Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Summary The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University is seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Scholar to lead all phases of research on a two-year project focused on quantitative wood anatomy, dendrochronology, and ecophysiology of jack pine and red pine in the Lake States. The successful candidate is expected to: (1) carry out detailed forest inventory and mensuration of historic jack pine and red pine plantations across the Lake States, (2) train and lead a crew to safely and effectively accomplish technically-demanding tree felling and bucking operations in remote locations, (3) process tree cross sections in the MSU woodshop for analysis, (4) carry out dendrochronological analysis and stem analysis including height growth, radial growth, volume growth and their response to historic climate patterns, (5) carry out detailed xylem anatomy measurements using microscopy and advanced image analysis software, (6) carry out ecophysiological measurements including water potential, gas exchange, and non-structural carbohydrate analysis, (7) develop Bayesian hierarchical models to identify specific morphophysiological traits associated with productivity and survivorship, and to quantify the heritability and polygenic architecture of the identified traits, (8) assist with the translation and delivery of research findings to usable products for regional land managers. The position will begin as a one-year appointment with available extensions, depending on satisfactory performance and funding availability. Professional Misconduct Review: As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission. With this commitment, the University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches. A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for a candidate to be selected for this position. Applicants will be asked to disclose whether they are subject to any pending investigation, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Professional misconduct includes misconduct related to a person's employment, including, but not limited to, theft, embezzlement, research integrity, discrimination, or harassment under civil rights laws and policies, including protected identity harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, etc.), and retaliation. All applicants will be asked to sign an authorization and release, which authorizes the University to contact the candidate's current and former employers, for a period of 7 years prior to the date of application, related to any pending investigations, findings of responsibility and/or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Nothing will be sent to current or former employers unless the candidate reaches the semi-finalist stage. The existence of professional misconduct history does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment. The University will assess the history, including any information provided by the candidate, in determining whether it is compatible with the position. The University may decline to hire a candidate based on the professional misconduct review. All records obtained from external employers will be kept in a secure location, separate from personnel files. If an applicant fails to sign the authorization and release, the application will be deemed incomplete and will be withdrawn. ### 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 Deg