Job Information
Michigan State University(MSU) Assistant Professor-Tenure System in East Lansing, Michigan
Working/Functional Title
Assistant Professor in Sustainable Bioproducts
Position Summary
Position Description: The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a full-time, 12-month tenure system Assistant Professor with an assignment of 50% research, 30% teaching, 10% Extension, and 10% service. The position's start date is anticipated to be 16 August 2025.
We seek candidates in sustainable bioproducts that can contribute to climate solutions. Bioproducts are a key aspect of the emerging circular bioeconomy, contributing to climate change solutions by storing biogenic carbon in long-lived products and with the potential to reduce manufacturing greenhouse gas emissions.
The successful candidate will be expected to develop an internationally recognized research program related to sustainable bioproducts. Hallmarks of an internationally recognized research program include securing competitive external funding, publishing in leading peer-reviewed journals, making substantive contributions to advance understanding of sustainable bioproducts and recruiting and mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. We are especially interested in candidates who can integrate and complement existing strengths in lignin-based products, mass timber, biochar and climate change solutions. Possible areas of scholarship include, but are not limited to, wood science, lignocellulosic biorefinery, renewable nano- and micro- materials (e.g., nano and microcrystalline cellulose) and the development of chemicals/products derived from cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, extractives and bark. Skills in applying life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) of forest products are desired.
Teaching responsibilities include an annual undergraduate course (Renewable Wood Products), which supports key learning outcomes for accreditation of the B.S. degree by the Society of American Foresters, and a graduate-level course that contributes to Department learning outcomes, including a new graduate certificate in sustainable bioproducts. Extension responsibilities include industry-engaged research and outreach. All faculty members are expected to participate in university governance and engage in professional service (e.g., manuscript and grant reviews and professional society committees).
The Department of Forestry is a vibrant, growing, internationally recognized unit committed to interdisciplinary education, research, and extension to understand and resolve environmental and natural resource issues. Established in 1902, MSU's Department of Forestry was among the first undergraduate forestry programs in the U.S. and continues to innovate and lead in education, research, and extension.
The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Michigan State University is one of the top research universities in the world and home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college and service-learning programs. MSU is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, and scientists that provide regional, national and international leadership in basic and applied research and excellence in teaching. In addition, consistent with its Land Grant origins, the MSU community pursues international engagement and provides strong extension programs that partner with diverse stakeholders to provide much needed research in the areas of food, energy, water, and the environment. MSU enjoys a park-like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is 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 A