Inst/Ast Professor - Fixed Term

Fixed Term•East Lansing, MI

23d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking applications for a full-time, 12-month, fixed-term, non-tenure track Assistant Professor (Ph.D.) or Instructor (M.S.) position. This role will focus on teaching and advising students in the Hybrid-Online M.S. in Forestry program, with a 90% teaching and 10% service assignment. The position is expected to start in early spring 2027 as a one-year appointment, with potential for renewal based on funding and teaching needs. The ideal candidate will possess outstanding teaching skills in various formats, including field and online settings. Preferred candidates will have a strong background in professional forestry, gained through employment or teaching in an SAF-accredited program. The successful candidate will initially teach approximately 7 classes per year, including specific courses for the Hybrid MS program and the non-majors course Michigan’s Forests. Teaching materials for existing courses are available, and there may be opportunities to teach or develop additional courses based on expertise and departmental needs. The position will also involve primary advising for students in the Hybrid M.S. program. This role is based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI.

Requirements

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.
Demonstrated record of outstanding teaching, training, and/or mentoring relevant to the position.
Strong commitment to student success.

Nice To Haves

Experience in online and field-based 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 (e.g., through a BS or MS from an SAF accredited program, achievement of Certified Forester status through SAF, or a similar pathway).

Responsibilities

Teach approximately 7 classes per year, including 3 sections of Michigan’s Forests (FOR 101, 3 cr., online).
Teach required courses 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-teach Professional Forestry Field Techniques (FOR 810 2 cr., in person).
Teach and/or develop additional forestry courses based on expertise and Department needs.
Serve as the primary advisor for students in the Hybrid M.S. program in Forestry.
Fulfill a 10% service assignment.