The Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences and the Department of Forestry, both in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University, invite applicants for an annual year (12-month) tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor rank with a focus on forest and urban forest pathology. The position will be a joint appointment in Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences (PSM) (70%) and Forestry (30%).
This position includes extension (50%), research (35%), teaching (10%), and service (5%), focusing on pathogens affecting trees in forested and urban forest settings. The successful candidate will develop an integrated research extension program that is externally funded and nationally and internationally recognized; publish in peer-reviewed journals; and recruit and mentor graduate students. Integrating research and extension activities will include working with multidisciplinary teams of researchers, extension educators, personnel from state and federal agencies, and private landowners. The successful candidate will advance our fundamental understanding of tree diseases and contribute to developing sustainable, long-term strategies to manage major forest pathogens
affecting forested ecosystems and urban landscapes. Other duties include co-instructing a course on insects and diseases of forest and shade trees taught annually to seniors majoring in forestry, horticulture, and related programs. Departmental, university and professional service also are expected.
Required documents: a) letter of interest that includes your qualifications for the position; b) a current curriculum vitae; c) a statement of extension, research, and teaching philosophy and vision that highlights your experience and alignment with our qualifications (3-page maximum); d) a description of how you will contribute to CANR’s positive culture, fair access to resources, and creating a sense of belonging (2-page maximum); and e) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applicants can apply for this position here: https://jobs.msu.edu, posting #1025560. The search committee will begin reviewing applications on September 27, 2025 and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.
Required Qualifications: An earned Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Forestry, Natural Resources, or a related field, with demonstrated training and expertise in forest pathology. Applicants should have a record of scholarly activities in their field.
Desired qualification: Evidence of applied research, successful grants writing, extension experience, and teaching in Forest Pathology will be valued.
Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Dr. George Sundin, Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, sundin@msu.edu.