Available positions

Open Rank Science Literacy and Data Analytics Extension Professor
Open Rank Professor - Statistical Geneticist
Asst/Assoc Prof - Director of Consulting
Assistant Professor - Bayesian Statistician
Assistant/Associate Professor - Sequential Decision Making

Open Rank Science Literacy and Data Analytics Extension Professor

The Department of Statistics and Nebraska Extension at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) are seeking applications for an Open Rank Science Literacy and Data Analytics Extension Professor position. This 12-month (calendar year), non-tenure track appointment will lead development and delivery of innovative educational strategies to engage youth in both formal and non-formal learning environments. It is expected this will result in increased student interest in content and cognate careers related to Statistics, Data Analytics, Data Science, and Science Literacy. The apportionment is 30% teaching and 70% extension. This position will be located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.

Extension Responsibilities

This position will create statewide programming focusing on improving science literacy through developing engaging learning experiences in data analytics for youth in non-formal settings as well as professional development for those interested in developing science literacy skills through data analytics among others.

Responsibilities include:

Creation, delivery, and evaluation of curriculum/learning modules/programming designed to engage youth in problem solving and thinking that uses large data sets and data analytics – examples include:
- Helping youth explore how algorithms are used by social media to track user behavior.
- Helping youth build an IoT device that monitors soil moisture, ambient temp + soil nitrogen + light, then sends a stream of data to the cloud. Youth learn to analyze data, make predictions, and then modify to test the prediction. These steps could be applied to several different areas like water quality, animal health, climate, wearables, etc.
- There would be similar applications in entrepreneurship both on the product development side and product placement.
Integrating extension education in Science Literacy with existing CASNR programs (such as food, energy, water and societal systems, FEWS2) and other UNL initiatives (such as Nebraska Now).
Providing professional development for staff and volunteers so they can engage young people in data analytics programming.
Engaging youth in data analytics and increasing their capacity to see data analytics as a career.
Engaging with other units such as the Center for Science Math and Computer Education to offer courses such as STAT 811T, 812T either remote or elsewhere in the state. This could include developing a STAT 810T for elementary school teachers and/or revising STAT 380 to serve the needs of future 9-12 mathematics teachers better.

Target audiences include PK-12 formal and non-formal education, faculty in higher education, university partners (businesses, educational entities, etc.), and the general public. The successful candidate will work with faculty across the UNL campus, especially those within Statistics, to provide leadership in science literacy programming for non-formal education and extension; develop outreach activities to engage Nebraska youth; obtain and lead externally funded projects; and contribute to moving UNL to a position of national leadership in science literacy.

Teaching Responsibilities

The classroom teaching portion of the position is focused on undergraduate courses in the Statistics Department. It is anticipated that this classroom teaching in Lincoln will be in one semester; extension teaching will be aimed statewide during the other months of the appointment. Teaching is understood to include course restructuring, curriculum development, as well as teaching in the classroom and other settings. The goal is to ensure that the education we offer meets current and future requirements of statistics graduates and keeps up with, if not advances, positive trends in the field.

Specific responsibilities include:

Re-imagining and restructuring Statistics service courses (e.g., STAT 380) so they meet current requirements and reflect recent trends in statistical thinking.
Supporting the roll out and development of new majors offered by the Statistics Department, so they are up to date, or lead, trends in the field to enable the department to meet its growth goals.
Evolving and building a unique area of expertise for Nebraska and IANR that combines data analytics and non-formal/non-classroom education.

The incumbent is expected to maintain a high impact, nationally and internationally recognized, externally supported extension and teaching program contributing as an effective scholar and citizen to the integrated (extension, research, and teaching) land-grant mission of IANR, including supporting student recruitment. Collaboration is expected with faculty members across the UNL campus, and beyond, to provide synergistic leadership in the pedagogy of youth development programming for non-formal science education and extension.

In the area of work covered by the position, the incumbent is expected to seek and establish effective disciplinary and trans-disciplinary collaborations including integration with local stakeholders, complementary research groups, extension teams, educational programs, and other partners. The incumbent is expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university levels. Specific duties such as course and other teaching-related assignments may vary over time based on IANR priorities.

The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Statistics, data science, engineering, or a closely related field; computational proficiency with multiple software platforms; demonstrated ability to create programming and deliver classroom teaching; and excellent communication skills.

Preference will be given to applicants with experience creating and delivering instruction outside of traditional graduate or undergraduate university settings; experience and desire to work as a member of a team; and interest in working with diverse or under-represented communities or groups.

Review of applications will begin May 16, 2022 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. To view details of the position and create an application, go to https://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_220065. Click “Apply to this job” and complete the information form. Attach 1) a letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the position, anticipated contributions, and vision; 2) a statement of the value you place on diversity and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2 page maximum; see https://ianr.unl.edu/ongoing-searches for guidance in writing this statement); 3) a detailed curriculum vitae; and 4) contact information for three (3) professional references. References will only be requested of final candidates.

