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Assistant Professor - Ecological Engineering

Employer
Virginia Tech
Location
Virginia, United States
Salary
Salary Not Specified
Date posted
Dec 2, 2022


Job Description

The Biological Systems Engineering Department (BSE) at Virginia Tech seeks applications for a tenure-track position in Ecological Engineering at the Assistant Professor level (9 months, teaching and research). We seek candidates who are motivated to contribute to a collegial, interdisciplinary community with a strong tradition of both fundamental and applied research.

The goal of this position is to promote the development of sustainable ecosystems that integrate human society with the natural environment for the benefit of both by using natural processes in engineering design. The primary areas of interest include the use of ecosystems to reduce pollution (e.g., phytoremediation, natural treatment systems, green stormwater infrastructure); the imitation of ecosystems to address resource problems (e.g., circular bioeconomy, bioenergy); and the sustainable use of ecosystems for human benefit (e.g., nature-based solutions, sustainable agro-ecosystems).

The successful candidate will be expected to initiate, build, and sustain an externally funded, internationally-recognized research program that complements existing faculty expertise in BSE’s focus areas of watershed science and engineering and bioprocess/biomolecular engineering. We are seeking an outstanding candidate who can contribute to Virginia Tech’s transdisciplinary Destination Areas (particularly Intelligent Infrastructure and Human Centered Communities and/or Global Systems Sciences). In addition, participation in one of Virginia Tech’s Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Programs such as Bio-Inspired Buildings and Water INTERface is highly encouraged. Envisioned potential funding sources include NSF, USDA-NIFA, US EPA, and Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality. International engagement and recognition are encouraged and expected as your career advances.

The successful candidate will additionally be expected to contribute to a well-rounded academic experience for students, including teaching existing undergraduate and graduate courses, advising senior design teams, providing undergraduate research opportunities, and recruiting and mentoring graduate and post‐graduate students. The person in this position will also be expected to develop and teach graduate and upper level undergraduate courses that reflect their area of expertise while complementing and expanding BSE’s existing course offerings.

The successful candidate will have earned a terminal degree in Biological Systems, Environmental or Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Ecology, Environmental Science, or closely related field. A strong record of academic accomplishments, experience in teaching ecological engineering design, a proven ability to work collaboratively, experience with and commitment to interdisciplinary research and instruction, success in securing funding for program support, willingness to expand disciplinary boundaries to address complex technical and societal challenges, and eligibility to become a licensed professional engineer are preferred. The successful candidate will be required to pass a criminal conviction check.

Virginia Tech is a public, land-grant university with an enrollment of approximately 36,000. Virginia Tech is committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT - serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world.

Virginia Tech's main campus is located in Blacksburg, VA, in an area consistently ranked among the country's best places to live. In addition, Virginia Tech’s presence in the Washington, D.C., area offers unique proximity to government and industry partners. Virginia Tech’s activities in the DC Metro area are expanding rapidly, with Virginia Tech's new Innovation Campus in Alexandria, VA slated to open in 2024.

The BSE department currently includes 23 tenured or tenure-track faculty, 50 graduate students, and 140 undergraduate students who work in a broad range of biological systems, from natural systems such as watersheds, to built systems such as bioreactors and bioprocessing facilities. We seek to improve animal, human, and environmental health through the development and design of healthy food products, vaccines, bioenergy, biomaterials, and water quality management practices.

The BSE department is home to Virginia Tech’s StREAM Lab, a unique, world-class research center focused on understanding the interactions of natural and human systems. The department is affiliated with two nationally ranked colleges: the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Engineering. The College of Engineering was recently ranked 30th among 200 U.S. engineering schools (USN&WR).

Applicants must apply online at jobs.vt.edu (job number XX); application materials will include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement on contributions to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and contact information for at least three references. Review of applications will commence on January 16, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the position should be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Brian Benham, at benham@vt.edu.

The department fully embraces Virginia Tech’s Commitment to increase faculty, staff and student diversity; to ensure a welcoming, affirming, safe and accessible campus climate; to advance our research, teaching, and service mission through inclusive excellence; and to promote sustainable transformation through institutionalized structures. Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Services Center at hrservicecenter@vt.edu or at (540) 231-9331.

Required Qualifications

Terminal degree in Biological Systems, Environmental, or Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Ecology, Environmental Science, or closely related field.
Ability to establish and sustain a nationally and internationally recognized, integrated research and teaching program in ecological engineering.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to effectively teach ecological engineering and related topics to undergraduate and graduate students.
Willingness and ability to effectively supervise undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate researchers.

Preferred Qualifications

Record of appropriate academic achievement in ecological engineering.
Experience in interdisciplinary research.
Proven ability to work collaboratively.
Demonstrated success in securing research funding.
Experience in interdisciplinary instruction.
Teaching and student mentorship experience at undergraduate or graduate levels.
Eligibility to become a licensed professional engineer.

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Review Date

01/16/2023

Additional Information

Applicants must apply online at jobs.vt.edu (Job Card #522855); application materials will include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement on contributions to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and contact information for at least three references. Review of applications will commence on January 16, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the position should be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Brian Benham, at benham@vt.edu

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Brian Benham at benham@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: December 2, 2022
Applications close:

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