Careers at Virginia Tech

The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials (SBIO) at Virginia Tech invites applications for an Extension Specialist in Sustainable Biomaterial Marketing. The department's program focuses on developing future leaders in the sustainable utilization of forest-based and other renewable natural materials. Virginia's forest-based industry is a key stakeholder group, generating over $23 billion annually and employing more than 109,000 people. SBIO faculty with extension appointments have continually supported the Commonwealth's forest products industry. We welcome applications from persons identifying with groups underrepresented within our discipline, including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, people of color, first generation, and underrepresented genders.

We seek dynamic candidates to build a program focused on existing and emerging biomaterial products, markets, and opportunities, with a strong focus on the state's forest products business sector. Candidates should have expertise in areas such as renewable material markets, biomaterial trade analysis, biomaterial business development and support, business adaptation to market changes, identifying industry needs, providing advanced knowledge of changing markets, new product development, providing focused support for businesses, and connecting students with industry and other stakeholders.

The successful candidate will advance the outreach and engagement mission of the department and the Land Grant system by providing readily available, research-based programs and educational resources to improve the lives of individuals, families, businesses, and communities.

The focus of the program may include the following areas:

• Analyze biobased materials and energy markets
• Assess the policy impact on market conditions
• Assist stakeholders with analyzing and developing potential markets
• Identify industry needs and advance knowledge as product markets develop
• Support renewable materials businesses
• Develop sustainable business strategies
• Support business plan development
• Assist with new product development
• Assist with analysis and development of export markets
• Program evaluation and impact

The position is a tenure-track, 9-month appointment with primary responsibilities in extension (70%) and research (30%). The successful candidate will develop an impactful extension program and will develop an applied research program that supports their extension program(s). Advising and mentoring of graduate students is required. Participation in departmental, college, and university affairs is expected.

• Ph.D. in Sustainable Biomaterials, Forest Products Marketing, Bioproducts Marketing, Operations Management, Business, Forestry, Wood Science, or related field
• Potential to attract funding to support an active research and extension program
• Potential to develop and sustain a nationally recognized extension program
• Excellent communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to publish and present scholarly work
• Potential for success in research design, grant development, and presentation of results at scientific meetings.

• Ability to mentor and support graduate and undergraduate students.
• Evidence of stakeholder engagement, situation analysis, creating and delivering content for educational outreach, training, or continuing education purposes via multiple delivery modes and evaluation.
• Demonstrated record of scholarship that complements existing sustainable biomaterials programs.
• Ability and interest to collaborate with state or federal agencies, foreign governments, NGOs, private industry, or some combination of these groups.
• Experience in leading and managing teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and support diverse colleagues, clientele, and audiences located at on and off-campus locations to build cohesive programs across research and Extension missions.

Regular

80,000-90,000, commensurate with experience

March 11, 2024

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

Please upload the following documents with your application:

• Statement of extension experience, philosophy and interests that includes experience and interests in emerging wood products markets and opportunities.
• Statement that describes your experience and philosophy of engaging with individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds.

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.