Recognizing that diversity within a context of inclusivity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR), the Department of Statistics, and Nebraska Extension are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of human diversity. We actively encourage applications from and nominations of qualified individuals from underrepresented groups.

As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered 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.

Date Posted 02/09/22

Open Rank Professor - Statistical Geneticist

The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a global leader in crop and animal genetics and breeding. We are augmenting these strengths by recruiting for three more positions: a Quantitative Plant Geneticist, a Quantitative Animal Geneticist, and a Statistical Geneticist. The combined, interdisciplinary expertise is crucial for developing quantitative genetic methodologies for crop and livestock research focused on interactions between genotypes and environment. The individuals in these new positions will join a team of quantitative and molecular geneticists largely focused on sustainable production agriculture and resilient ecosystems. They will also provide needed capacity in teaching quantitative genetics and its statistical foundations.

The Department of Statistics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) is seeking applications for an Open Rank Statistical Geneticist position. This 9-month (academic year), tenure-track appointment will help drive and bridge the ongoing work being done in IANR plant and animal genetics with the development of new and innovative theory and methods in quantitative genetics that will support the increasing amounts of available genomic information towards breeding and other genetic applications, and to provide the next generations of experts with sound theoretical training through integrated teaching programs. The apportionment is 50% research and 50% teaching. This position will be located in Lincoln, Nebraska

The successful candidate will develop a high-impact, nationally and internationally recognized research and teaching program in Statistical Genetics and related quantitative analyses. This includes methodology, applications, computing and theory, especially as applied to data sets in fields of interest to IANR so as to extract the maximum information from the data. The incumbent is expected to collaborate with current faculty in both the agricultural/natural resource sciences and the computational/statistical sciences. This position is one of three related positions being advertised by UNL in anticipation of strengthening research collaborations researchers in departments such as Animal Science (who have access large and unique populations of cattle and swine) and Agronomy & Horticulture (who have access to state-of-the-art crop phenomics data) as well as collaborative research with other departments.

Recognizing that diversity within a context of inclusivity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the Department of Statistics are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of human diversity. We actively encourage applications from and nominations of qualified individuals from underrepresented groups.

Specific duties for this position are:

Research 50%
Research duties for this position may include field work with extension teams, subject matter experts and other partners. Consistent with the role and mission of the departments, the appointee is expected to seek sources of external funding to help support the research program.

Teaching 50%
In addition, the successful candidate will support the recruitment, funding, and training of undergraduate and graduate students. The usual teaching load will be three standard courses per year, or equivalent, as assigned by the department chair(s). Specific course assignments may be changed over time according to academic unit’s need.

The appointee will also contribute, as an effective scholar and citizen of a land-grant institution, to the integrated mission of home units (e.g., department, center), including supporting student recruitment, IANR science literacy initiative, and beyond. Additional responsibilities of the academic appointment are to participate in retention and placement activities and teaching outcomes assessment, instructional improvement, and teaching scholarship. In addition, the individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.

A PhD in Statistics with an emphasis on statistical genetics or a closely related field is required. Written work on statistical genetics including methodology and applications or closely related fields, and proven computational proficiency are also required.

Preference will be given to applicants who have demonstrated experience in statistical genetics in a field of importance to IANR; experience with multiple data types; excellent communication skills; proven record of teaching at the university level; and interest in working with diverse and/or under-represented communities or groups.

Review of applications will begin April 4, 2022 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. To view details of the position and create an application, go to https://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_220021. Click “Apply to this job” and complete the information form. Attach 1) a letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job, anticipated contributions, and the value you place on diversity and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2 page maximum; see https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in writing this statement); 2) your curriculum vitae; 3) a teaching and research statement (1 page each; combine into one document); and 4) contact information for three professional references.

Date Posted 12/15/21

Asst/Assoc Prof - Director of Consulting

This appointment is a 12-month, tenured or tenure-track position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level with apportionments in teaching and research in the Department of Statistics in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The successful candidate will be the Director for the Statistical Cross-disciplinary Collaboration and Consulting Lab or SC3L, also known as the (Statistical) Help Desk. The SC3L is staffed by PhD students who provide statistical support to researchers within IANR and other UNL researchers, including faculty at research and extension centers and external clients. The successful candidate will oversee the PhD students, as well as develop independent collaborations that lead to publications in high-quality, high-impact, peer-reviewed journals. The successful candidate will oversee the continued growth of the SC3L to meet the increasing need for statistical consulting and collaboration. This includes creating scholarly and innovative learning programs and tools to educate researchers outside of statistics. Through the SC3L, the successful candidate will also train PhD students to function as independent consultants and educate researchers outside of statistics on how to effectively use statistical support. The successful candidate will participate in scientific meetings and other appropriate professional activities.

The successful candidate will be expected to teach the equivalent of three standard courses per academic year at the undergraduate, Master’s and PhD level as assigned by the Department Chair. In particular, MS and PhD courses in the practice and scholarship of Statistical Consulting and Collaboration. In addition, the successful candidate will participate in program and curriculum development. Specific course assignments may be changed over time according to academic unit’s need.

Recognizing that diversity within a context of inclusivity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and Statistics are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of human diversity. We actively encourage applications from and nominations of qualified individuals from underrepresented groups.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in statistics, data science, computer science, engineering, or closely related field.
Experience with consulting or applications.
Computational proficiency.
Excellent communication skills.
Teaching experience at the university level.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience in statistics or data science in a field of importance to IANR.
Evidence of ability and interest in modern analysis techniques and data types.
Experience managing a shared resource, core, or similar group.
Interest in working with diverse or underrepresented communities or groups.

Review of applications will begin April 4, 2022 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. To view details of the position and create an application, go to http://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_210223. Click “Apply to this job” and complete the information form. Attach 1) a letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job, anticipated contributions, and the value you place on diversity and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2 page maximum; see https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in writing this statement); 2) your curriculum vitae; and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Date Posted 12/07/2021

Assistant Professor - Bayesian Statistician

The Department of Statistics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) is seeking applications for a Bayesian Statistician. This appointment is a 9-month, tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level with apportionments in teaching and research.

Recognizing that diversity within a context of inclusivity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the Department of Statistics are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of human diversity. We actively encourage applications from and nominations of qualified individuals from underrepresented groups.

The successful candidate will develop a high-impact, nationally and internationally recognized research and teaching program in Bayesian statistics. This includes methodology, applications, computing and theory, especially as applied to data sets in fields of interest to IANR so as to extract the maximum information from the data. The incumbent is expected to collaborate with current faculty in both the agricultural/natural resource sciences and the computational/statistical sciences. Research duties for this position may include field work with extension teams, subject matter experts and other partners. Consistent with the role and mission of the department, the appointee is expected to seek sources of external funding to help support the research program.

In addition, the successful candidate will support the recruitment, funding, and training of undergraduate and graduate students. The incumbent will be expected to teach up to three regular courses per academic year, or equivalent, as assigned by the department chair(s). Specific course assignments may be changed over time according to the academic unit’s need.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in statistics, data science, computer science, engineering, or closely related field.
Written work in Bayesian statistics including applications.
Computational proficiency.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience in statistics or data science in a field of importance to IANR.
Excellent communication skills.
Teaching experience at the university level.
Interest in working with diverse or underrepresented communities or groups.

Review of applications will begin January 17, 2022 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. To view details of the position and create an application, go to http://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_210220. Click “Apply to this job” and complete the information form. Attach 1) a letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job, anticipated contributions, and the value you place on diversity and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2 page maximum; see https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in writing this statement); 2) your curriculum vitae; 3) a teaching and research statement (1 page each, combined into one document); and 4) contact information for three professional references.

Date Posted 12/07/2021

Assistant/Associate Professor - Sequential Decision Making

The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is seeking applications for a Sequential Decision Making Professor. Starting in August 2022, this appointment is a 9-month, tenured or tenure-track position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level with apportionments in either or both the Department of Biological Systems Engineering and the Department of Statistics.

Recognizing that diversity within a context of inclusivity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR), Biological Systems Engineering and Statistics are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of human diversity. We actively encourage applications from and nominations of qualified individuals from underrepresented groups.

The successful candidate will develop a high-impact, nationally and internationally recognized research and teaching program in sequential decision making in response to real time data collection. Example data sources include sensors or other automated observational data systems. This includes creating new techniques (Bayesian, frequentist, computational, etc.) to extract the maximum value from data streams generated for the management of agricultural and natural resource systems. The incumbent is expected to collaborate with current faculty in both the agricultural/natural resource sciences and the computational/statistical sciences. Research duties for this position include field work with extension teams, subject matter experts and other partners. Consistent with the role and mission of the departments, the appointee is expected to seek sources of external funding to help support the research program.

In addition, the successful candidate will support the recruitment, funding, and training of undergraduate and graduate students. The usual teaching load will be three standard courses per year, or equivalent, as assigned by the department chair(s). Specific course assignments may be changed over time according to academic units’ needs.

Minimum qualifications:

Ph.D. in statistics, data science, engineering, or closely related field.
Written work in sensor data analysis, sequential decisions, streaming/observational data or closely related areas.
Computational proficiency such as coding or algorithm design.

Preferred qualifications:

Demonstrated practical experience in statistics, data science, engineering in a related field of importance to IANR.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to engage in scientific teamwork to address major issues.
Teaching experience at the university level.
Interest in working with diverse or underrepresented communities or groups.

Review of applications will begin on January 17, 2022 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. To view details of the position and create an application, go to http://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_210219. Click “Apply to this job” and complete the information form. Attach 1) a letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job, anticipated contributions, and the value you place on diversity and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2 page maximum; see https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in writing this statement); 2) your curriculum vitae; 3) a teaching and research statement (1 page each, combined into one document); and 4) contact information for three professional references.