Position Function:
The Forest and Wildlife Research Center/College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University is seeking to fill a12-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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Incumbent will participate in targeted research program 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 must possess a Ph.D. at the time of appointment from an accredited institution of higher learning in either Wood Science / Forest- Bio-Products or an allied scientific discipline.
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.
Preferred qualifications:
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.
Appointment is full-time. Continued appointment based on performance and availability of funding.
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:
All applicants must apply on line at http://www.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Attach required documents: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Research Plan, transcripts of all degrees, and names and contact information of three professional references. 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.
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, disability status, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by 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.