Postdoctoral Scholar

Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

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 (raju
2020).

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.

Doctorate
-Forestry, Nat. Resources, Economics or related

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.

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.

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).

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review of applications begins on 06/22/2026.

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.