Assistant Professor - Applied Plant Pathology

Job Description

Virginia Tech's Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center (AREC) seeks a faculty member for a tenure-track position at the level of Assistant Professor in the area of applied plant pathology. The position is nine-month with equal appointments in research (50%) and extension (50%) and a tenure home in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (https://spes.vt.edu/ ) at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. The Southern Piedmont AREC (https://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/southern-piedmont.html ) is located in historic southside Virginia near Blackstone.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate will be expected to develop an extramurally funded, internationally recognized research and extension program focused on epidemiology and management of crops important to Southside Virginia including: field crops (tobacco, corn, soybeans, and small grains), forage crops, and specialty crops (small fruits, vegetables, Cannabis crops, and others). Areas of research and Extension could include (but are not limited to): development of new and improved disease management tools, crop protection agents and strategies for application, IPM, biological controls, plant-soil-animal microbiomes, proximal and remote sensing of pathogens and plant bioindicators, development and validation of predictive disease progress and management models, application of contemporary genetics to crop protection, autonomous or semiautonomous plant management vehicles, DNA-informed germplasm improvement, and molecular diagnostic techniques with in-field diagnosis of plant diseases and related crop health issues. The incumbent is expected to recruit and mentor graduate students. The incumbent will work with Virginia Cooperative Extension Agents, Extension Program Teams, and other Extension Specialists to deliver research-based educational programs via contemporary training and teaching materials that will serve relevant commodity industries of Virginia, the region, and nationally. The incumbent will also support the mission of the land-grant university by participating in outreach and engaging local, state, and regional stakeholders. Global engagement is important as the incumbent’s career advances, and will contribute to the expansion of Virginia Tech’s reputation in this domain. Position requires occasional travel to attend conferences and meetings.

Virginia Tech provides a highly collaborative and supportive environment, and the position will have many opportunities to collaborate with others working in the Center for Advanced Innovation in Agriculture and the Smart Farm Innovation Network (https://caia.cals.vt.edu/ ). There is an opportunity to work with these and with other groups as they develop transdisciplinary programs for scientific discovery, developing and deploying new technology, and to more broadly address solutions for plant disease management.

In addition to the online application, required application materials will include a formal cover letter addressing research interests and qualifications, a current curriculum vitae, a statement of future research plans with a section describing how the applicant will complement existing Virginia Tech research programs, an extension philosophy and statement on extension interests, and 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 Dr. Carol Wilkinson, wilki@vt.edu , 434-818-5535, Chair of the Search Committee, Southern Piedmont AREC, 2375 Darvills Road, Virginia Tech, Blackstone, VA 23824. Review of applications will begin November 15, 2021 and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

Required Qualifications

Applicants are required to hold a Ph.D. in plant pathology or a closely related discipline. Applicants with demonstrated postdoctoral research and extension experience with field crops are strongly encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to individuals with an established track record in planning and implementing plant disease management research of field crops, a demonstrated ability to communicate with stakeholders, a demonstrated ability to secure extramural funding, and published in high quality, peer-reviewed journals.

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with Qualifications

Review Date

November 15, 2021

Additional Information

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

Must have a driver's license check

Must have an acceptable and safe driving record

Physical Demands: Moderate to Heavy Lifting (25+lbs); Considerable Walking, Standing, Bending, Stooping; Vision (i.e., discern colors, contrast, depth); Working or Traversing Uneven Terrain

Environmental Hazards: Noise; Working in outside elements (Ex: weather); Hazardous Materials

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 Carol Wilkinson at wilki@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: October 5, 2021
Applications close: