Position Function:
The Forest and Wildlife Research Center/College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University seeks to fill a 12-month, non-tenure track, full time/time-limited, appointment for an individual with research responsibilities in the area of engineered composites, thermally modified wood, softwood and hardwood lumber valuation and improvement, durability, evaluation of wood mats, timbers and rail ties, or some combination thereof.
Salary Grade: UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
One of three departments in the College of Forest Resources, the Department of Sustainable Bioproducts activities include undergraduate/graduate instructions, research and service programs in natural resources.
Area of Specialization:
Engineered composites/Softwood and Hardwood Valuation-Improvement lumber valuation
Anticipated Appointment Date:
February 2026.
Tenure Track Status:
N/A.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Incumbent will participate in targeted research program in the area of softwood and hardwood lumber valuation and improvement, composites, engineered wood, durability, nondestructive evaluation, wood railway ties, or some combination thereof. Based on funding availability, candidate may also be expected to contribute to departmental research, teaching, and service program. Incumbent will work with U.S. government departments, forest products industries, associations, organizations, other universities, and federal laboratories in the region and the nation to assist in researching and developing basic and applied technology. Active and collegial collaborations within the department, college, and university as well as with external stakeholders such as industry, other universities, government and nongovernmental organizations, etc. are expected. Leading and participating in site visits, field research, plant visits, short courses and workshops may be required. Written reporting, web-based communication, and domestic travel will be required.
Minimum Qualifications:
A Ph.D. from an accredited institution of higher learning in Wood Science/Forest Products/Sustainable Bioproducts, forestry, or an allied field.
Preferred Qualifications:
Industrial/commercial experience in forest products/wood technology, testing and evaluation, nondestructive evaluation of wood, railway tie evaluation, wood protection, durability, production, manufacturing, standards, grant writing, manuscript writing and publication, national or international professional experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Incumbent should be adept with current forms of computer applications such as MS Office, Bluehill testing software, various statistical software packages, neural networks, and others related to research, creation, and dissemination of scholarly outputs. Incumbent must be highly self-directed and willing to arrange, travel, and meet with other professionals in the U.S. at federal laboratory and other site facilities, other universities, trade associations, or other.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Physical requirements will be consistent with those associated with the incumbent's research program. It is anticipated that this may include lumber handling, testing machine fixturing setup, wood treating, outdoor activity at durability test plots / field sites, material procurement, wood working machine oversight and operations, office work, and domestic travel. May require lifting up to approximately 40 pounds on an intermittent basis.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by attaching the following as a PDF: cover letter, research plan, curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts of all degrees, diplomas from secondary education, and provide at least two professional letters of reference. Applicant should redact their social security number if it appears on their academic transcript prior to submitting it online. Incomplete applications will be ineligible. Screening of applications will begin January 29, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Skype/video conference Interviews may be requested. Anticipated hire date is February 16, 2026.
NOTE: Official transcripts of all degrees will be required upon employment.
Screening Date:
January 29, 2026, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
