Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term
About The Position
The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Scholar to lead all phases of a two-year research project focused on quantitative wood anatomy, dendrochronology, and ecophysiology of jack pine and red pine in the Lake States. The appointment begins as a one-year position, with possible extensions based on satisfactory performance and funding availability. The scholar will conduct forest inventories and mensuration of historic plantations; train and lead a crew performing technically demanding tree-felling and bucking operations in remote locations; prepare tree cross sections in the MSU woodshop; and conduct dendrochronological and stem analyses of height, radial, and volume growth and their responses to historic climate patterns. The work also includes measuring xylem anatomy with microscopy and image-analysis software, conducting ecophysiological measurements, and developing Bayesian hierarchical models to identify traits associated with productivity and survivorship and quantify their heritability and polygenic architecture. The scholar will help translate and deliver findings as usable products for regional land managers. Applicants must hold a PhD in Forestry and have an ISA Certified Arborist credential or equivalent tree-work certification. Required application materials are a letter of interest detailing qualifications and research interests, a CV, a writing sample, and contact information for three professional references. The desired start date is January 4, 2027; incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants must complete the university’s professional misconduct review authorization and release as part of the application process.
Requirements
- Earned PhD in Forestry.
- ISA Certified Arborist certification or equivalent tree-work certification.
- Experience collecting forestry data under a variety of field conditions.
- Experience accomplishing technically demanding tree-felling operations in remote locations.
- Woodshop experience, including use of band saws, routers, and sanders.
- Expertise in traditional dendrochronological and stem-analysis techniques.
- Expertise in measuring xylem cellular anatomy.
- Experience with the LI-6800 photosynthesis system, water-potential measurements, and state-of-the-art techniques for quantifying nonstructural carbohydrates in conifer wood.
- Strong skills and demonstrated experience applying Bayesian hierarchical models to dendrochronological and quantitative wood-anatomy applications.
- Prior experience with Lake States pine silviculture and demonstrated ability to deliver usable science-based products to state and federal land managers.
- Prior experience managing personnel and research projects.
- Submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, writing sample, and contact information for three professional references.
- Sign the authorization and release for the professional misconduct review.
Nice To Haves
- Documented ability to bring research projects to completion.
- Evidence of effective independent and collaborative work.
Responsibilities
- Lead all phases of research on a project focused on quantitative wood anatomy, dendrochronology, and ecophysiology of jack pine and red pine in the Lake States.
- Conduct detailed forest inventory and mensuration of historic jack pine and red pine plantations across the Lake States.
- Train and lead a crew in safe and effective tree-felling and bucking operations in remote locations.
- Process tree cross sections in the MSU woodshop for analysis.
- Conduct dendrochronological and stem analyses, including height, radial, and volume growth and responses to historic climate patterns.
- Measure xylem anatomy using microscopy and advanced image-analysis software.
- Conduct ecophysiological measurements, including water potential, gas exchange, and non-structural carbohydrate analysis.
- Develop Bayesian hierarchical models to identify morphophysiological traits associated with productivity and survivorship and quantify trait heritability and polygenic architecture.
- Assist with translating and delivering research findings as usable products for regional land managers.
- Manage personnel and research projects.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
