Research Associate (Postdoctoral Researcher)

Hiring Organization: Department of Forestry
Employment type: Full-Time
Application Due Date: November 18, 2024

Position description: The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU), in collaboration with US Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL), is seeking an outstanding Research Associate (Postdoctoral Researcher) to lead and work on a research project focused on estimating the potential avoided greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from historical use of both wood in construction sector and use of woody biomass in the energy sector in the United States. The successful candidate is expected to author/co‐author publications based on new and secondary data and assist in managing the project (including supervision of undergraduate assistants and overseeing data collection and analysis). The position holds the potential for extending research in new directions and to collaboratively pursue additional research funding. The position also holds the potential to increase the candidate’s professional network and work closely with the MSU and FPL. MSU’s strengths in human dimensions and forest economics and FPL provide a collaborative environment that supports success. The position will begin as a one‐year appointment with available extensions, depending on continued funding availability and satisfactory performance.

Required Qualifications: A doctoral degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Engineering, or related disciplines; and strong skills in written and verbal communication.

Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidate for this position will have experience with life cycle analysis (LCA) research and ability to interpret and use data and results from published LCA literature in estimating avoided emissions resulting from wood use in construction and woody biomass use in generating energy. They will also have documented ability to bring projects to completion (publication record, both academic and outreach), evidence of effective independent and collaborative work, and project management experience.

Location: The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote‐friendly. Some or all the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon. Some travel may be available. The candidate will work closely with project PIs and a team of scientists at FPL and MSU.

To Apply: Submit your application online. Upload the following required documents: 1) a short letter of interest detailing qualifications for the position and research interests (no more than two pages), 2) curriculum vitae, 3) a writing sample (preferably a journal article or dissertation chapter), and 4) three professional references with contact information (institution, email address, phone number). Incomplete applications will not be considered. ABD candidates expected to graduate in December 2024 will be considered.

Application deadline: Position is available immediately. Queries about this position should be directed to Dr. Prakash Nepal at FPL (Prakash.Nepal@usda.gov) or to Dr. Raju Pokharel at MSU (raju2020@msu.edu). Review of applications will begin on November 18, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.

MSU is an equal opportunity employer and the MSU Department of Forestry is committed to promoting diversity in research. We actively encourage applications from, and nominations of, women, persons of color, veterans, persons with disabilities and other individuals who can contribute to the intellectual diversity and cultural richness at Michigan State University. MSU is committed to providing a work environment that supports employees’ work and personal life and offers employment assistance to the spouse or partner of candidates for faculty and academic staff positions.

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