Assistant Research Professor

Position Function:

The Forest and Wildlife Research Center/College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University seeks to fill a 12-month, non-tenure track, full time appointment for an individual with research responsibilities in the area of lumber and forest products standards and evaluation as well as wood durability and protection.

Salary Grade : UC

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

One of three departments in the College of Forest Resources, the Department of Sustainable Bioproducts activities include undergraduate/graduate instructions, research and service programs in natural resources.

Area of Specialization:

Lumber and forest products standards and evaluation

Anticipated Appointment Date:

October 1, 2022.

Tenure Track Status:

No.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Incumbent will participate in targeted research programs in the area of lumber and forest products standards and evaluation. The successful candidate is expected to conduct independent and extramurally funded research in softwood and hardwood lumber valuation and improvement, lumber standards, composites, engineered wood, durability, or some combination thereof. Based on funding availability, candidate may also be expected to contribute to departmental research, teaching, and service program. Incumbent will work with forest products industries, associations, organizations, other universities, and federal laboratories in the region and the nation to assist in researching and developing basic and applied technology. Incumbent will be expected to build a nationally recognized and extramurally funded research program. Active and collegial collaborations within the department, college, and university as well as with external stakeholders such as industry, other universities, government and nongovernmental organizations, etc. are expected. Leading and participating in plant visits, short courses and workshops may be required. Written reporting, web-based communication, and domestic travel will be required.

Minimum Qualifications:

The successful candidate for this non-tenure-track, full-time, 12- month appointment, must possess a Ph.D. from an accredited institution of higher learning in Wood Science/Forest Products/Sustainable Bioproducts, forestry, or an allied field.

ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):

No.

Preferred Qualifications:

Two years of experience is preferred in forest products/sustainable bioproducts or a related field with respect to proposing; securing extramural funding; conducting, producing, and publishing applied and basic research results. Industrial/commercial experience in forest products/wood technology, testing and evaluation, wood protection, durability, production, manufacturing, standards, grant writing, manuscript writing and publication, national or international professional experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Incumbent should be adept with current forms of computer applications such as MS Office, Bluehill testing software, various statistical software packages, neural networks, and others related to research, creation, and dissemination of scholarly outputs. Incumbent must be highly self-directed and willing to arrange, travel, and meet with other professionals in the U.S. at federal laboratory facilities, other universities, trade associations, or other.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Physical requirements will be consistent with those associated with the incumbent's research program. It is anticipated that this may include lumber handling, testing machine fixturing setup, wood treating, outdoor activity at durability test plots / field sites, material procurement, wood working machine oversight and operations, office work, and domestic travel. May require lifting up to approximately 40 pounds on an intermittent basis.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

Applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by attaching the following as a PDF: cover letter, research plan, curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts of all degrees, and the complete contact information for at least two professionals who can provide letters of reference. Applicant should redact their social security number if it appears on their academic transcript prior to submitting it online. Incomplete applications will be ineligible. Screening of applications will begin July 1, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. Skype/video conference Interviews may be requested. Anticipated hire date is October 1, 2022.
NOTE: Official transcripts of all degrees will be required upon employment.

Screening Date:

June 16, 2022.

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu .

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu . Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.