Assistant Professor of Forest Biomaterials
School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science
Michigan Technological University
JOB DESCRIPTION: The School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science at Michigan Technological University (http://forest.mtu.edu) invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Forest Biomaterials. This is a nine-month, tenure-track position and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The successful applicant will lead an ambitious research and teaching program in Forest Biomaterials, which is identified as a University-wide strategic initiative. In 2013, the School established the statewide Michigan Forest Biomaterials Initiative (http://biomaterials.forest.mtu.edu) and the candidate is expected to align with its exciting opportunities.
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: We are seeking a colleague whose background and interests are centered on forest biomaterials innovation, including in one or more traditional or emerging areas, such as wood science, bio-manufacturing, composites, wood preservation, marketing, entrepreneurship, supply chain analysis, and life cycle assessment. Experience in community outreach and small-scale or value-added production would be an asset.
The successful candidate must have: 1) the ability to teach effectively at the graduate and undergraduate levels; 2) a Ph.D. in forest biomaterials, or a closely related field, at the time of appointment; 3) a record of research and scholarship in biomaterials including publications in peer-reviewed journals; and, 4) the ability to communicate effectively with students, professionals, and the general public. Preferred qualifications include: experience teaching courses in forest biomaterials, wood properties and uses, forest products marketing or entrepreneurship; post-doctoral research experience and training; and successful development of competitive externally-funded grants.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate will: 1) teach an undergraduate course in wood technology and a graduate course in the candidate’s area of interest; 2) develop a vigorous, externally funded research program in forest biomaterials; 3) advise undergraduate students, and direct graduate student research at the M.S. and Ph.D. levels; and 4) participate in School and University committees.
The successful candidate will contribute to the School’s vision as a premier, national center of excellence in forest resources and environmental science education, research, and outreach. Opportunities exist for collaborations with the Ecosystem Science Center (www.mtu.edu/forest/esc/), the Sustainable Futures Institute (www.sfi.mtu.edu), and the Michigan Tech Research Institute (www.mtri.org), and with external organizations such as the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us) and Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/niacs/); and the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (www.for.msu.edu), among other academic institutions.
THE SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY, AND COMMUNITY: Michigan Tech’s School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science is one of the most productive forest research programs in the country. The School is particularly well known for its excellence in the fields of forestry, applied ecology, forest molecular genetics, and wildlife management. In 2015, USA Today reported that the School’s undergraduate programs in Natural Resources and Conservation were ranked in the top 10 in the nation. The National Research Council currently and consistently ranks the School’s Forest Science PhD. Program in the top 10 nationally. The School was also ranked No. 1 in the number of forestry journal citations per FTE faculty member in a 2006 study published in the Journal of Forestry.
Established in 1885, Michigan Tech is a nationally recognized, doctorate-granting, research University with a chartered mandate to serve the industry of the State of Michigan. The university enrolls about 7,000 students and is a leader in science and engineering education. Michigan Tech is an ADVANCE institution, one of a limited number of universities in receipt of NSF funds in support of our commitment to increase diversity and the participation and advancement of women in STEM.
Located in Houghton, on the south shore of Lake Superior, Michigan Tech offers a friendly, safe, and affordable living environment with excellent schools and opportunities for exceptional, year-round outdoor recreation. See www.mtu.edu.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Send curriculum vita, names and contact information for three references, a one-page statement of research interests, a one-page statement of teaching philosophy, and selected reprints to: https://www.jobs.mtu.edu/postings/3819 .
Review of applications will begin January 31, 2016 and will continue until an appropriate candidate is chosen.
Michigan Technological University acknowledges the importance of supporting dual-career partners in attracting and retaining a quality workforce. Michigan Tech is committed to offering career exploration advice and assistance wherever feasible and appropriate at the University and in the local community. See www.dual.mtu.edu for additional information. Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.