Careers at Virginia Tech

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 (AY, 9-month) tenure-track faculty position as an Agricultural Carbon Systems Specialist. The incumbent will be expected to develop an internationally recognized and externally funded research program, focused on assessing and managing carbon stocks and fluxes in agricultural settings. The individual should complement but not duplicate existing faculty expertise in biogeochemical cycling and soil health. Possible research themes include carbon accounting within or across different agriculture systems, enhancing carbon stocks using novel and potentially transformative management practices, and modeling carbon dynamics at farm or regional scales. The Extension programming will be closely integrated with the research activities and may include efforts to help farmers create realistic carbon sequestration goals, navigate carbon credit markets and related opportunities, and translate models such as COMET-FARM or other tools for carbon assessment. Anticipated stakeholders include farmers, Extension agents, regulatory agencies, local government decision makers, landowners, and citizens. The incumbent is expected to work collaboratively with colleagues in SPES, Virginia Tech Agricultural Research and Extension Centers, other units at Virginia Tech, and potentially with other university, regulatory, and industry partners. International work is encouraged. The incumbent will be expected to serve on departmental, college, and university committees, and contribute to the overall institutional mission of service to Virginia stakeholders. The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences is committed to building an inclusive community, and we welcome applications from diverse, underrepresented candidates. Position requires occasional travel to attend conferences and meetings.

Projected start date is December 25, 2024. Appointment Assistant Professor 60% research, 40% extension.

● Ph.D. in agroecology, agronomic sciences, systems modeling, or a closely related discipline by appointment start date.
● Experience relevant to carbon management, accounting, or model application in agricultural systems.
● A record of scholarship and peer-reviewed publications related to agricultural carbon systems.

● Extension experience, including developing written publications and oral presentations to agricultural audiences.
● Demonstrated strong commitment to fostering and supporting diverse, equitable, and inclusive research, extension, and university service efforts.
● Demonstrated potential to acquire research funding adequate to support an active research program, including supporting graduate students.
● Experience in mentoring undergraduate or graduate students.

Regular

85,000-100,000

07/14/2024

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 extension and commitment to diversity, and 4) names, addresses and email of four professional references.
All inquiries should be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Ryan Stewart at sryan3@vt.edu. To apply for this position, go to [Job #529754 at https://www.jobs.vt.edu]. Review of applications will begin on July 7, 2024, and all applications received by this date will be reviewed and considered.

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

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.