Postdoctoral Associate

Job Description

The Applied Animal Behavior & Welfare program in the Department of Animal & Poultry Sciences (APSC) at Virginia Tech is searching for a postdoctoral research associate to study applied animal behavior and welfare, and help further develop current research lines in applied animal behavior, including but not exclusively dog training and learning, shelter animal welfare, and the use of technology for enhancing behavior change and data collection in applied animal behavior. The successful applicant will be expected to bring novel research lines and ideas to the program, while also providing oversight and direction to experiential learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. One or our program’s missions is outreach to the community, including but not restricted to providing evidence-based practices to owners, shelters, and veterinarians. The postdoctoral associate will be expected to contribute to this mission in ways that are best suited to their educations, skills, and interests. The successful applicant will also be expected to have a strong understanding of learning theory/behavior analysis, as well as a robust understanding and appreciation for applied questions and current relevant issues in the field of applied animal behavior. Positions will be based in the department and will be expected to collaborate with colleagues across campus in departments, such as veterinary medicine, biology, psychology, and engineering.
Responsibilities include:
• Conduct research related to applied animal behavior
• Publication of novel research findings
• Assist with grant preparation and submission
• Help create, assemble and deliver applied animal behavior programming to undergraduate and graduate students
• Mentor and advise students in applied animal behavior settings
• Oversee and advise graduate research in applied animal behavior and welfare

Required Qualifications

PhD in Animal Behavior, Animal Welfare or a related field awarded no more than four years prior to effective date of the appointment with a minimum of one year of eligibility remaining; Experience conducting applied animal behavior research especially as it pertains to companion animals; Demonstrated potential for scholarly excellence; and evidence of educational abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Strong research credentials, organizational skills, experience in collaborative research, knowledge and familiarity with animal behavior education best practices, grant writing and manuscript preparation, experience with a variety of animal species including both companion and livestock. The preferred start date is January 2022 or sooner.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Review Date

10/31/2021

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. Erica Feuerbacher at enf007@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: October 8, 2021
Applications close: