Working/Functional Title
Acad. Specialist/Ast Prof/Asc Prof/Prof Fixed Term
Position Summary
Position description: The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University invites applications for a 12‐month, fixed-term, open rank (assistant, associate, or full) professor (Ph.D. required) or academic specialist (M.S. or Ph.D. required) to serve as Program Director of the Forest Carbon and Climate Program (FCCP). Primary responsibilities are to provide strategic leadership of the FCCP (60% leadership, outreach, and administration), teaching (15%), and research (25%).
The FCCP aims to increase understanding and implementation of climate-resilient forest policy and management for mitigation and adaptation through embracing the land-grant mission of outreach, research, and teaching. In close collaboration with faculty, the FCCP offers an online Graduate Certificate in Forest Carbon Science, Policy, and Management; develops and offers several online professional short courses and webinars related to carbon and climate; engages stakeholders through outreach, including event participation and popular media articles; and conducts applied research. FCCP staff includes research specialists and assistants, a communications manager, a digital learning and media specialist, undergraduate and graduate students, and an administrative assistant. MSU’s FCCP is a leading source of information and voice in forest carbon and climate policy.
The FCCP Director will develop strategy in collaboration with faculty and FCCP staff and lead and supervise personnel to realize strategic goals. Serving as Program Director of the FCCP provides the opportunity to engage as an expert in high-level policy dialogues. Teaching responsibilities include (co)instruction of a graduate course in forest economics, policy, and finance and /or an undergraduate course in natural resource policy. Open rank professor applicants are expected to conduct research in policy related to forest-based climate solutions and develop an internationally recognized research program by securing competitive funding, publishing in leading peer‐reviewed journals, and recruiting and training graduate students and postdocs. Specialist applicants are expected to conduct and / or manage and facilitate research in policy related to forest carbon and climate resilience. For all applicants, a knowledge of the principles of carbon modeling, including in harvested wood products, and interest in interdisciplinary collaborations are highly desired. Department / University and professional service also are expected.
Location: This position has been identified as remote-friendly, meaning some or all of the duties can be performed remotely by mutual agreement. The FCCP is based at Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing, MI, USA. Formally established in 1902, MSU’s Department of Forestry was among the first undergraduate forestry programs in the U.S. The Department is a vibrant, growing, internationally recognized unit committed to interdisciplinary education, research, and extension to understand and resolve environmental and natural resource issues.
MSU enjoys a park‐like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is in the city of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of >500,000. Local communities have excellent school systems and place a high value on education. The University is proactive about its obligations under the ADA and provides individual accessibility plans to students and employees with disabilities. Michigan State University is also proactive in exploring opportunities for employment for dual career families, both inside and outside the University, and respects all family forms. Information about dual career and other types of support for balancing work and personal lives at MSU can be found at http://worklife.msu.edu/ . The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan State University is committed to achieving excellence by creating and sustaining an accessible and inclusive culture that values cultural and academic diversity. We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. The CANR is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Other -Forestry, Policy or related
Minimum Requirements
Required qualifications: An earned Ph.D. (for open-rank professor applicants) or minimum of an M.S. (for academic specialist applicants) in forestry, policy, or related field. Applicants should have experience in leadership, supervising personnel, project management, successful grants, administration, and public speaking and a demonstrated interest or experience in teaching. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills are necessary for this high visibility position. Applicants for the professor position at all ranks should have a record of scholarly activities including peer‐reviewed journal articles and research/outreach grants. We expect at least 5 and 10 years of relevant experience, respectively, to be considered for Associate Professor and Professor ranks. Appointment status will be commensurate with the successful applicant’s education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
A knowledge of the principles of carbon modeling, including in harvested wood products, and interest in interdisciplinary collaborations are highly desired.
Required Application Materials
Upload the following required documents:
1) a letter of interest detailing qualifications for the position,
2) curriculum vitae,
3) a statement of leadership philosophy and experience (2 page max),
4) statement of teaching experience and philosophy (2 page max),
5) a statement of research experience and future direction or a statement of research facilitation (2 page max),
6) a summary of your experience with diversity and an explanation of how you will contribute to our goals of inclusive excellence (2 page max), and
7) a list of three professional references with contact information (institution, email address, phone number).
Special Instructions
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Review of Applications Begins On
04/15/2023
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Website
for.msu.edu
Department Statement
At MSU Forestry, our mission is to generate and translate knowledge of trees, forests and associated natural and human systems to advance sustainable solutions for people and ecosystems. We create the future of sustainable forestry through innovative research, learning and outreach. We agree with and support University initiatives that are designed to create a welcoming, safe and inclusive collegiate community. We value the uniqueness that every person adds. Faculty and staff are committed to fostering open dialogue and supportive communication. MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from, and nominations of, women, persons of color, veterans, persons with disabilities and other individuals who can contribute to the intellectual diversity and cultural richness at Michigan State University. MSU is committed to providing a work environment that supports employees work and personal life and offers employment assistance to the spouse or partner of candidates for faculty and academic staff positions.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
