Assistant Professor-Tenure System

Working/Functional Title

Assistant Professor in Sustainable Bioproducts

Position Summary

Position Description: The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a full‐time, 12-month tenure system Assistant Professor with an assignment of 50% research, 30% teaching, 10% Extension, and 10% service. The position's start date is anticipated to be 16 August 2025.

We seek candidates in sustainable bioproducts that can contribute to climate solutions. Bioproducts are a key aspect of the emerging circular bioeconomy, contributing to climate change solutions by storing biogenic carbon in long-lived products and with the potential to reduce manufacturing greenhouse gas emissions.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop an internationally recognized research program related to sustainable bioproducts. Hallmarks of an internationally recognized research program include securing competitive external funding, publishing in leading peer‐reviewed journals, making substantive contributions to advance understanding of sustainable bioproducts and recruiting and mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. We are especially interested in candidates who can integrate and complement existing strengths in lignin-based products, mass timber, biochar and climate change solutions. Possible areas of scholarship include, but are not limited to, wood science, lignocellulosic biorefinery, renewable nano- and micro- materials (e.g., nano and microcrystalline cellulose) and the development of chemicals/products derived from cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, extractives and bark.  Skills in applying life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) of forest products are desired.

Teaching responsibilities include an annual undergraduate course (Renewable Wood Products), which supports key learning outcomes for accreditation of the B.S. degree by the Society of American Foresters, and a graduate-level course that contributes to Department learning outcomes, including a new graduate certificate in sustainable bioproducts. Extension responsibilities include industry‐engaged research and outreach.  All faculty members are expected to participate in university governance and engage in professional service (e.g., manuscript and grant reviews and professional society committees).

The Department of Forestry is a vibrant, growing, internationally recognized unit committed to interdisciplinary education, research, and extension to understand and resolve environmental and natural resource issues. Established in 1902, MSU’s Department of Forestry was among the first undergraduate forestry programs in the U.S. and continues to innovate and lead in education, research, and extension. 

The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Michigan State University is one of the top research universities in the world and home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college and service-learning programs. MSU is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, and scientists that provide regional, national and international leadership in basic and applied research and excellence in teaching. In addition, consistent with its Land Grant origins, the MSU community pursues international engagement and provides strong extension programs that partner with diverse stakeholders to provide much needed research in the areas of food, energy, water, and the environment. 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 MSU’s dual career support and other types of support for balancing work and personal lives at MSU can be found at http://worklife.msu.edu/

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications. MSU offers a generous benefits package (details at https://hr.msu.edu/benefits/index.html).

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

Doctorate -Wood/Mat'l Sci, Polymer Chem/Chem Eng

Minimum Requirements

An earned Ph.D. in Wood Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field. A demonstrated record of research, including peer-reviewed journal articles and potential to support an impactful, externally funded research program. Applicants also should have experience or a demonstrated interest in teaching and outreach/extension.

Desired Qualifications

Desired qualifications include a record of industry and/or competitive grant funding; experience in teaching of undergraduate and graduate student courses; experience in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students; prior work in a research-intensive, multidisciplinary environment; knowledge of current and emerging needs of sustainable bioproducts; and leadership and service in professional scientific associations.

Required Application Materials

For consideration, upload the following required documents: a) letter of interest that includes qualifications for the position, b) statements of Teaching, Research, and Extension philosophy highlighting how your experiences align with the position (2-pages maximum for each – total 6 pages), c) current curriculum vitae, d) a description of how you will contribute to our culture, access and belonging goals (2-page maximum), and e) contact information for three professional references.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Special Instructions

Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Dr. Mojgan Nejad, Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA, nejad@msu.edu.

Review of Applications Begins On

01/06/2025

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. 

Commitment to Culture, Access and Belonging: 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.  Candidates are invited to view Department of Forestry community norms at https://www.canr.msu.edu/for/dei/community-norms  

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.