Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in Forest Bioproducts

Auburn University; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University invites applications for an Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in forest bioproducts within the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment. This tenure-track 9-month appointment emphasizes 65% research and 35% teaching, with opportunities to develop certificates and strong industry ties.

Salary/rank commensurate with qualifications and experience. We seek candidates with a PhD in forest bioproducts, wood science, or related fields, who can lead an externally funded program

Qualifications

• Strong record of teaching and research in forest bioproducts, wood science, and related fields.
• Robust record of publishing impactful research in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Ability to attract research funding from federal agencies, industrial partners, and other sources.
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders, including forest bioproducts and other associated industries.
• Demonstrated leadership and commitment to academic excellence, student success, and professional development for undergraduate and graduate students through mentoring.
• Enthusiasm for potentially leading and promoting the Forest Bioproducts Development Center and developing undergraduate and graduate certificates.

Responsibilities

• Develop an extramurally funded program to expand education and applied research in forest bioproducts.
• Lead and mentor students and junior faculty in teaching and research activities.
• Build strong industrial ties with local and national forest bioproduct industries and foster partnerships.
• Chair the Forest Bioproducts Development Center and contribute to graduate certificates in forest bioproducts.

Skills

Teaching & research

Grant funding

Industry partnerships

Leadership & mentoring

Communication

Education

PhD in forest bioproducts/wood science

Job description

Overview

The College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment at Auburn University Invites applications for an Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in forest bioproducts.

Auburn University is a land-grant, Carnegie R1 institution located in east-central Alabama with a total enrollment of over 35,000 students. Auburn University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, positive work environment, student engagement, and beautiful campus. The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, or CFWE, offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of natural resources disciplines. At the CFWE, professors are world-class scientists who offer unsurpassed classroom instruction and abundant opportunities for experiential learning. Our faculty also lead research that spans biological, ecological, and geospatial aspects to socioeconomic and policy aspects of forestry, wildlife, and natural resource conservation.

Applications should be received by September 18, 2026. We anticipate a start date of January 1, 2027. Applicants mustinclude a letter of interest, Curriculum vitae, names and full contact information of at least three professional references, and official transcripts (transcripts should show conferral of a Doctorate degree and date of conferral). Only complete applications will be considered.

Responsibilities

This is a tenure-track, 9-month appointment, with 65% research and 35% teaching. The successful candidate will develop an extramurally funded program to expand education and applied research in forest bioproducts. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to develop undergraduate and graduate certificates in the forest bioproducts related area with other faculty members. In addition, the candidate will develop strong industrial ties with local and national forest bioproduct industries, building a strong reputation in innovative use of wood and other forest resources. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to lead the Forest Bioproducts Development Center located in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. Exceptionally qualified candidates will also be considered for the Regions Bank Professorship, which provides a modest salary supplement and additional operating funds.

Qualifications

A PhD in forest bioproducts, wood science, or a related field at the time employment begins. The successful candidate must demonstrate a compelling interest and capability to deliver science-based information to a variety of audiences and stakeholders. Candidates must be willing and able to work closely with local and national industrial partners and also to initiate/establish new partnerships with various stakeholders. The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the term of employment. Candidates at the Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor levels are encouraged to apply. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Additional qualifications are as follows:

• Strong record of teaching and research in forest bioproducts, wood science, and related fields.
• Robust record of publishing impactful research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to attract research funding from federal agencies, industrial partners, and other sources.
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders, including forest bioproducts and other associated industries.
• Demonstrated leadership and commitment to academic excellence, student success, and professional development for undergraduate and graduate students through mentoring.
• Enthusiasm for potentially leading and promoting the Forest Bioproducts Development Center and developing undergraduate and graduate certificates.

Desired Qualifications for the Associate or Full Professor

• Demonstrated success in scholarship, publications, and securing grant funding for fundamental or applied research in emerging forest bioproducts and wood-based composite material development and manufacturing or construction materials.
• Ability to play a catalytic role in building the research and engagement portfolio of the Forest Bioproducts Development Center and the College, as evidenced by a track record of team research as both participant and leader.
• A talent for, and evidence of working effectively and collaboratively with faculty, university administration, and other constituent groups and partners both within and outside the university.
• Outstanding communication skills, including interpersonal, written, verbal, presentation, and listening capabilities.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to develop and sustain an independent research program.
• Ability to secure and manage external funding, as appropriate.
• Demonstrated leadership and collaboration skills.

Contract Type

Continuing

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact:Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone:Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.

A PhD in forest bioproducts, wood science, or a related field at the time employment begins. The successful candidate must demonstrate a compelling interest and capability to deliver science-based information to a variety of audiences and stakeholders. Candidates must be willing and able to work closely with local and national industrial partners and also to initiate/establish new partnerships with various stakeholders. The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the term of employment. Candidates at the Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor levels are encouraged to apply. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Additional qualifications are as follows:

• Strong record of teaching and research in forest bioproducts, wood science, and related fields.
• Robust record of publishing impactful research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to attract research funding from federal agencies, industrial partners, and other sources.
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders, including forest bioproducts and other associated industries.
• Demonstrated leadership and commitment to academic excellence, student success, and professional development for undergraduate and graduate students through mentoring.
• Enthusiasm for potentially leading and promoting the Forest Bioproducts Development Center and developing undergraduate and graduate certificates.

Desired Qualifications for the Associate or Full Professor

• Demonstrated success in scholarship, publications, and securing grant funding for fundamental or applied research in emerging forest bioproducts and wood-based composite material development and manufacturing or construction materials.
• Ability to play a catalytic role in building the research and engagement portfolio of the Forest Bioproducts Development Center and the College, as evidenced by a track record of team research as both participant and leader.
• A talent for, and evidence of working effectively and collaboratively with faculty, university administration, and other constituent groups and partners both within and outside the university.
• Outstanding communication skills, including interpersonal, written, verbal, presentation, and listening capabilities.