Description

Assistant Professor / Instructor

Fixed-Term Position Announcement

Department of Forestry, Michigan State University

Position description: The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a full-time, 12 month non-tenure track Assistant Professor (Ph.D.) or Instructor (M.S.) position focused on teaching and advising students in the Hybrid-Online M.S. in Forestry https://www.canr.msu.edu/for/graduate/Hybrid-Online-MS-Degree/index ), with a 90% teaching and 10% service assignment. The position’s start date is anticipated to be in early spring 2027 and will begin as a oneyear appointment with reappointments contingent on availability of funding and teaching needs.

We seek candidates who will contribute to the dynamic learning environment in the Department of Forestry. The successful candidate should have evidence of outstanding teaching skills in diverse formats, including field settings and online.  Preferred candidates will have a strong foundation in professional forestry, either through employment (i.e. with state or federal agencies, industrial forestry operations, consulting forestry, or an NGO) or through teaching in an SAF-accredited degree program. Initially, the successful candidate will be expected to teach ~7 classes per year, including 3 sections of the non-majors course Michigan’s Forests (FOR 101, 3 cr., online) and the following courses required for the Hybrid MS program: Forest Measurements and Inventory (FOR 812, 2 cr., remote online), Advanced Silviculture (FOR 818, 2 cr., remote, online), Hybrid MS Professional Project (FOR 898, 2 cr., in-person), and co-teaching Professional Forestry Field Techniques (FOR 810 2 cr., in person). Teaching materials for all courses have been fully developed and are available. The successful candidate may teach and/or develop additional forestry courses, depending on the candidate’s area of expertise and Department needs. MSU has many mechanisms in place to support innovation in teaching and curriculum development. The successful candidate also will be the primary advisor for students in the Hybrid M.S. program in Forestry.

Location: The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Michigan State University (MSU) 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 parklike campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is located in the city of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of greater than 500,000. Local communities have excellent school systems and place a high value on education. The University is proactive about its obligations under the ADA and provides individual accessibility plans to students and employees with disabilities. MSU is also proactive in exploring opportunities for employment for dual career families, both inside and outside the University, and respects all family forms. Information about MSU’s dual career support can be found at http://worklife.msu.edu/  The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University is committed to achieving excellence by creating and sustaining an accessible and inclusive culture that values cultural and academic diversity.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications. MSU offers a generous benefits package (details at https://hr.msu.edu/benefits/index.html). 

To Apply: For consideration, submit your application online at http://careers.msu.edu to job number 1149243. Upload the following required documents: a) letter of interest that includes qualifications for the position,  b) current curriculum vitae; c) statement of teaching philosophy that highlights your experience and approach to both online and in-person instruction (2page maximum); d) a statement of experience and training with professional forestry and your vision for applying this experience to advance the training and career opportunities for BS and Hybrid MS forestry; e) a description of how you will contribute to CANR’s positive culture, fair access to resources, and creating a sense of belonging;  and f) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If available, candidates are encouraged to attach a teaching portfolio including syllabi, teaching evaluations, and examples of teaching activities.

Application deadline: The search committee will begin reviewing applications on August 31, 2026, and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: David Rothstein, Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA, phone: 1517432-3353, rothste2@msu.edu.

Requirements

Required qualifications: An earned M.S. (for Instructor rank) or Ph.D. (for Assistant Professor rank) in forestry, natural resources, environmental science, or a closely related field.  A demonstrated record of outstanding teaching, training, and/or mentoring relevant to the position, and a strong commitment to student success.

Desired qualifications: Experience in online and fieldbased teaching. Experience with course development. Work experience in professional forestry. Demonstrated experience with different sectors of the forestry profession (e.g. public, private, consulting, NGO). Professional certification as a forester is desirable through a BS or MS from an SAF accredited program, achievement of Certified Forester status through SAF, or a similar pathway.