The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University invites applications for a 9-month tenure-system position, at the assistant professor rank, with a focus in Forest Resource Economics (50% research, 30% teaching, 20% extension). The position has the option of a joint appointment in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics.
We seek an outstanding and innovative scientist, to identify and address issues related to decision- making and economic aspects of managing forest ecosystems, for a range of products and services, through research, teaching, and extension. Possible areas of research expertise could include (but are not limited to) economic analysis and/or business viability of: forest management and silvicultural practices; wood products and forest carbon markets and trade; ecosystem services and non-timber forest products; forest sector taxation and estate planning; and management of fire and other natural processes. The successful candidate will annually teach an undergraduate course in forest resource economics / management and a graduate course within the successful candidate’s expertise that aligns with graduate curriculum goals of the Department(s). 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 our understanding of economic and business attributes associated with the management of forested ecosystems. The successful candidate will also engage in Extension research, which provides an opportunity work with external stakeholders to conduct research that translates into positive economic and environmental impacts that help serve local business and economic development. These activities could include initiating stakeholder-engaged research, developing forest economics programs for public and private forest stakeholders, business development initiatives, or integrating information to guide forest management decisions and/or public policy. Other responsibilities include recruiting and training graduate students, undergraduate mentoring, and Department, College, University, and professional service.
Required qualifications: An earned Ph.D. in Forest, Natural Resource, or Environmental Economics or a related field. Applicants should have a record of, or demonstrated ability for, scholarly activities including teaching, writing peer-reviewed journal articles and successful grant applications, and a strong interest in outreach / extension activities and working with people from diverse backgrounds. Previous extension experience is not required.
Location: The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Formally
established in 1902, Michigan State’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. The Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics is one of the preeminent agricultural and resource economics programs globally.
MSU enjoys a park-like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is located in the city of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of approximately 450,000. 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 can be found at http://miwin.msu.edu/. Information about Work Life at MSU can be found at http://worklife.msu.edu/ The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources 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.
Application deadline: Review of applications will begin January 15, 2020 and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. Inquires may be made to Prof. David MacFarlane, Chairperson, Forest Economics Search Committee, by email macfar24@msu.edu (preferred) of by phone at (517) 355- 2399.