Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Construction Management Program in the School of Planning, Design & Construction (SPDC) at Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking an outstanding Research Associate (Postdoctoral Researcher) to lead and work on research related to mass timber construction management decision support systems (focused on one or more of the following topics: predictive cost modeling, change order cost analysis and risk assessment, and total cost of ownership and developer decision making), with an expected start date of January 15, 2025.

The successful candidate is expected to author/co‐author publications based on new and secondary data and assist in managing projects, help manage the research group’s publication pipeline and assist in the supervision of three PhD students (current research topics include use of digital twins for mass timber decision support and integration of VR/AR for postsecondary education in mass timber). The position holds the potential for extending research in new directions and to collaboratively pursue additional research funding. The position also holds the potential to increase the candidate’s professional network and work closely with researchers across MSU. MSU’s strengths in mass timber in disciplines including construction management, forestry, civil engineering, and community and economic development provide a collaborative environment that supports success.

The position will begin as a one‐year appointment with available extensions, depending on continued funding availability and satisfactory performance.

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 -PhD in construction management, architecture, civil engineering, forest products engineering, or related field is required by the position start date.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants are required to have an earned PhD in construction management, architecture, civil engineering, forest products engineering, or related field with a focus on mass timber design, construction, or materials, by the position start date. A strong record of publication in peer-reviewed journals and experience managing large research projects are also required.

Desired Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this position will have documented ability to bring projects to completion (publication record, both academic and outreach), evidence of effective independent and collaborative work, and project management experience.

Required Application Materials

All candidates for the position must apply online at http://careers.msu.edu/.  Applicants for this position should submit 1) a formal letter of interest, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) samples of peer-reviewed publications, 4) a statement addressing your experience with diversity and inclusion in professional activities and research and/or describing how you will contribute to MSU’s goals of inclusive excellence, and 5) three reference letters, including reference contact info. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Special Instructions

Questions regarding this position should be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. George H. Berghorn, berghorn@msu.edu, or 517-862-7821.

Review of Applications Begins On

11/12/2024

Website

http://www.canr.msu.edu/spdc/

Department Statement

Program Statement

The Construction Management program has a nationally recognized program that awards an ACCE accredited baccalaureate degree as well as master’s and Ph.D. Degrees in Construction Management. The program currently has 8 full-time faculty members, an undergraduate student advisor, and approximately 200 undergraduate students and 25 graduate students. This position provides exceptional opportunities for individuals who wish to be associated with a well-established program with strong university, industry and alumni support; and with rapidly developing research and outreach opportunities. For further information about the School of Planning, Design and Construction and the Construction Management Program, visit http://www.spdc.msu.edu/programs/construction_management.

School Statement

The School of Planning, Design, and Construction unites four academic programs related to the built environment: Construction Management, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Urban and Regional Planning, with 47 faculty and academic specialists, and 7 staff members. The School offers 8 degree pathways from Bachelors to Ph.D. – including 5 professionally accredited degrees with over 600 undergraduate and 75 graduate students. The School is jointly administered by the Colleges of Agriculture & Natural Resources and Social Science.

The mission of the School is to advance the knowledge, prepare innovative leaders, and support the practice of planning, design, and construction. Our academic activities address sustainability, health, transportation, economic development and communities. Please refer to the School’s homepage available at: http://www.spdc.msu.edu/.

College Statement

The School of Planning, Design and Construction and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU are 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. We are particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion.

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.