The Oregon State University College of Forestry invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position.
The carbon cycle is at the heart of the climate crisis currently facing our planet, and it is important to build knowledge and understanding that underpins thriving social and ecological systems. To realize the potential of forests and forest products as solutions to the climate crisis, we need monumental advancements in our ability to assess and model the systems-level environmental impact of industrial activities in the carbon cycle. Relevant research approaches include forest management and the processing, utilization, reuse, and end of life of forest-based biomaterials. Design/eco-design of hybrid products, use of by-products/co-products, and substitution by alternative input sources should be analyzed from a systems perspective, requiring sophisticated models and intensive data collection and utilization. While life cycle analysis (LCA) is a regularly used tool, it is often employed narrowly. Use of system dynamics with data intensive LCA allows sophisticated cradle-to-cradle analysis of the impacts of material and process choices, thereby identifying critical sustainable development pathways. We seek a colleague who can apply novel theory and methods that will transcend LCA approaches. This person should be able to embrace data intensive, full-system dynamics, and circular economy consideration of the environmental impacts of material and process choices that impact the carbon cycle.
This full time, 9-month, tenure track appointment consists of a balance of instruction/teaching, research/scholarship, outreach, and service responsibilities, and is expected to begin as soon as July 1, 2023, and as late as September 16, 2023. The academic home of this faculty member will be their choice of either Wood Science and Engineering (WSE) or Forest Engineering, Resources, and Management (FERM), within the College of Forestry (CoF). The faculty member can supplement the salary during the summer through opportunities related to position duties (e.g., grants, summer teaching (study abroad), and contract testing). The new faculty member will have many opportunities to shape, expand, and diversify CoF’s reputation for excellence in research, undergraduate and graduate (masters and doctoral) instruction, as well as institutional and professional service. CoF is seeking a diversity of perspectives and welcomes applicants with a wide range of life and professional experiences.
The faculty member will be expected to collaborate with others within the College of Forestry and beyond, regarding systems-level environmental performance of forest products with specific relevance to carbon system dynamics and energetics. They are expected to develop a program of distinction in research and scholarship within the broad area of systems analysis, contribute to the interdisciplinary nature of the College of Forestry, and deliver quality undergraduate and graduate instruction. The incumbent will also provide technical assistance and training to stakeholders. In addition, the incumbent will participate annually in departmental, college, and university level affairs and governance. Service is also expected in support of industry, government agencies, landowners, academic organizations, and other professional groups and associations.
OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
Summary of Benefits:
https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee
To calculate our Total Rewards Package use this link:
https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator
Position Duties
50% – Research/Scholarship:
Conduct research and scholarship that contributes to the College of Forestry’s focus on whole system life-cycle dynamics with an emphasis on carbon. Develop, manage, and maintain an active, externally-funded program of nationally and internationally recognized research and scholarship. Synthesize and communicate results of this research through outlets including refereed journals, books and book chapters, scientific meetings, and professional workshops. Supervise Graduate Assistants and other research faculty as needed.
30% – Instruction/Teaching:
Teach approximately three, academic-quarter courses per year, including at least one graduate level course. Teaching assignments may be adjusted to reflect the WSE or FERM Department’s or College of Forestry needs, including on-campus and online (e-campus) instruction. Recruit, supervise, support, mentor, and serve as major advisor for 2-4 MS and/or PhD students. Mentor undergraduate students and provide opportunities for their involvement in conducting research to help foster professional development and placement.
10% – Outreach:
Provide technical assistance and training to stakeholders and clients, for example, by assisting wood products manufacturing firms and/or policy makers to assess and implement new technologies or developing and offering continuing education programs.
10% – Service:
Participate annually in departmental, college, and university level affairs and governance, including leadership in curriculum and program development. Serve as a mentor to other faculty and staff in the department. Service is also expected in support of industry, academic organizations, facilitating student-industry interface and other professional groups and associations.
Minimum/Required Qualifications
- An earned PhD in forestry, wood science, agriculture, engineering, or related field.
- Life experiences, training, and/or education that demonstrates a commitment to promoting the values and mission articulated in the College of Forestry’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Strategic Plan and OSU’s strategic plan 4.0.
- Potential to effectively teach undergraduate and graduate level courses and mentor students
- Demonstrated potential for developing and managing an active research program in Carbon Systems Dynamics of Forests and/or Forest Products considering the whole life-cycle with a systems-based approach. For example, potential to write proposals for competitively funded grants and securing research funds.
- Demonstrated potential to conduct effective systems science research as evidenced by published work in refereed journals, books, book chapters, or other forms of scholarship.
- A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
- Evidence of effective interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) enabling collaboration with a broad spectrum of students, teachers, researchers, industrial professionals, and associated stakeholder groups.
- This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions.
Preferred (Special) Qualifications
- Research or work experience in evaluating carbon dynamics of integrated systems in natural resources.
- Positive experience mentoring students, postdocs and/or peers.
- Evidence of potential to develop an externally funded research program.
- Evidence of engagement with industrial partners and/or external stakeholders.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Travel to meet with clients and stakeholders and for field trips is required
To Apply
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
- A Curriculum Vitae; and
- A cover letter describing how your education and experience qualify you for this position.
- A statement that describes your vision for a forward-thinking research program in the area of Carbon Systems and/or Life Cycle Analysis in Forest Systems or Forest Products, up to 1000 words.
(upload as Statement of Research) - A statement describing your philosophy about teaching at the university level to a mixture of learners that include undergraduate and graduate students, and professional and continuing education audiences, up to 500 words.
(upload as Statement of Teaching) - A statement discussing how you would contribute to the College of Forestry’s goals for advancing a culture of inclusion and our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategic Plan, Your response should include a personal or professional statement of your values related to DEI; examples of past DEI efforts that demonstrate your individual actions, if any; and your future plans towards fostering a welcoming and equitable environment, up to 500 words.
(uploaded as Other Document)
Special Instructions to Applicants
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
For additional information please contact:
Catalina Segura at Catalina.Segura@oregonstate.edu
OR
Arijit Sinha at Arijit.Sinha@oregonstate.edu
OSU is committed to the health of our local and global community. All employees and students are required to comply with the university’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program. Please visit https://covid.oregonstate.edu/ for additional information about OSU’s plans for safety and success, as well as options for compliance with the vaccination program.
OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions. Offers of employment are contingent upon meeting all minimum qualifications including the criminal history check requirement
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
