Knowledge Initiatives (KI) Team, at the University of Minnesota (UMN), invites applications for Assistant, Associate, and/or Full Research Professor (non‑tenured) positions. IonE seeks visionary scholars who bridge disciplines to co‑produce and advance sustainable solution pathways. This open‑rank appointment offers a rare opportunity to build a globally engaged research portfolio within a leading applied sustainability institute.

We anticipate hiring up to two open‑rank research faculty members focused on:

• Decision Support Systems (with decision support usability and social science expertise); or
• Any emerging area(s) of sustainability that has substantial societal, socio‑economic, and/or environmental impact in the US Upper Midwest and/or globally.

At IonE, we frame sustainability as a social, economic, and ecological state where the needs of all people are met in a way that sustains—and even restores—the natural world: where people and planet prosper together. Within this domain, we are focused on advancing pathways to just, equitable, and sustainable outcomes.

We are looking for colleagues who will continue their long‑term careers at the intersection of original scholarship and translational science, with an emphasis on team science and collaboration that includes other members of the IonE community. These positions conform to a faculty promotion pathway that emphasizes the societal impact of research. Successful candidates will be expected to establish an externally funded research program that significantly supports their salary (>50% external funding), research expenses, and supports other researchers.

This position does not include teaching responsibilities; however, candidates are welcome to seek funded teaching opportunities and may be nominated for graduate faculty status to serve on graduate student committees. We consider translation, both within and outside the university, as part of professional activities.

This position will be based in the Knowledge Initiatives (KI) unit of IonE, which hosts the portfolio of interdisciplinary sustainability research and scholarly activity for IonE. IonE is a unit under the Research and Innovation Office (RIO) led by the UMN Vice President for Research. The position is located at IonE on the St. Paul, MN campus, and the person will be expected to fully participate in IonE activities, including attending IonE events as well as developing working relationships with other IonE staff, university researchers and students, and external partners.

This position allows for some teleworking; however, because of the collaborative nature of this work, the incumbent must be able to work on campus regularly (at least 3 days per week). Like all research faculties under RIO, we will approach an appropriate UMN academic department to connect the hired research faculty as an adjunct faculty member of that department.

This 12‑month position includes 75% guaranteed funding with the opportunity to expand to 100% through external awards. IonE provides 25% support for professional service and thought leadership. IonE research faculty are expected to be visionary leaders and successful fundraisers to support impactful research programs.

Note:

This is part of an open‑rank cluster hire. Candidates should apply for the appropriate faculty rank based on years of experience, scholarly accomplishments, and research impact; if you fall between faculty ranks (e.g., Assistant Research Professor or Associate Research Professor), please apply for both positions if you would like to be considered for both ranks.

• Maintain and grow an internationally recognized research program with clear connections to at least one impact goal domain ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./impact‑goals/) aligned with IonE's strategic priorities.
• Pursue, participate, and lead collaborations with IonE…