Instructor and Plant Disease Clinic Manager

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 Instructor position (12-month) that will serve as manager of the plant disease clinic and teach classes in plant pathology. The plant disease clinic is a service laboratory and educational resource to Virginia Cooperative Extension offices and a member laboratory of the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN). The lab receives samples submitted for diagnosis, conducts appropriate diagnostic testing and provides reports and recommendations to the submitting entities. Through its activities, the lab supports VCE Extension agents by providing clear and timely diagnoses and management recommendations to clientele, while maintaining a cooperative, productive relationship with other VCE service labs and offices, relevant Agricultural Research and Extension Centers, campus-based specialists and the Virginia Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services (VDACS) Plant Industry Services. In addition to clinic management activities and conducting diagnostics, the incumbent will teach Plant Problem Diagnosis (PPWS 4154/5154) as well as an additional class in plant pathology to be determined in consultation with the Director of SPES.

Responsibilities: Provide overall management (e.g. budgets, personnel, etc.) and leadership for the plant disease clinic to ensure smooth operations. Conduct plant diagnostics and develop reports. Teach two classes in plant pathology. Provide talks related to plant diseases and problem diagnosis to grower groups, Master Gardeners, VCE agents and foresters as requested. Maintain the VT Plant Problem Image Gallery and videos for the Virginia Master Gardener YouTube channel. Collaborate on grant projects relevant to diagnostics as requested and appropriate. Serve on SPES an CALS committees as requested.

Required Qualifications

M.S. degree in plant pathology or closely related field; Experience with plant diagnostics; Good communication and interpersonal skills; Good organizational skills; and, a demonstrable commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in plant pathology; Classroom teaching experience; and, Budget management experience.

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Review Date

02/18/2022

Additional Information

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

Applicants must apply online ( https://jobs.vt.edu ) to Job Card #519003. When applying for this position, please include in the online application: 1) an updated curriculum vitae; 2) official or unofficial transcripts of all graduate course work, 3) a cover letter that includes a summary of academic training, relevant work and teaching experience and commitment to diversity and 4) names and email addresses for three references that may be contacted. Inquiries concerning the position or application process should be directed to Jon Eisenback (jon@vt.edu). Applications received by February 18, 2022, will receive full consideration, but applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

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. Jon Eisenback at jon@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: January 21, 2022
Applications close: