MSU Forestry seeks Assistant Professor of Forest Policy

The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University invites applicants for a nine‐month tenure system position at the assistant professor rank with a focus in forest policy.

Assistant Professor of Forest Policy

Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University

Position Summary: The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University invites applicants for a nine-month tenure system position at the assistant professor rank with a focus in forest policy (70% research, 30% teaching).

Formally established in 1902, the Department of Forestry hosts the oldest continuing undergraduate forestry program in the U.S. The Department is a vibrant, growing, internationally recognized unit firmly committed to an interdisciplinary approach to understand and resolve environmental and natural resource issues. Our faculty includes leading foresters, ecologists, entomologists, economists, social scientists, and statisticians.

The position will address research and teaching on policy in the context of current and emerging forestry topics related to environmental and natural resources  anagement and society. Specific areas of expertise may include international, national, state, and local forest policy and regulations, institutions and forest governance, land tenure and land rights, and/or policy analysis and evaluation that support sustainable forest use. We seek candidates with the desire to contribute policy perspectives and tools to interdisciplinary research teams pursuing crosscutting solutions to issues at multiple scales. There is particular interest in research and teaching that encompass climate change mitigation and adaptation, participatory and stakeholder-engaged research approaches, exploration of innovative policy tools, wood energy, and carbon markets.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop an internationally recognized research program by securing competitive external funding, publishing in leading peer-reviewed journals, and advancing understanding that promotes sustainable ecological and economic systems. In addition to building a highly productive research program, the successful candidate will be expected to teach one undergraduate course that contributes to the forest policy competencies required for accreditation by the Society of American Foresters and one graduate course that is related to her/his area of expertise and that fulfills Department learning objectives. Responsibilities also include recruiting and training graduate students, undergraduate mentoring, and Department, College, University, and professional service. 

Minimum Qualifications: The successful candidate will have an earned Ph.D. in Natural Resource Policy, Economics, or related field. One degree in forestry or closely related field is desired. Applicants should have a record of scholarly activities including peer-reviewed journal articles and grantsmanship in their field. 

Instructions to Applicants: Apply online using position number 4204. For consideration, submit a SINGLE PDF including: a letter of interest that includes qualification for the position, a

curriculum vitae, statement of research experience and future direction (2-page maximum), statement of teaching experience and philosophy (2-page maximum), and contact information for three references.

Application deadline: The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications on November 15, 2016, and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. Desired start date is August 16, 2017. Inquires may be made to Dr. Andrew Finley, Chairperson of the Search Committee, by phone 517-432-7219 or email finleya@msu.edu.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. The University actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.

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