Northwest HERC

The Department of Forest Engineering, Resources, and Management is seeking a combination position of an Assistant or Associate Professor: Applied Forest Geneticist and a Director for the Pacific Northwest Tree Improvement Research Cooperative (PNWTIRC). The incumbent will hold two appointments, a 0.75 FTE, 12-month, tenure-track/tenured, Assistant or Associate Professor position, and a 0.25 FTE Director of PNWTIRC, a 12-month, professional faculty position, reflecting duties in both academic and administrative areas.

Appointment at the Assistant Professor rank is anticipated; however, appointment at a promoted rank may be considered depending upon the qualifications of the successful candidate

Oregon offers an exceptional opportunity for disciplinary leadership across a diverse range of forest environments. These forests are managed with varying objectives by forest industry, state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), first nations, and family or nonindustrial owners. Examples include managing native species for intensive plantation production, conserving biodiversity, restoring forests, adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change.

This position will support the teaching, research, and service missions of the Department of Forest Engineering, Resources, and Management (FERM) and the College of Forestry (COF) and lead the PNW Tree Improvement Research Cooperative (PNWTIRC).

This position will conduct research, education, and outreach in the management of forest genetic resources with the goal of conserving forest resources, improving forest productivity, increasing the benefits from tree improvement programs, and enhancing the mass production of genetically improved materials. This position will advance fundamental knowledge critical to maintaining and improving forest productivity; develop tools to aid forest-based solutions for a changing climate; and support the viability of forests and the forest sector. Research and outreach will contribute to the development breeding, selection, and mass propagation of genetic material to enhance the health, resilience, and function of working forest landscapes, while also providing a variety of ecosystem services.

The incumbent will teach 1 undergraduate course in forest biology in addition to at least one graduate-level course in their area of expertise. As a member of the forestry and forest management faculty, the incumbent will be responsible for delivering quality instruction and helping to maintain accreditation by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) for the Forestry undergraduate degree program.

This position will also provide administrative leadership for the Pacific Northwest Tree Improvement Research Cooperative (PNWTIRC). The PNWTIRC is a 40+ year university/industry/agency research and outreach partnership focused on conducting research in support of operational tree improvement in the Pacific Northwest. The PNWTIRC currently has 12 members. Further details can be found here.

College of Forestry faculty operate within one of the highest concentrations of forest-related expertise in North America, offering numerous opportunities for collaboration. Faculty members also have the chance to contribute to the College's centers, institutes, and programs, including the Center for the Future of Forests and Society, the Forest Research Laboratory, the Institute of Working Forests and Landscapes, the Research Cooperatives, and the International Initiatives.
The incumbent will enjoy extensive opportunities for innovative research collaboration and cooperation across many programs in the COF and OSU. FERM is one of three departments in COF, a nationally and internationally recognized program of excellence in multiple aspects of forestry, social and environmental systems, and wood science. As Director of the PNWTIRC, the incumbent will have extensive opportunities to collaborate with the cooperative's membership. PNWTIRC also has a history of joint work with the NW Tree Improvement Cooperative, an applied tree breeding cooperative also housed in the College of Forestry.

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.

For individuals seeking the rank of Associate Professor:
Candidate should meet the OSU teaching, advising, research, and service criteria for appointment at the desired rank (see the OSU Faculty Handbook for details). OSU will consider previous years of experience at other, similar institutions towards timelines for rank or tenure promotions.

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 University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

The ability to work in varied fields and weather conditions is required as needed; this includes extensive walking/hiking on uneven ground and uncomfortable site conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain, wind, poison oak, heavy pollen counts). The position requires driving and travel to research sites, workshops, and conference venues.