Wood Scientist (M.Sc. or Ph.D.)

About Genics

Genics is a global leader in wood-preservation technologies, wildfire-resilient infrastructure, and advanced utility-pole asset management solutions. For more than 40 years, Genics has pioneered innovative products such as Fire Mesh™, Cobra Rod, and other high-performance wood-preservation and fire-hardening systems. Genics works closely with utilities, universities, and research organizations across North America and internationally to advance sustainable, resilient, and long-lasting wood infrastructure.

We are expanding our Research and Development division and are seeking a highly motivated Wood Scientist to support and lead applied wood-science research initiatives.

Position Overview

The Wood Scientist will play a central role in advancing Genics’ research programs focused on wood durability, decay resistance, fire hardening, and performance benchmarking. This position is ideal for an individual with strong scientific training who enjoys both field and analytical research. The successful candidate will collaborate with research partners, universities, utility companies, and industry organizations to design studies, analyze performance data, and produce technical reports that support product innovation and regulatory or standards-based submissions.

This role is based in Crockett, Texas, includes travel to research plots and partner sites across North America, and reports directly to the Director, Business Development

Key Responsibilities

Research and Collaboration

• Collaborate with universities, research institutes, utilities, and industry organizations on joint development and applied research projects.
• Support the design, implementation, and monitoring of research programs related to wood durability, fire hardening, and advanced preservative and protective systems.
• Serve as a technical liaison between Genics and external research partners.

Field Data Collection and Research Plot Management

• Oversee and maintain Genics research plots located across North America, including in-service pole test sites, decay-zone plots, accelerated-weathering installations, and wildfire-exposure locations.
• Conduct field assessments, sampling, and on-site data collection on treated and untreated wood materials.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation of field results and sampling protocols.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Analyze datasets related to wood-preservative performance, moisture behavior, decay progression, fire-exposure outcomes, and retention or performance trends.
• Apply sound statistical and scientific reasoning to interpret results and provide meaningful insights.
• Produce high-quality technical reports, research summaries, and presentations for internal teams, utility partners, and research collaborators.

Technical Leadership and Innovation

• Contribute scientific insights to support new product development and optimization of existing wood-preservation and fire-hardening solutions.
• Assist with research programs that evaluate new materials, chemistries, and field methods.
• Represent Genics at scientific meetings, research collaborations, and industry events.

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Wood Science, Forestry, Bioproducts, Materials Science, Plant Biology, or a closely related field.
• Strong understanding of wood decay processes, preservative systems, wood anatomy, or material durability.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific research design, data analysis, and technical writing.
• Ability to work independently in both field and laboratory settings.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.

Preferred or Strong Assets

• Prior academic or industry experience in wood preservation, forest products, material performance, or utility-pole systems.
• Experience with data analysis tools such as R, Python, Excel, or statistical modeling platforms.
• Experience managing field research plots or long-term scientific studies.
• Familiarity with wood science research methods, performance testing, and durability assessment.

Working Conditions and Travel

• This position is based out of Crockett, Texas, with regular work at Genics’ regional operations hub.
• Travel within North America to research plots, partner institutions, and utility collaborators is required and typically between 20 and 30 percent.
• Fieldwork will include outdoor environments, varied weather conditions, and diverse terrain.

Why Join Genics

• Opportunity to directly influence the future of wildfire-resilient and sustainably preserved wood infrastructure.
• Work alongside internationally recognized experts in wood preservation and fire-hardening technologies.
• High-impact role with visibility across the utility, research, and regulatory sectors.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and professional development opportunities in a growing R&D division.

Job Type: Full-time

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Crockett, TX: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: In person