Careers @ MSU

Working/Functional Title

Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Position Summary

The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University is seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Scholar to lead or assist with all phases of research on a two-year project focused on measuring the structure and productivity of temperate agroforestry systems in the midwestern US.  Project focal areas include use of terrestrial laser scanning technology to capture structural and functional elements of different agroforestry practices and development of protocols for quantifying productivity of such systems. The successful candidate is expected to: (1) investigate potential protocols measuring for biomass, carbon, and timber productivity in Midwestern US agroforestry systems and develop new methodologies that could later be scaled up nationally; (2) conduct field work at various research sites in the Midwest and help analyze project data; (3) synthesize components into project reports, communications, and peer-reviewed journal articles; and (4) mentor/supervise graduate and/or undergraduate students and technicians working on the project. The position holds the potential for extending research in new directions and to collaboratively pursue additional research funding. MSU’s strengths in quantitative forestry methods provide a collaborative environment that supports success. The position will begin as a one‐year appointment with available extensions, depending on satisfactory performance and funding availability.  Desired start date is October 1, 2026. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Terminal -Forestry, ecology or closely related field

Minimum Requirements

The successful candidate will have:

• An earned PhD in Forestry, Ecology, or a closely related field
• Experience in collecting forestry data under a variety of field conditions.
• Expertise in managing and analyzing large and complex datasets
• Strong coding skills in R and/or other programming languages
• Strong skills in written and verbal communication
• Prior experience in managing personnel and research projects

Desired Qualifications

• Documented ability to bring research projects to completion (peer-reviewed publication record)
• Knowledge of and experience in agroforestry systems
• Evidence of effective independent and collaborative work

Required Application Materials

Upload the following required documents: 1) a letter of interest detailing qualifications for the position and research interests, 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). 

Special Instructions

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. David MacFarlane at macfar24@msu.edu.

Review of Applications Begins On

08/15/2026

Website

for.msu.edu

Department Statement

The Department of Forestry is a vibrant, growing, internationally-recognized unit committed to interdisciplinary education, research and extension designed to understand and resolve environmental and natural resource issues.  Established in 1902, MSU’s Department of Forestry was among the first undergraduate forestry programs in the U.S. and continues to innovate and lead in education, research and extension.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.