Assistant Professor - Soil Management and Rehabilitation of Disturbed Urban and Agricultural Lands

Job Description

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (SPES) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Virginia Tech (University) seeks to fill an academic year (9-month) tenure-track faculty position in Soil Management and Rehabilitation of Disturbed Urban and Agricultural Lands. The incumbent will conduct research on development and application of strategies for rehabilitation of soils and landscapes drastically disturbed by mining, road building, solar farm construction, utility corridor development, dredge spoil management, and urban/suburban construction practices, among others. Other areas of potential research include wetland creation/restoration and development of soil media for biofiltration systems. Research on the potential return of disturbed lands to agricultural production systems including pasture, row crops, urban gardening and/or urban green spaces will be an important aspect of this position along with the beneficial use of organic and inorganic residuals as amendments. The expected clientele will be mining and construction related firms, developers, state/federal regulatory agencies, local governments, non-governmental organizations, consultants, and concerned citizens. The successful candidate is expected to work collaboratively and to be a good citizen of SPES, CALS, and the University to benefit the overall institutional mission of service to stakeholders. As such, the incumbent will be expected to work closely as part of a team and with faculty in other units at Virginia Tech, at other universities, and with industry partners.
Appointment: Assistant Professor; 50% research and 50% teaching. Responsibilities include conducting research on soils and soil rehabilitation as well as teaching classes in Soils and Soils Lab, Reclamation of Drastically Disturbed Lands (live and on line), Advanced Rehabilitation of Disturbed Lands and Reclamation of Disturbed lands (online only). Position requires occasional travel to attend conferences and meetings.

Description of Duties:
• Develop an internationally recognized research and teaching program in soils and soil rehabilitation science
• Obtain extramural funding and publish research in peer-reviewed journals and other appropriate outlets
• Recruit and mentor graduate students and support outreach programming to promote effective rehabilitation of disturbed soils
• Teach classes in soils and soil and land reclamation

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in agronomy, soils, ecology or a closely related field of study by appointment start date; Experience in soils as related to rehabilitation/reclamation/restoration science; Experience in field application of rehabilitation protocols; A commitment to mentoring students, diversity and inclusion; Position requires occasional travel to attend conferences and meetings; criminal background check

Preferred Qualifications

A record of publication in rehabilitation/reclamation/restoration science desirable; Direct contact teaching experience.

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Review Date

01/02/2022

Additional Information

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

Applications: Required application materials include: 1) complete curriculum vitae, 2) official or unofficial transcripts of all graduate course work, 3) statement of current research and future research interests as relevant to this position as well as experience in teaching and teaching interests, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion, and 4) names, addresses and email of three professional references who may be contacted. All inquiries should be directed to Search Committee Chair Dr. Brian Badgley at badgley@vt.edu . To apply for this position, go to https://www.jobs.vt.edu and search on Job Card #518209. Review of applications will begin on January 2, 2022 and all applications received by this date will be reviewed and considered.

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 Badgley at badgley@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: November 5, 2021
Applications close: