Assistant Professor in Global Change Ecology
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Job no: 530737
Work type: Teaching & Research Faculty
Senior management: Natural Resources
Department: For Resources & Environ Consrv
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Agriculture / Life Science, Instructional / Teaching Faculty, Research / Scientific, Natural Resources
The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech invites applicants for the position of assistant professor in global change ecology as part of a campus-wide hiring initiative focusing on the grand challenge of invasive species. We seek a candidate with interest and experience in invasion science through the lens of invasion ecology, ecosystem disturbance, and/or novelty in terrestrial ecosystems. This is a full-time, tenure-track, 9-month appointment with primary responsibilities in research and teaching. The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation is committed to building an inclusive community through programs and activities that are integrated into our research, education, and outreach efforts. We welcome applications from persons identifying with groups underrepresented within the discipline, including but not limited to, Black, Indigenous, people of color, first-generation, and underrepresented genders.
The successful candidate will lead a vibrant, externally funded research program that is recognized for scientific excellence, mentor a diverse population of graduate and undergraduate students, and provide high-quality instruction. Course contributions will be defined during the hiring process and may include courses in the department’s five undergraduate majors and a graduate course in the candidate’s area of expertise. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are necessary; international engagement and recognition are encouraged and expected as the candidate’s career advances. The incumbent will be expected to serve on departmental, college, and university committees.
The successful candidate will be a core member of Virginia Tech’s Invasive Species Collaborative (https://invasivespeciesvt.org/), a university-wide initiative fostering growth in transdisciplinary research to develop solutions to complex global problems of invasive species that directly or indirectly impact the lives or livelihoods of people. The individual will be part of a cluster hire, including faculty in environmental law and public policy, technology development, applied economics, data science, genomics, and outreach.
The successful candidate is expected to leverage the expertise of the Invasive Species Collaborative community at Virginia Tech and engage in team science with associated faculty. The individual will contribute to the development of a center of excellence focusing on invasive species science, technology, management, outreach, and policy.
• A Ph.D. or equivalent at the time of appointment in a discipline closely related to global change ecology.
• A record of scholarship and peer-reviewed publications in invasion science through the lens of invasion ecology, ecosystem disturbance, and/or novelty in terrestrial ecosystems.
• A record of scholarship and peer-reviewed publications in terrestrial systems in the area of forest ecology, quantitative ecology, geospatial science, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated potential to acquire research funding adequate to support graduate students and an active, inclusive research program.
• Demonstrated potential for effective and inclusive teaching and mentoring.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community.
• Demonstrated experience or potential for team science collaborations, including with academics in other disciplines, state or federal agencies, NGOs, and/or private industry.
*Required Application Materials
1.) Resume/CV; 2.) Cover letter expressing statement of interest in the position (not to exceed 1 page); 3.) List of 3 professional references including titles and complete contact information; 4.) Statement of teaching and mentoring experiences & philosophy relevant to the position (not to exceed 1 page); 5.) Statement of research plans and vision for programmatic excellence (not to exceed 1 page); 6.) Statement describing how you would create inclusive excellence in teaching, research, and within the broader university community (not to exceed 1 page).
Contact Information
Inquiries can be directed to the search committee chair, Valerie Thomas (thomasv@vt.edu, 540-231-0958)
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.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
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, ethnicity or 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 Valerie Thomas at thomasv@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
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