The Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 9-month, tenure-track, Assistant Professor: Forest Genetics and Genomics position.
We seek a scholar-educator who applies genomic, transcriptomic, transformation, and molecular biology approaches and tools to uncover and test gene function in growth, development, and responses to abiotic and biotic stress in forest trees. The incumbent will develop research, teaching, and outreach that integrates molecular genetics and genomics with climate change ecology, forest health, sustainability, and/or management challenges. We are particularly interested in candidates who can bridge molecular biology with diverse forest sciences and natural resources, and who are enthusiastic about contributing to a collaborative, interdisciplinary academic environment.
The successful candidate will conduct innovative research on the molecular and genomic basis of tree development, adaptation, and resilience. Research may include topics such as:
Genomic/transcriptomic/proteomic/metabolomic (i.e., “omic”) analyses of tree responses to climate stresses (e.g., heat and drought) and pathogen outbreaks.
Use of advanced gene editing and synthetic biology methods suitable for trees, including but not limited to, Agrobacterium mediated-transformation, gene editing, and transient expression to help understand and enhance tree resistance to fungal and other pathogens, and abiotic stresses, to aid in forest restoration.
Development of socially and environmentally responsible biotechnology methods, including for gene editing, transformation methods, and related breeding techniques for trees.
Conducting functional genomic and gene expression studies that (a) advance understanding of the adaptive capacity of natural tree populations to global environmental change, and (b) elucidate floral and/or vegetative developmental processes to support translational applications in tree breeding and forest management under changing climates and associated pathogen and pest outbreaks.
This position supports College and University goals related to producing healthy landscapes, expanding renewable products, reducing environmental damages, and enhancing economic development. The successful candidate will be expected to:
Develop a nationally recognized, externally funded research program that centers on integrating molecular genetics, functional genomics, and/or transformation approaches with applied forest management challenges, particularly those related to climate change, forest health, and sustainability.
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses that appeal to students across natural resources and forest management.
Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students and contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration within the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society and across the College of Forestry.
Actively participate in and advance the department, college, and university missions and objectives.
Possess life experiences, training, and/or education that demonstrates a commitment to promoting the values and mission articulated in the College of Forestry’s Strategic Plan.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!
Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS:
• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package:
Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU’s safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.
Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
50% Research and Scholarly Activity
Conduct research and scholarship on genetic structure of forest tree species to help improve forest stress resistance, productivity and management.
Seek grant funds to support their research programs.
Develop collaborations with disciplinarily diverse scholars in the department and college.
Results of research/scholarly work should be published, disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, and/or presented at conferences or symposiums to a diverse range of audiences.
40% Teaching and Advising
Teaching activities include preparing and delivering lectures, facilitating discussions and active learning sessions, developing course materials, designing and grading assignments, providing feedback to students, holding office hours, coordinating labs or field activities, supervising teaching assistants, maintaining the course LMS site, reviewing and updating course content to remain current.
Instruction may be at the undergraduate or graduate level and include on-campus or online (Ecampus) instruction. Teaching assignments may be adjusted to reflect the department or college needs.
Recruit, supervise, educate, mentor, and serve as major advisor for undergraduate students, graduate students (MS and PhD), and post-doctoral scholars to further research goals and advance career development.
10% Service
Participate actively as a member of the university community: on administrative committees, search committees, in university governance activities, and student advising.
Service is also expected in support of industry, academic organizations, and other professional groups and associations.
What You Will Need
A Ph.D. in plant sciences, or a closely related field, with background or experience in tree or forest biology or a closely related area.
Demonstrated potential to conduct effective research and scholarly work.
Demonstrated potential for developing and managing an equitable and inclusive research program in molecular genetics with applications to forest management challenges.
Demonstrated potential to effectively teach undergraduate and graduate level courses (online and in-person) in a manner that is consistent with the principles identified in the OSU Quality Teaching Framework.
Evidence of effective interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) enabling collaboration with a broad spectrum of audiences including students, peers, industry professionals, and other relevant stakeholder groups.
Life experiences, training, and/or education that broadens capacity to support equitable student success.
This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.
What We Would Like You to Have
Documented experience using advanced biotechnology tools to improve tree responses to pathogens associated with climate change and long-distance movement of pathogen and pest populations.
Demonstrated experience with gene editing, especially CRISPR, including gene construct, transformation, and mutation analysis, for functional studies in plants.
Evidence of success obtaining external research funding.
Experience in developing and teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses (online and in-person).
Experience communicating with a variety of stakeholders, such as K-12 teachers and practitioners, in formal and informal environments.
Experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
Evidence of experiences relevant to leading a Research Cooperative or comparable university-agency-industry consortium and/or collaborations, focused on the use of biotechnology methods for scientific studies and/or breeding applications.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Travel may be required for research, teaching, and outreach
Field research may require working outdoors in uneven and rugged terrain to collect field data or samples
Work schedule and location are flexible to meet the requirements of active research projects
Remote work is permissible
Special Instructions to Applicants
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by May 1, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A Curriculum Vitae; and
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
3) Statement of Research
4) Statement of Teaching
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
For additional information please contact: Matt Betts matt.betts@oregonstate.edu
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
