Dr. Shirley C. Tucker Chair in Lichenology

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Job Posting Title:Dr. Shirley C. Tucker Chair in Lichenology

   

Position Type:Faculty

   

Department:LSUAM Science - Department of Biological Sciences (Patrick Joseph DiMario (00009021))

   

Work Location:0202 Life Sciences Building

   

Pay Grade:Academic

   

Job Description:

The Department of Biological Sciences at Louisiana State University seeks an outstanding senior scholar at the rank of Associate or Full Professor to fill a tenured appointment as the Dr. Shirley C. Tucker Chair in Lichenology. The successful candidate will be engaged in scholarly research on the evolutionary biology of lichens, with an emphasis on collections-based research. Candidates should have internationally recognized scientific reputations and are expected to maintain a high-level, externally funded research program, and provide leadership both on campus and beyond. The Tucker Chair includes a competitive salary and access to discretionary funds generated by the endowment.

LSU is designated a Carnegie Research I University and is one of a handful of distinguished universities to enjoy Land, Sea, and Space Grant status. The Department of Biological Sciences currently consists of 65 tenure-track faculty members studying a wide range of biological questions at scales from molecules to ecosystems. The candidate will build on LSU’s strengths in evolutionary biology, systematics, and collections-based research. Among the departmental resources is the Shirley C. Tucker Herbarium (https://www.lsu.edu/herbarium/), which is one of the largest herbaria in the Gulf South, home to ca. 400k specimens, including a nationally important collection of lichens. The Department offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees and has a strong record of success in research and student training. (See https://www.lsu.edu/science/biosci/ for more information.) Opportunities for a broad range of research interactions are available within the department, at the Museum of Natural Science, and throughout the University.

Duties include:

• 50% - Lead a research team and maintain a vigorous, independent, and extramurally funded research program on the evolutionary biology of lichens; supervise graduate student research; and publish in highly ranked journals.

• 50% - Teach undergraduate and graduate courses and mentor graduate student research.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Botany, or a related field, and a demonstrated record of high-impact published research in lichenology.

Advanced level of the following job competencies are required:

Research on the evolutionary biology of lichens (collections-based); Securing and maintaining extramural research funding; Publishing in highly ranked journals; Undergraduate and graduate teaching; Graduate student mentoring and supervision; and Scientific leadership on campus and beyond.

Preferred Qualifications

Tenured or tenured-equivalent applicants with a strong record of past external funding are strongly preferred.

   

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:Please upload a single pdf document containing the following elements in the order below.
• Cover letter (2 pages or fewer)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of research interests (4 pages or fewer)
• Statement of teaching and mentoring interests (2 pages or fewer)
• The names and contact information of three references who can provide letters of recommendation at a future date.
An official transcript of your highest degree will be needed by date of hire.
Review of applications will begin January 2027 and will continue until a candidate is selected.
Questions about the position can be directed to the search committee chair, Laura Lagomarsino ([email protected]) and/or senior HR specialist Lori Bond([email protected]).

   

Skills Needed:

   

Preferred Skills:

   

Posting Date:October 2, 2026

   

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):December 31, 2026

  

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

   

Essential Position (Y/N):

   

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

   

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

   

HCM Contact Information: