VA Tech ISWG: Assistant or Associate Professor - Invasive Species
Position Title:
Assistant or Associate Professor - Invasive Species
Position Summary
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech seeks applicants for a 9-month research (70%) and extension (30%) tenure-track position at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank in the area of invasive species research and Extension as part of a campus wide Invasive Species cluster hire located at the Blacksburg, VA campus. The tenure homes for this position will either be Entomology or the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences. The focus of the position is to develop an innovative program on transdisciplinary research and management of invasive plants, plant pathogens, and/or arthropods to mitigate the threat they pose to managed or natural terrestrial and / or aquatic habitats. The selected candidate is expected to develop an externally funded program that works closely with the Invasive Species Working Group (ISWG), Virginia Cooperative Extension Agents, the Virginia Tech Agricultural Research and Extension Centers, relevant State and Federal Agencies, and other associations in the development and delivery of their research and educational programs. Although there is no formal teaching requirement, the candidate may guest lecture or develop a course associated with this position. The selected candidate is expected to train the next generation of Extension specialists, educators, scientists, and professionals through the mentoring of graduate students.
The individual will be a core member of Virginia Tech’s Invasive Species Destination Area (https://invasivespecies.fralinlifesci.vt.edu/). This Destination Area is a university-wide initiative fostering growth in transdisciplinary research to develop solutions to complex global problems of invasive species that directly or indirectly impacts the lives or livelihoods of people, costing the global economy an estimated $423 billion annually. The individual will be part of a cluster hire including faculty in environmental law and public policy, technology development, predictive modeling, and research and extension. The successful candidate is expected to leverage the expertise of the Invasive Species Destination Area community at Virginia Tech and engage in team science with associated faculty. The individual will also have the opportunity to contribute to the development of a center of excellence focusing on invasive species science, technology, management, outreach, and policy. International engagement and recognition are encouraged and expected as your career advances.
This position requires occasional travel to attend conferences and meetings. Criminal conviction check required.
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in invasive species related fields, including biology, ecology, weed science, entomology, plant pathology, or related disciplines by appointment start date
- Demonstrated effectiveness in verbal and written communication for a wide range of audiences, including academics, managers, and the public
- Demonstrated ability to conduct and present original research results related to invasive species and their management in scientific meetings and peer-reviewed journals
- Demonstrated experience or potential for team science collaborations, including academics in other disciplines, state or federal agencies, NGOs, and / or private industry
- Position requires occasional travel to attend conferences and meetings.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience in contributing to management programs for invasive species.
- Experience working with stakeholders, disseminating information, and outreach.
- Ability to deliver information via modern media technologies and tools to diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated commitment to principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in teaching and research.