Michigan State University Seeks Director of Forest Carbon and Climate Program

The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University invites applications for a 12‐month, fixed-term, open rank (assistant, associate, or full) professor (Ph.D. required) or academic specialist (M.S. or Ph.D. required) to serve as Program Director of the Forest Carbon and Climate Program (FCCP). Primary responsibilities are to provide strategic leadership of the FCCP (60% leadership, outreach, and administration), teaching (15%) and research (25%).

The FCCP Director will develop strategy in collaboration with faculty and FCCP staff and lead and supervise personnel to realize strategic goals. Serving as Program Director of the FCCP provides the opportunity to engage as an expert in high-level policy dialogues. Teaching responsibilities include (co)instruction of a graduate course in forest economics, policy, and finance and/or an undergraduate course in natural resource policy. Open rank professor applicants are expected to conduct research in policy related to forest-based climate solutions and develop an internationally recognized research program by securing competitive funding, publishing in leading peer‐reviewed journals and recruiting and training graduate students and postdocs. Specialist applicants are expected to conduct and/or manage and facilitate research in policy related to forest carbon and climate resilience. For all applicants, expertise in carbon modeling, including in harvested wood products, and interest in interdisciplinary collaborations are highly desired. Department/University and professional service also are expected.

 

An earned Ph.D. (for open-rank professor applicants) or minimum of an M.S. (for academic specialist applicants) in forestry, policy or related field. Applicants should have experience in leadership, supervising personnel, project management, successful grants, administration and public speaking and a demonstrated interest or experience in teaching. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills are necessary for this high visibility position. Applicants for the professor position at all ranks should have a record of scholarly activities including peer‐reviewed journal articles and research/outreach grants. We expect at least 5 and 10 years of relevant experience, respectively, to be considered for Associate Professor and Professor ranks. Appointment status will be commensurate with the successful applicant’s education and experience.

 

The position is considered remote-friendly, meaning some or all of the work can be performed remotely by mutual agreement.

For consideration, submit your application online at http://careers.msu.edu to job number 845625. Upload the following required documents: 1) letter of interest detailing qualifications for the position, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) statement of leadership philosophy and experience (2 page max), 4) statement of teaching experience and philosophy (2 page max), 5) statement of research experience and future direction or a statement of research facilitation (2 page max), 6) summary of your experience with diversity and explanation of how you will contribute to our goals of inclusive excellence (2 page max) and 7) contact information for three professional references (institution, email address, phone number).

 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. Inquiries to Dr. David Rothstein, Chairperson, FCCP Director Search Committee, by email at rothste2@msu.edu.