Assistant Professor of Applied Agricultural Economics

Job Description

Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is seeking applicants for a 9-month tenure track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level in Applied Agricultural Economics with research and extension responsibilities. Projected start date is August 10, 2023. This position, based at the Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center (AREC) in Blackstone, Virginia, will work collaboratively with resident faculty at ARECs across Virginia and the main campus to provide relevant and timely research-based information to stakeholders producing plant commodities in the Commonwealth. The Virginia Tech ARECs, with faculty from a broad range of disciplines, are at the forefront of cross-disciplinary applied research and discovery related to agronomic crops, specialty crops, seafood, and livestock.

This position will have a tenure affiliation with the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech and will also be affiliated with the Center for Advanced Innovation in Agriculture, contributing to Virginia’s Smart Farm Innovation Network.

The successful candidate will develop a regionally and nationally recognized research and Extension outreach program to improve and enhance production capacity, profitability, and sustainability of agricultural commodities. The candidate is expected to establish and maintain close working relationships with Virginia Tech Faculty, county Extension agents, regional Extension specialists, producers, industry, commodity groups, state agencies, and other organizations and institutions, as appropriate. The successful individual is expected to secure extramural funds (including federal competitive funding) to support an integrated Extension and research program. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are necessary, and the successful candidate is also expected to recruit and mentor graduate students. International engagement and recognition are encouraged and expected as the candidate’s career advances.

Required Qualifications

A Ph.D. in agricultural, applied economics, or a closely related field of study is required by appointment start date. Candidates with expertise and experience in the areas of GIS data analysis, decision-based mathematical optimization methods, big data analysis applications in on-farm decision-making, and cost-benefit analyses at the farm and market levels are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be expected to have strong written and oral communication skills and demonstrated ability to publish original research in peer-reviewed and internationally recognized journals. Position requires occasional travel to attend conferences and meetings. The candidate must have a valid state drivers license and clean driving record, as well as pass a criminal background check before appointment date.

Preferred Qualifications

The candidate should have a demonstrated ability to apply research results and provide recommendations and guidelines for the agricultural community.
Experience in Extension programming is also desired, specifically an ability to deliver information and tools via modern media technologies to diverse audiences. Additionally, the candidate should have a demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams and evidence of interest in interdisciplinary work. Finally, an ability to engage with a diverse population of industry, grower organizations, faculty, staff, and students is important.

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Review Date

June 5, 2023

Additional Information

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. Jonathan van Senten at jonat86@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: April 25, 2023
Applications close: