Assistant Professor in Forest Pathology
Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences and Department of Forestry
Michigan State University
The Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences and the Department of Forestry 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 in forest and ornamental tree pathology. The position will be a joint appointment in Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences (60%) and Forestry (40%).
Michigan State University boasts more than 175 faculty members in the Plant Sciences, ranging in disciplines from genomics and protein biochemistry, to plant breeding, food production and landscape ecology. As a unit, cutting across two colleges and five academic departments, research in the plant sciences is highly interdisciplinary and collaborative, offering numerous training opportunities for graduate and post-graduate researchers. Integrated training and research programs provide opportunities to broaden faculty interactions, including access for graduate student support and competitive research funding through the state-funded Project GREEEN.
The Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences is an internationally recognized department of more than 50 faculty members, with diverse interests spanning applied and fundamental research pertaining to agricultural systems and natural resources. The Department of Forestry, formally established in 1902, is a vibrant, growing, internationally recognized unit committed to an interdisciplinary approach to address environmental and natural resource issues. Our faculty includes leading foresters, ecologists, entomologists, economists, social scientists, and statisticians. With more than 20 million acres of forest land and a diverse range of forest cover types, Michigan provides abundant opportunities for research, extension, and teaching.
Responsibilities: The position will include extension (50%), research (40%), and teaching (10%) with responsibilities directed at pathogens affecting trees in forested and urban settings. The successful candidate will establish a competitive externally–funded research and extension program that advances our fundamental understanding of forest and urban tree diseases. An integrative approach to both extension and research is expected; this includes working with multidisciplinary teams of research scientists, extension specialists, extension educators, and stakeholders to develop research and educational activities and to provide a leadership role in the plant pathology of forest and tree diseases. Active participation in the Extension Natural Resources team and other teams relevant to this position is expected. The successful candidate will be expected to combine innovative research and information transfer to client groups, develop a national and internationally recognized research program by securing competitive external funding, publish in peer-reviewed journals, recruit and mentor graduate students, and advance the understanding and management of forest pathogens. Extension activities should focus on solving critical disease issues affecting forested ecosystems and urban landscapes.
A collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to problem solving with scientists and stakeholders is expected. The successful candidate will co-instruct an undergraduate level course on insects and diseases of forest and shade trees. Additional responsibilities may also include undergraduate mentoring, departmental and university service, and professional service.
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.
Preferred qualification: Although not required, value will be placed on evidence of successful applied research or extension experience, grantsmanship, and teaching.
Application: Review of applications will begin October 15, 2015 and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected. For consideration, qualified applicants should submit a single pdf document that includes 1) a cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) statement of research experience and future directions (2 page max), and 4) statement of extension experience and approach (2 page max). Applicants can apply for this position via the Search Committee, (at https://jobs.msu.edu, posting #1804). Applicants should also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be submitted directly to Dr. George Sundin, search committee chair, by email (sundin@msu.edu) or via regular mail to this address: Michigan State University, Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, 1066 Bogue St. Room A-286-D PSSB, East Lansing, MI 48824. Inquiries can be directed to Dr. Sundin by phone (517-355-4573) or email (sundin@msu.edu).
MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. 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.