Postdoctoral Scholar (Forestry)

Hiring Organization: Department of Forestry Michigan State University
Employment type: Full-Time
Job Location: East Lansing, MI
Application Due Date: March 2, 2026

Position description: The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University is seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Scholar to lead or assist with all phases of research on a long‐term project focused on temperate forest dynamics in response to climate change across gradients of soil moisture. Project focal areas include effects of climate on seed rain, seedling survivorship, mature tree growth and survival, and stand productivity. Data sets, some spanning 25+ years, include annual seedling establishment and survivorship; resource measurements in a subset of years (% canopy openness and soil nutrients); mapped forest stands; mature tree survivorship and growth; and local weather station data. The successful candidate is expected to author/ co‐author publications based on existing long‐term data on seedling and tree dynamics and will manage data sets, analyze and interpret data in a modeling framework (preferably Bayesian), and assist in managing the project, including supervision of undergraduate assistants and overseeing summer field data collection in a national forest. The position holds the potential for extending research in new directions and to collaboratively pursue additional research funding. MSU’s strengths in quantitative ecological 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.

Required qualifications: The successful candidate will have:

A PhD in Statistics, Forestry, Ecology, or a closely related field
Expertise in managing large and complex datasets
Modeling experience using Bayesian and/or Maximum Likelihood approaches
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

Preferred qualifications:

Documented ability to bring research projects to completion (peer-reviewed publication record)
Successful grant‐writing skills
Evidence of effective independent and collaborative work

Location: The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment, and this position has been designated as remote‐friendly. Some duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

To Apply: Submit your application online. 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) a list of three professional references with contact information (institution, email address, phone number). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application deadline: Review of applications will begin on March 2, 2026. Position will be open until filled. Desired start date is May or June 2026. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Richard Kobe at kobe@msu.edu.

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