Assistant/Associate Professor – Forest Biomaterials

Hiring Organization: University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources
Employment type: Full-Time
Job Location: Athens, GA
Application Due Date: January 5, 2025

Position Announcement
Assistant/Associate Professor – Forest Biomaterials

POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural
Resources at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA invites applications for a tenure-track
faculty position in Forest Biomaterials at the Assistant or Associate Professor level with
research, instruction, and university and professional service expectations as part of a 9-month
appointment. Individuals with expertise in the following forest biomaterials academic areas are
encouraged to apply: conversion, green chemistry, modification, novel materials, petrochemical
replacement materials, and/or xylochemistry. This position is a part of a Presidential Hiring
Initiative focused on sustainable biomaterials, with new positions in Warnell (Forest
Biomaterials), the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences (Nanocellulose Chemistry), and the
College of Engineering (Advanced Manufacturing of Sustainable Products). Successful
candidates are expected to establish interdisciplinary collaborations in teaching and research
with faculty in the Warnell School (including the Langdale Center for Forest Business, Wood
Quality Consortium), across campus (including the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center,
New Materials Institute), and within the state of Georgia (Georgia Institute of Technology’s
ReWood and the Renewable Bioproducts Institute).

Research responsibilities include development of an externally funded program that is
recognized nationally and internationally in the area of new product development using forest
biomaterials. Teaching duties could include developing cross disciplinary courses in
biomaterials science and engineering, sustainability, the circular economy, and contributing to
introductory level undergraduate and/or study abroad courses in the area of sustainable use of
natural resources. Coursework delivery will be a combination of in-person, hybrid, and/or
online. Professional service includes serving on School/University committees and actively
participating in professional/scientific societies.

QUALIFICATIONS: Required qualifications include a Ph.D. degree prior to the starting date
in forest biomaterials, wood science, forest products, paper science and engineering, material
science and engineering, chemistry, or a closely related field. Preferred qualifications include
prior graduate or postdoctoral research training or industrial expertise using forest biomaterials
for conversion, green chemistry, modification, novel materials, petrochemical replacement
materials, and/or xylochemistry, an understanding of innovation in an evolving forest products
market, and the ability to effectively communicate research findings to University stakeholders.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Appointment to Associate Professor requires a record
consistent with promotion to Associate Professor at the Warnell School such as strong evidence
of emerging stature as a national authority, acquiring and administering external funding, ability
to produce and communicate research, and excellence in teaching and working with students.
Service at the Associate Professor level for 1-2 years is preferred for this rank.
THE UNIVERSITY: The University of Georgia (www.uga.edu) is a land/sea/space grant
institution comprised of 18 schools and colleges. Athens is a diverse community of
approximately 150,000 people located less than 75 miles from Atlanta. UGA enrolls about
41,200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The Warnell School is a professional
school with 68 faculty, 100 support staff, 265 undergraduates, and 240 graduate students
(www.warnell.uga.edu). The School offers Bachelor of Science, Master of Forest Resources,
Master of Natural Resources, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in the areas
of Forestry; Fisheries & Wildlife; Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management; and Natural
Resource Management & Sustainability. The school manages over 17,000 acres of forestland
across the state in support of its teaching, outreach, and research missions.

APPLICATION: To ensure full consideration, please apply by January 5, 2025. All applicants
MUST apply online through UGAJobs (https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/403351).
Candidates must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, one-page statements of both teaching
and research interests, unofficial transcripts of all college-level work, and names and contact
information for three references. Individuals invited for interviews will be required to have three
reference letters submitted, on their behalf, directly to the chair of the search committee.
University policy requires all candidates to consent to and authorize a background investigation
(www.hr.uga.edu). A background investigation and request of official transcripts will be
conducted on a post-offer/pre-employment basis only. The starting date is negotiable but will be
no later than August 1, 2025. For additional information, please contact the chair of the search
committee, Dr. Joe Dahlen (jdahlen@uga.edu).

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified
applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion,
sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual
orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with
the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR
(hrweb@uga.edu). Please do not contact the department or search committee with such
requests.

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