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Assistant OR Associate Professor, Urban Entomology

Employer
Virginia Tech
Location
Virginia, United States
Salary
Salary Not Specified
Date posted
Aug 31, 2021


Job Description

Virginia Tech's Department of Entomology seeks a faculty member in the area of Urban Entomology. The position is a nine-month, tenure-track appointment and will be filled initially at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. The recently-established Joseph R. and Mary W. Wilson Endowed Urban Entomology Professorship will provide immediate support to the faculty member’s program. Once the faculty member is promoted to the rank of Professor, it is expected that the faculty member will be appointed as the Joseph R. and Mary W. Wilson Endowed Urban Entomology Professor. Responsibilities of this primary research position include a 70% research appointment and a 30% teaching appointment which may be adjusted to meet the research and instructional needs of the faculty member and department. This position will be based on the main campus of Virginia Tech, a Research I public land-grant university located in Blacksburg, VA, USA.

Responsibilities : The successful candidate for this position will be expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized, extramurally funded research program focused on the discovery of new and innovative ways to manage urban pests. The applicant should possess expertise and resources that will synergize current research, teaching, and Extension strengths in the department. The ideal candidate will have the opportunity to strengthen their research program with Virginia Tech Institutes and Centers. The incumbent is expected to build research collaborations on urban and non-native invasive species affecting the human condition and could find opportunities for collaboration with the Fralin Life Science Institute . The influence of climate change-urbanized environments and their impact on urban pests would align with the Global Change Center . The incumbent could also collaborate at the intersection of engineering, sciences, and humanities through the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science .

The successful applicant is expected to develop a research program at the interface of science and society that addresses critical needs focused on sustainable management of urban pests as a result of urbanization, rapid environmental change, and/or biological invasions (e.g., non-native, invasive, or adaptive species; resistant strains). Specific research focus areas could include, but not limited to, understanding extant and emergent urban pest biology, management, behavior, ecology, evolution, population genetics, pathology, or chemical ecology. Further, research should contribute to the development of technologies that address challenges in monitoring and management of urban pests. The successful applicant will be expected to support the department’s missions in research, scholarship, and teaching. This includes a strong commitment to the recruitment and mentoring of graduate students and serving on graduate student committees. The incumbent will also be expected to develop a teaching program within their area of expertise that complements the mission of the Department of Entomology. The incumbent will support the mission of the land-grant university by participating in outreach and engaging local, state, and regional stakeholders. As the successful candidate’s career advances, they are expected to contribute to Virginia Tech’s reputation in global engagement. Participation in institutional and professional service activities that align with the candidate’s strengths will also be expected.

Required Qualifications

Applicants are required to hold a Ph.D. in entomology or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to individuals with an established record of research accomplishments in urban entomology, a desire to address urban issues complicated through non-native invasions and a changing climate, a demonstrated ability to secure extramural funding, and publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. Furthermore, preference will also be given to individuals with documented teaching experience, demonstrate a clear understanding of inclusivity and diversity, and have a clear vision to grow their research portfolio complementing existing strengths and resources in the department.

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Review Date

12/01/2021

Additional Information

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

Application : Applications will be accepted online . ( https://jobs.vt.edu #517320) Interested applicants should provide the following:

  1. A formal and succinctly written cover letter summarizing their interest and qualifications
  2. A curriculum vitae
  3. A statement of future research plans with a section describing how the applicant will complement existing Virginia Tech research programs (5-page maximum)
  4. A succinct teaching philosophy and statement on teaching interests
  5. A statement describing your experiences and/or goals incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion into your teaching, research, and/or service
  6. The names and contact information of three references who can assess the applicant’s qualifications for this position


Inquiries concerning the position or application process should be directed to the Search Committee co-chairs: Dr. Scotty Yang, scottyyang@vt.edu (540-231-3052) and Dr. Aaron Gross, adgross@vt.edu (540-232-8448). Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2021 and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

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 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 desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Scotty Yang at scottyyang@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: August 31, 2021
Applications close:

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