Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term
- Michigan State University
- United States, MI
- Jun 17, 2026
Job Description:
Position Summary
The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Scholar to lead and work on a research project focused on the economic analysis of utilizing low-value wood and residues for wood products and energy and to evaluate its socioeconomic and environmental impacts. The successful candidate is expected to author/co‐author publications based on new and secondary data and assist in managing the project (including supervision of undergraduate assistants and overseeing data collection and analysis). The position holds the potential for extending research in new directions and for collaboratively pursuing additional research funding. The position also holds the potential to increase the candidate’s professional network and to work closely with MSU and the US Forest Service’s Forest Products Laboratory (FPL). MSU’s strengths in human dimensions and forest economics, as well as a strong relationship with the FPL, provide a collaborative environment that supports success. The position will begin as a one‐year appointment with available extensions, depending on continued funding availability.
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 or all the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon. The candidate will work closely with project PI and a team of scientists at FPL and MSU.
Desired start date is late summer 2026. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Raju Pokharel ([email protected]).
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
Doctorate -Forestry, Nat. Resources, Economics or related
Minimum Requirements
The successful candidate will have an earned PhD in Forestry, Natural Resources, Economics, or related discipline; and strong skills in written and verbal communication. The ideal candidate will have experience in forest economics and policy, as well as applied econometric modeling. ABD candidates will not be considered.
Desired Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this role will possess experience in empirical research involving panel data econometrics, causal inference, trade modeling, and environmental policy analysis. Experience with forest carbon markets, forest products trade, carbon policy evaluation, and forest-sector policy analysis is preferred. Additionally, they should have a proven track record of completing projects, as evidenced by publications in academic journals. The candidate should demonstrate strong skills in both independent and collaborative work, along with project management experience.
Required Application Materials
Upload the following required documents: 1) a short letter of interest detailing qualifications for the position and research interests (no more than two pages), 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.
Review of Applications Begins On
06/22/2026
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Website
FOR.MSU.EDU
Department Statement
At MSU Forestry, our mission is to generate and translate knowledge of trees, forests and associated natural and human systems to advance sustainable solutions for people and ecosystems. We create the future of sustainable forestry through innovative research, learning and outreach. We agree with and support University initiatives that are designed to create a welcoming and safe collegiate community that includes a strong sense of belonging. We value the uniqueness that every person adds. Faculty and staff are committed to fostering open dialogue and supportive communication.
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.
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Job Description:
Position Summary
The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Scholar to lead and work on a research project focused on the economic analysis of utilizing low-value wood and residues for wood products and energy and to evaluate its socioeconomic and environmental impacts. The successful candidate is expected to author/co‐author publications based on new and secondary data and assist in managing the project (including supervision of undergraduate assistants and overseeing data collection and analysis). The position holds the potential for extending research in new directions and for collaboratively pursuing additional research funding. The position also holds the potential to increase the candidate’s professional network and to work closely with MSU and the US Forest Service’s Forest Products Laboratory (FPL). MSU’s strengths in human dimensions and forest economics, as well as a strong relationship with the FPL, provide a collaborative environment that supports success. The position will begin as a one‐year appointment with available extensions, depending on continued funding availability.
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 or all the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon. The candidate will work closely with project PI and a team of scientists at FPL and MSU.
Desired start date is late summer 2026. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Raju Pokharel ([email protected]).
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
Doctorate -Forestry, Nat. Resources, Economics or related
Minimum Requirements
The successful candidate will have an earned PhD in Forestry, Natural Resources, Economics, or related discipline; and strong skills in written and verbal communication. The ideal candidate will have experience in forest economics and policy, as well as applied econometric modeling. ABD candidates will not be considered.
Desired Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this role will possess experience in empirical research involving panel data econometrics, causal inference, trade modeling, and environmental policy analysis. Experience with forest carbon markets, forest products trade, carbon policy evaluation, and forest-sector policy analysis is preferred. Additionally, they should have a proven track record of completing projects, as evidenced by publications in academic journals. The candidate should demonstrate strong skills in both independent and collaborative work, along with project management experience.
Required Application Materials
Upload the following required documents: 1) a short letter of interest detailing qualifications for the position and research interests (no more than two pages), 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.
Review of Applications Begins On
06/22/2026
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Website
FOR.MSU.EDU
Department Statement
At MSU Forestry, our mission is to generate and translate knowledge of trees, forests and associated natural and human systems to advance sustainable solutions for people and ecosystems. We create the future of sustainable forestry through innovative research, learning and outreach. We agree with and support University initiatives that are designed to create a welcoming and safe collegiate community that includes a strong sense of belonging. We value the uniqueness that every person adds. Faculty and staff are committed to fostering open dialogue and supportive communication.
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.
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