Assistant Professor / Instructor

Assistant Professor / Instructor Fixed‐Term Position Announcement

Department of Forestry, Michigan State University

Position description: The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University invites applications for a full‐time, 12 month non‐tenure track Assistant Professor (Ph.D.) or Instructor (M.S.) position focused on teaching (65‐100%). Opportunities to engage in research on teaching or an area of expertise relevant to forestry will be available to the successful candidate (up to 35%).

We seek candidates who will contribute to the dynamic learning environment in the Department of Forestry. The successful candidate will teach 4-6 courses during the academic year and 2-4 courses during the summer session, including: multiple offerings of face‐to‐face or on‐line versions of Introduction to Forestry (FOR 202) and Michigan’s Forests (FOR 101) (for which curricula have been developed and are available) and courses in the candidates’ area of expertise that align with Department needs and learning objectives. The successful candidate should: have evidence of outstanding teaching skills in diverse formats, including both large and small classroom settings, lab and field settings, and on‐line; and demonstrate experience using innovative approaches to engage students and to determine, measure, and achieve learning outcomes. Courses could be taught in field, on‐line, or face‐to‐face classroom formats. MSU has many mechanisms in place to support innovation in teaching and curriculum development.

Required qualifications: An earned Ph.D. (for Assistant Professor rank) or an M.S. (for Instructor rank) in forestry, natural resources, environmental science, or a closely related field. A record of outstanding teaching, experience in course development, and a strong commitment to student success.

Desired qualifications: Experience in on‐line and field‐based teaching. Research experience in forestry education or other forestry-relevant research. Expertise in areas of anticipated Department growth, including field technology, data measurements and analysis, arboriculture, climate-smart forestry, global environmental change, and forestry business competencies. 

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 firmly committed to interdisciplinary education, research, and extension to understand and resolve environmental and natural resource issues. The Department is committed to promoting equity and multicultural representation within the discipline.

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 >500,000. 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 WorkLife 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.

To Apply: For consideration, submit your application online at http://careers.msu.edu to job number 727291. Upload the following required documents: a) letter of interest that includes qualifications for the position; b) current curriculum vitae; c) statement of teaching philosophy that highlights your experience and alignment with our desired qualifications (2‐page maximum); d) teaching portfolio (syllabi, teaching evaluations, examples of teaching activities); e) summary of  your experience supporting diversity in the classroom and / or in your research endeavors, experience mentoring students, especially from underrepresented groups, and a description of how you will contribute to our goals of inclusive excellence; and f) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application deadline: The search committee will begin reviewing applications on 27 September 2021 and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. The position is targeted to begin during the Spring 2022 semester to allow time to prepare for teaching during the Summer 2022 semester. The position is expected to continue to be renewed annually for at least three years, contingent upon successful performance and continued funding. Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Dr. Andrew Finley, Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA at finleya@msu.edu.

Notice: MSU is requiring all MSU students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with limited exceptions.  Learn more at https://msu.edu/together-we-will.

MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from, and nominations of, women, persons of color, veterans, persons with disabilities and other individuals who can contribute to the intellectual diversity and cultural richness at Michigan State University. MSU is committed to providing a work environment that supports employees’ work and personal life and offers employment assistance to the spouse or partner of candidates for faculty and academic staff positions.