At Boston College, the recently established Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society enhances multi-disciplinary, collaborative research and pedagogies that address critical societal issues in the areas of health, energy, and the environment. Established with a naming gift by BC Trustee Phil Schiller ’82 and his wife, Kim Gassett-Schiller, the Institute is housed in a brand-new integrated sciences building and connects faculty across the sciences, humanities, and professional schools. In last year’s inaugural faculty cohort, the Institute hired its first Core faculty members, who are globally recognized leaders of climate science, global sustainability, and renewable energy technology.

Now in the second phase of a multi-year faculty hiring initiative, the Institute seeks two visionary scholar-leaders for its second cohort of hires at the interface of health and climate. Faculty at the rank of Associate or Full Professor with well-developed research programs focused on understanding or reducing health risks affected by or arising from climate change or climate variability are encouraged to apply. Research programs may be focused at the basic, translational, clinical, or community level, and may be grounded in the sciences (biology, chemistry, computer science, or neuroscience), social sciences (sociology, political science, psychology or economics); or the professions (nursing or social work). 

As recognized by the National Institute of Health’s Climate Change and Health Initiative, research at the intersection of health and climate change is crucial because climate drivers affect health outcomes through weather events such as droughts, wildfire, floods and extreme heat, and also through indirect exposure pathways such as environmental pollutants, food insecurity, and infectious diseases. Climate change elevates the risk of numerous threats to human health, with disproportionate impacts of illness and injury spread across a wide range of population groups and communities.

To address these growing challenges, the Institute seeks two collaborative senior scholars working across academic disciplines who will build integrated teams with Schiller Institute Core faculty and across the University. Institute faculty members are expected to strengthen the research profile of the university; stimulate collaborative, problem-focused research; develop, design, and participate in interdisciplinary curricula and co-curricular activities; build partnerships with leading institutions and organizations; and advance the results of Boston College applied research into the public sphere.

Diversity is a core value of Boston College, and the Schiller Institute is committed to advancing the University’s commitments to equity, inclusion, and belonging. Our excellence can only be fully realized by faculty, students, and staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates for our faculty positions will demonstrate a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in their research, teaching and service.

Applications should include a cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in the position and relevant experience, a curriculum vitae, and a 2-3-page research statement. Cover letters should explicitly incorporate a description of how the candidate's research connects health research with the impacts of climate change or variability. Please apply at https://apply.interfolio.com/135409

Nominations and inquiries can be made to Professor Laura J. Steinberg, Seidner Family Executive Director of the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society, at schiller.institute@bc.edu. 

Review of applications will begin on December 11, 2023 and will continue until the positions are filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Boston College conducts pre-employment background checks as part of the hiring process. Boston College is a Jesuit, Catholic university that strives to integrate research excellence with a foundational commitment to formative liberal arts education. The university is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. In concert with our Jesuit, Catholic mission, Boston College is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans.