Assistant Professor - Genomics & Biology of Plant Water Stress Adaptation

Job Description

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (SPES) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Virginia Tech seeks to fill an academic year (9-month) tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Genomics and Biology of Plant Stress Adaptation. As climate changes, the stresses that crop plants experience are expected to increase. Among these stresses will be the abiotic stresses associated with water (flooding and drought). The incumbent will focus on understanding the genetic and physiological mechanisms of water stress (and closely associated high temperature stress) and work closely with other plant genomics faculty and especially with faculty involved in crop breeding to develop crop varieties more tolerant of flooding and drought. The incumbent may operate in the area of pre-breeding and serve as a plant genetics resource scientist in support of the breeding programs in SPES. The incumbent may use a variety of strategies in their research including molecular and traditional breeding technologies. The incumbent 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; 70% research and 30% teaching. Research related to genomics of water stress tolerance and teach a class in genomics and breeding for water stress tolerance.
Description of Duties:
• Develop an internationally recognized research and teaching program in the genomics of plant water stress tolerance
• Obtain extramural funding and publish research in peer-reviewed journals and other appropriate outlets
• Recruit and mentor graduate students.
• Teach a class in plant genetics and or crop breeding for water stress tolerance

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in plant science, plant genomics, or closely aligned discipline
• Background in plant stress mechanisms and adaptations
• A commitment to mentoring students, diversity and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• A record of grantsmanship and publication in plant stress and experience teaching.
• An ability to work in transdisciplinary teams

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Review Date

02/04/2022

Additional Information

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

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 and commitment to diversity, and 4) names, addresses and email of four professional references. All inquiries should be directed to Search Committee Chair, Dr. Saghai Maroof at smaroof@vt.edu

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. Saghai Maroof at smaroof@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: December 17, 2021
Applications close: