JOB DESCRIPTION: The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science at Michigan Technological University (http://forest.mtu.edu) invites applications for the position of Assistant/Associate Professor of Silviculture. This is a nine-month, tenure-track position at Michigan Technological University. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: We are seeking a colleague whose research interests are centered on silviculture, with linkages to ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling, timber and other bioproducts, bioenergy, wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, climate change adaptation, recreation, and cultural, aesthetic, or spiritual values. The candidate must have: 1) the ability to teach effectively at the graduate and undergraduate levels; 2) a Ph.D. in silviculture, or a closely related field, at the time of appointment; 3) a record of research and scholarship in silviculture including publications in peer-reviewed journals; and 4) the ability to communicate effectively with students, professionals, and the general public. Preferred qualifications include: experience teaching courses in silvics, silviculture, or managed forest vegetation dynamics; postdoctoral research experience and training; successful development of competitive externally funded grants; additional certification or other credentials relevant the practice of forestry; and experience or background in resource management including experience interacting with industrial land owners, conservation organizations, and natural resource agencies.
RESPONSIBILITIES: 1) Teach undergraduate courses in silviculture and graduate courses in the candidate’s area of interest; 2) Develop a vigorous, externally funded research program in silviculture and forest vegetation dynamics; 3) Mentor undergraduate students and advise graduate students at the M.S. and Ph.D. level; and 4) Participate in College and University committees. The undergraduate teaching responsibility includes two synergistic classes in silviculture, one tailored to our majors in Forestry and the other tailored to majors in other natural resource disciplines including Wildlife, Ecology, and Conservation. Both classes involve instruction in a field setting at the College’s field campus at the Ford Center and Forest (http://www.mtu.edu/forest/fordcenter/) as an integral part of a semester-long integrated field practicum. The successful candidate will contribute to the College’s vision as a premier, national center of excellence in natural resources and environmental science education, research, and outreach. Opportunities exist for collaborations with the USFS Northern Research Station – Climate, Fire and Carbon Cycle Science research unit (www.nrs.fs.fed.us/units/climate/), Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/niacs/), the Ecosystem Science Center (www.mtu.edu/forest/esc/), the Great Lakes Research Center (www.mtu.edu/glrc), the Wood Protection/Sustainable Bioproducts Group (https://www.mtu.edu/forest/research/partnerships/wpg/), and other centers, institutes and faculty across campus.
THE UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY: Michigan Tech’s College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science is one of the most productive forest research programs in the country. Our College consists of approximately 28 instructional faculty and an additional 35 research and support personnel. We enroll approximately 200 undergraduate and 70 graduate students with a goal of significantly increasing these numbers in the next few years. The College is particularly well known for its excellence in the fields of forestry, applied ecology, forest molecular genetics, and wildlife ecology and conservation. Located in Houghton, on the shore of Lake Superior, Michigan Tech is consistently ranked as one of the safest college towns in the United States. Houghton (www.cityofhoughton.com) offers a friendly, affordable living environment with excellent opportunities for exceptional, year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. The University land holdings include a 600-acre forested recreation area with world-class Nordic ski trails, mountain biking, and hiking trails, and an additional 5000 acres including the Ford Center and Forest, a satellite campus, field station, and diverse research forest. Michigan Tech properties are available for recreation, teaching, and research activities.
Michigan Tech is an ADVANCE Institution, and has twice received National Science Foundation funds in support of efforts to increase diversity, inclusion, and the participation and advancement of women and underrepresented individuals in STEM. Michigan Tech acknowledges the importance of supporting dual career partners to retain a quality workforce. For candidates invited for full interviews, we invite a guest or partner to participate in portions of the interview; career exploration, advice, and assistance are available for positions at the University and in the local community. Additional details on dual-career exploration with our Partner Engagement Program can be found at https://www.mtu.edu/provost/programs/partner-engagement/. Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal
opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format should contact Human Resources at mtujobs@mtu.edu or 906/487-2280. For more information about the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, please visit: mtu.edu/forest/. Specific questions may be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Molly Cavaleri, macavale@mtu.edu. For consideration, the applicant should submit: 1) cover letter; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) statement of teaching interest and philosophy; 4) research statement; and 5) diversity, equity, and inclusion statement. Applicants will be asked to supply contact information for three reference providers. Details on the process for applying are available at http://www.employment.mtu.edu/cw/en-us/job/492470. Review of applications begins February 15, 2021 and continues until the position is filled