Job Description
As part of a campus-wide cluster hire on invasive species, the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation in the College of Natural Resources and the Environment at Virginia Tech seeks applicants for a 9-month, tenure-track, research (60%), teaching (30%), and service (10%) position at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank. The successful candidate will study fish or wildlife populations using cutting-edge genetic/genomic tools to improve detection, identification, rapid response, management, and/or eradication of invasive species. Possible areas of research could include the use of environmental DNA, metabarcoding, genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, gene editing, or related approaches for studying invasive species that affect fish or wildlife populations.
The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in their area of expertise in the department. Advising and mentoring both graduate and undergraduate students is required. Participation in departmental, college, and university affairs and collaboration with faculty both within the department and across the university is expected.
The successful candidate will also be affiliated with Virginia Tech’s Invasive Species Collaborative (ISC). The ISC seeks to foster growth in transdisciplinary research to develop solutions to the complex global problem of invasive species, which impacts the lives of all people, costing the global economy more than $423 billion annually. This position is part of a cluster hire funded by the Provost’s office that includes seven faculty positions related to invasive species in environmental law and public policy, science and technology, predictive modeling, and research and extension. The successful candidate is expected to leverage the expertise of the Department, the ISC, the broader GCC, and other vibrant, collaborative research communities at Virginia Tech to engage in team science with associated faculty.
Researchers who can collaborate with a range of scientists and stakeholders, and who can secure funding from national and international funding sources, are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to collaborative individuals employing cutting-edge research methods and who have a demonstrated ability to effectively disseminate research results through diverse outlets across the scientific-public spectrum. The individual will also be expected to contribute to the development of proposals to secure significant extramural funding to support a center of excellence at Virginia Tech focusing on invasive species science, technology, management, outreach, and policy.
Required Qualifications
● Ph.D. in biology, ecology, fish and wildlife conservation/management, conservation science, genetics, genomics, or related field.
● Demonstrated effectiveness in verbal and written communication to include an outstanding peer-reviewed publication record in accordance with career stage.
● Demonstrated experience using genetic or genomic tools for detecting, monitoring, studying, and/or managing invasive species of any taxonomic group that affect fish or wildlife.
● Demonstrated experience with collaborations or team science, including other academic disciplines, state or federal agencies, NGOs, and/or private industry.
● Demonstrated commitment to principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in teaching and research.
Preferred Qualifications
● Demonstrated ability and interest in developing and teaching courses in genetics and/or genomics, invasive species management, or closely related areas.
● Evidence of ability to work in interdisciplinary teams with the goal of producing scientific evidence that can translate to real-world applications or solutions.
● Demonstrated teaching effectiveness.
● Evidence of inclusive teaching and research practices, and a demonstrated record of working with individuals from under-represented and marginalized communities.
Required Application Materials
1.) Resume/CV; 2.) Cover letter expressing statement of interest in the position (not to exceed 1 page); 3.) Names, titles, and full contact information for 3 professional references; 4.) Written statement describing: 1. teaching and mentoring experience and philosophy 2. research experience and future plans 3. commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in relation to the position description (not to exceed 3 pages).
Appointment Type
Regular
Review Date
October 11, 2024
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
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