Research Associate Professor

About the Job

The Institute on the Environment (IonE), Knowledge Initiatives (KI) team, at the University of Minnesota, invites applications for an Associate Research Professor in Economics and Industrial Ecology to enhance the capacity of the University of Minnesota, through the IonE, to pursue interdisciplinary and collaborative research that advances the development of sustainable industrial ecosystems through community-engaged and societally impactful scholarship. 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 seek an Associate Research Professor in Economics and Industrial Ecology to develop and lead an externally funded engaged-research program that supports transitions to a just, equitable, sustainable industrial ecosystems with a focus on providing knowledge about the sustainability tradeoffs of alternative investment pathways and increasing the use of this knowledge in societal decision making processes. Applicants are expected to have an area of focus within both economics and industrial ecology that is rooted in interdisciplinary perspectives. Applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to working with partners outside of academia and how their work contributes to the impact of these partnerships.

We are looking for colleagues at mid-career 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. 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 any 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 within and outside the university as part of professional activities.

This position will be based in the Knowledge Initiatives (KI) unit of the Institute, which hosts the portfolio of interdisciplinary sustainability research and scholarly activity for IonE. The position is located at IonE on the St. Paul, MN campus and the person will be expected to fully participate in IonE, 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).

The position is set up as a 75-100% FTE position, annually variable depending on external funding. IonE will provide partial operational support to enable leadership, grantsmanship, and professional service activities.

How to apply :

The job posting will close on October TK, 2025 and all applications submitted by this date will be considered. Candidates who do not submit all required materials by the job close date, in the requested format, will not move forward. To apply, please submit as a single PDF :

1. A detailed cover letter that describes your expertise and qualifications.

2. CV, and

3. Contact information for at least 3 recent references (i.e., name, title, organization; URL to biographical sketch or similar; address, phone number, and email address; and relationship to the candidate). References will not be contacted until final candidates have been identified.

This position requires confirmation of doctoral degree receipt, which will be formally verified. Research Professors require a UMN departmental affiliation outside of IonE; we will work with finalists to identify the appropriate department.

Roles and Responsibilities (assuming 100% FTE) :

Externally-funded Research Program as a Practitioner-leader (75%)

• Maintain and grow an internationally recognized research program in economics and industrial ecology with clear connections to at least one Impact Goal domain aligned with IonE's strategic priorities (see IonE strategic plan).
• Seek collaborations with UMN researchers, scholars from diverse disciplines internationally, and the non-academic partnerships (i.e., industry, government, NGO, venture capitalists, etc.) required to co-develop research ideas and ensure that research outcomes are societally impactful.
• Direct and manage a research portfolio and budgets that includes multiple externally funded grants and awards.
• Supervise and conduct performance evaluations for project-supported postdocs, research staff, and / or students ensuring alignment of research project goals, individual goals, and project proposals with project and organizational priorities.
• Generate scholarly and impact products including, but not limited to : academic papers, reports, non-academic publications, outreach materials, policy memos, documentation, op-eds, art, github repositories, research instruments, software, and / or datasets.
• Present research findings at academic and practitioner focused conferences and events.
• Interact with other components of IonE, including public interest and communications, learning and developing, and institute administration, to leverage and augment the institute's work as a whole and the integration of this research program into that whole.
• Other duties as defined by externally-funded research projects.

Thought Leadership and Professional Service (25%)

Qualifications

Qualifications

Required Qualifications :

Preferred Qualifications (there is not an expectation that all of these would be met) :

About the Department

The University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment (IonE) is a nationally recognized interdisciplinary institution that works to advance sustainability through collaborative research, leadership and education programming, and public-interest storytelling and communications.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range : $95,000-$130,000; depending on education / qualifications / experience

Time Appointment : 100% Appointment

Position Type : Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes :

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U : http : / / diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).