Assistant Professor, Forest Regeneration

The Department of Forest Resources at the University of Minnesota seeks outstanding applicants for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor faculty position focused on forest regeneration dynamics. This may include focus areas of early stand dynamics, forest genetics, climate-adaptive seed/tree selection, nursery systems, or environmental stress physiology, which may fall within broader disciplines such as silviculture, restoration ecology, or forest operations. This is a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track faculty position with research (50%) and teaching (50%) responsibilities. The successful candidate will have access to office and laboratory space in the department. The position is available beginning August 2026, with review of applications beginning December 8, 2025.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Establish a nationally recognized research program that advances fundamental knowledge critical to establishing, maintaining, and improving forest regeneration and productivity, develops tools and techniques related to adaptive forest management for a changing climate, and supports the viability, health, resilience, and function of forest ecosystems and the forest sector regionally and nationally.
• Develop successful extramural grant proposals and collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams drawing on expertise in the Forest Resources Department, CFANS, Extension, and the University, as well as scientists and practitioners locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, to conduct research and exchange knowledge with a wide range of audiences including practitioners.
• Publish in refereed journals and other outlets.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses. Courses may include forest ecosystem physiology, climate adaptation, forest genetics, dendrology or other courses in the incumbent's area of expertise that would contribute to the professionally accredited forestry degree program in the Department.
• Mentor undergraduate students in Department-affiliated majors (Forest and Natural Resource Management (https://forestry.umn.edu/bs-forest-and-natural-resource-management) and Environmental Science, Policy and Management (https://forestry.umn.edu/bs-environmental-sciences-policy-and-management)) .
• Recruit, advise, train, and mentor graduate students.
• Prepare a diverse body of students for successful careers in forestry, reforestation, restoration, and complementary areas.
• Participate in University faculty governance and, where appropriate, provide leadership to continuing education and outreach activities statewide.
• Provide service to the profession.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. by the time of appointment in forestry, natural resources, biology, ecology, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated research expertise in forest regeneration, forest genetics, applied forest ecology, silviculture, restoration ecology, physiology, or forest operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in more than one of the focal areas highlighted above in the required qualifications.
• Demonstrated experience and effectiveness in delivering undergraduate and/or graduate courses that support diverse learners and build inclusive classroom environments.
• Demonstrated experience or evidence of potential in advising and training graduate students, especially from a range of cultures and experiences.
• Record of peer-reviewed scientific publications commensurate with the applicant's career stage.
• Success or evidence of potential to secure extramural funding.
• An interest in developing field-based research projects in Minnesota and the Great Lakes Region.
• A demonstrated ability and willingness to work productively with public and private land management agencies, Tribal Nations, and various interested parties, and to contribute to the University of Minnesota's land grant mission.
• Expertise that adds to or complements those of current faculty.
• Demonstrated service to the profession.
• Demonstrated knowledge of professionally accredited forestry programs.

College Overview

The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of 27 programs: 14 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs in disciplines involving food, agricultural, and natural resource sciences. CFANS also has 10 research and outreach centers across Minnesota, plus the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers that span the college, the university, and the globe. Undergraduate enrollment in the college is about 2000 students. CFANS students are well-prepared for a diverse, multicultural workforce through the college's emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary, and intercultural learning, internships, and global perspectives.

At CFANS, we aim to inspire minds, nourish people, and enhance the natural environment, and we believe that's only possible if everyone feels seen, heard and respected. Our College embraces inclusion and prioritizes purpose-driven scientific discovery in order for us to build a better tomorrow, together. We align with the University of Minnesota in providing equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Department Overview

The Department of Forest Resources (https://www.forestry.umn.edu/) is one of the oldest and most highly regarded forestry programs in the country. Its mission is to inform and advance the science and management of forest ecosystems and related natural resources. The Department has 18 faculty and approximately 50 full-time researchers, scientists, and postdocs representing a breadth of disciplines in the biological, physical, social, and managerial sciences. The Department hosts B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. programs, supports many nationally and internationally recognized research programs, and has a long tradition of public engagement and outreach. Faculty and scientists use several University centers across the state, including the 3,400-acre Cloquet Forestry Center, Hubachek Wilderness Research Center near Ely, Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in East Bethel, and North Central Research and Outreach Center in Grand Rapids. Departmental members partner with UMN Extension, outreach/continuing education groups (e.g., Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative), as well as other university-based research partnerships (e.g., Institute on the Environment, Midwest Climate Adaptation Center). Departmental faculty and staff engage with urban-focused groups and initiatives such as the Urban Forestry Outreach Nursery and Research Lab, the Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area Long Term Ecological Research Program. Members of our department collaborate with individual Tribal nations and natural resource management offices and federal partners, such as the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station and US Geological Survey, both with offices on our campus. Department members work with state agencies (e.g., MN DNR) and benefit from the vast geospatial resources (e.g Minnesota Geospatial Commons).

Pay Range: $93,000 - $95,000; Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. The 9-month salary (option to be paid over 12 months) can be supplemented through research and/or educational grants. Salary will be supplemented with nine (9) weeks of summer salary for the first three (3) years of the appointment. Additional start-up funding includes graduate student support, moving expenses, and other start-up expenses.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Candidates should include all of the required application materials combined into one single PDF document. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Required application materials:

• A cover letter clearly indicating how the applicant addresses the required and preferred qualifications
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of research interests and philosophy, specifically how your research aligns with the Department of Forest Resources existing or emerging areas of research strength, and how you embed inclusive excellence* considerations in your research program. (1-2 pages)
• Statement of teaching interests and philosophy, specifically how your teaching aligns with the Department of Forest Resources existing or emerging areas of teaching strength (https://forestry.umn.edu/courses), and how you embed inclusive excellence* considerations in your teaching program (1-2 pages)
• Names, addresses and email contact information for three (3) professional references that will be contacted if you are deemed a final candidate

*Please provide details of your professional and/or personal experiences in fostering inclusive excellence, as it relates to teaching and research. https://cfans.umn.edu/about/inclusive-excellence

For questions regarding this position, please contact Marcella Windmuller-Campione (mwind@umn.edu). If you need assistance with the application process, please contact Amber Grupe (argrupe@umn.edu).

The search committee will begin reviewing applications on December 8, 2025; thus, qualified applicants are encouraged to upload their application materials as soon as possible. The position will remain open until filled; however, applications received after December 8, 2025 may or may not be reviewed.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).