Extension Specialist and Assistant Professor

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Location: Raleigh, NC

Essential Job Duties:
Faculty Position: Wood Products Extension and Sustainable Materials & Technology

The Department of Forest Biomaterials at NC State University invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track faculty position. This role combines a 70% focus on wood products extension with a 30% commitment to academic teaching, research, and service. The successful candidate will join an eight-member sustainability team, comprising three Wood Products Extension faculty and five Sustainable Materials and Technology (SMT) academic faculty. This position is based in Raleigh, North Carolina, with occasional travel throughout the state. The successful candidate will provide leadership in designing, implementing, and evaluating public educational programs consistent with the philosophy, policy, and overall educational objectives of North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

Position Responsibilities:

• Extension Leadership: Develop and lead an innovative statewide extension and outreach program for North Carolina’s wood products industry, aligned with the mission of North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
• Research and Inquiry: Conduct discipline-guided research that supports the extension program and contributes to advancements in the field of wood products.
• Funding and Support: Pursue external funding to support extension projects, graduate students, and the overall growth and impact of the extension program.
• Teaching Commitment: Teach one undergraduate course annually in the Sustainable Materials & Technology program.
• Service Engagement: Contribute actively to departmental, college, Cooperative Extension, university, and professional service.

The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Wood Products, Engineering, or a related field (e.g., Material Science, Manufacturing) and have knowledge or industrial experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Advanced manufacturing of biomaterials, such as wood composites or engineered wood products.
• Utilization of process data to enhance efficiency, yield, and quality in wood products manufacturing.
• Experience in developing and delivering extension and outreach programs, including workshops and publications on wood-based materials and products.
• A clear vision or strategy for future personal initiatives in wood products extension, with a focus on the first 5-10 years of their tenure at NC State University.

Minimum Experience/Education:
Ph.D. degree in Wood products, or a branch of Engineering, or closely related field.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability and desire to develop and conduct an effective extension and education program in cooperation with faculty, staff, and industry
• A strong commitment to extension, academic, and research excellence.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using innovative technology transfer techniques.
• Potential to attract and secure funding for proposed scholarly and extension work from federal and state agencies and other sources.
• Ability to develop and maintain contacts with relevant federal, state, county, and municipal agencies and departments.
• Willingness to travel extended distances.
• Ability to apply professional scheduling including the delivery of evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by programmatic and collaboration needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the Land Grant Mission and the role of Extension.
• Experience in Wood Products and Advanced Manufacturing or related field.
• Knowledge of industrially relevant manufacturing processes, strategies, and innovations.
• A track record of work for the development, assessment, and processing of biomaterials, especially wood.
• Experience with automation, optimization, digital fabrication, or data science.
• Demonstrated ability to teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels and non-formal settings, including but not limited to demonstrations, workshops, and public events.

Required License or Certification:
Valid Driver’s License

AA/EEO Statement:
NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

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