Careers at Virginia Tech

The Department of Geography at Virginia Tech is seeking applicants for the position of Collegiate Assistant Professor in the area of meteorology. This is a full-time, 9-month appointment with an anticipated start date of August 2025. We seek candidates with a passion for undergraduate instruction in meteorology who are able to offer courses in some combination of weather analysis and forecasting, mesoscale meteorology, atmospheric remote sensing, and other courses within the candidate’s area of expertise. The expected teaching load is three courses per semester, or six courses per academic year. An extensive research program is not an expectation of collegiate faculty, but research that engages pedagogy and/or that involves undergraduate or graduate students is encouraged. Serving as faculty advisor to graduate students in our M.S. in Geography program and the College of Natural Resources and Environment Ph.D. program in Geospatial and Environmental Analysis is possible. Expectations for service contributions are focused on opportunities internal to the department, but professional service, consulting, and outreach efforts are encouraged. The successful applicant will be a core member of the faculty responsible for teaching in our B.S. in meteorology degree program, which enrolls approximately 150 majors and sits adjacent to our B.A. in geography degree within the department.

At Virginia Tech, collegiate faculty have a primary commitment to the instructional mission of the department, including undergraduate teaching, curricular and program development, and the design and integration of innovative and inclusive pedagogy. Collegiate faculty are encouraged to conduct research on the scholarship of teaching and learning and/or on disciplinary topics and present their findings in professional venues, but there are no expectations for an extensive research program as is typical of traditional research and teaching faculty appointments. The collegiate faculty rank is a non-tenure-track position that offers a clear promotion path through assistant, associate, and professor levels. Appointments are for 3 years at the collegiate assistant professor rank, 5 years at the associate rank, and 7 years at the collegiate full professor.

With 113 new collegiate faculty since 2017, collegiate faculty represent the fastest growing faculty line at Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech is a public land‐grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach within the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), the University is dedicated to serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. Recognizing the critical importance of diverse teams, Virginia Tech is working to diversify its faculty by actively recruiting from groups that historically have been marginalized. The department values diversity and continually strives to maintain and promote an inclusive learning and research environment that embraces all students, faculty, and staff. We encourage applications from persons identifying with populations currently underrepresented in geography, including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, people of color, and underrepresented genders. Information concerning the department, college, and university can be found at geography.vt.edu, cnre.vt.edu, and vt.edu.

1. Ph.D. in Geography, Atmospheric Science, Meteorology or a closely related discipline from an accredited university by the time of appointment (August 2025)
2. Demonstrated ability and interest in developing and teaching courses in weather analysis and forecasting, and in the candidate’s specific area of expertise.
3. Strong focus on students and knowledge of practices and procedures that impact student success.
4. Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills.
5. Demonstrated commitment to the principles outlined in Virginia Tech’s Principles of Community
(https://www.inclusive.vt.edu/about/vtpoc.html).

1. Demonstrated teaching effectiveness at the university level.
2. Demonstrated record of teaching or mentoring experience in inclusive pedagogy practices that
address the needs of underrepresented and/or underserved communities.

Regular

Salary

Commensurate with experience

10/01/2024

Interested persons must apply at https://jobs.vt.edu, posting number 530833, where they will submit (1) a cover letter, (2) a current curriculum vitae, (3) a two-page teaching statement, (4) a one-page statement describing candidates’ commitments to promoting diversity and working in a multicultural environment, (5) teaching evaluations or other evidence of teaching effectiveness (if available), and (6) contact information for three references. The initial review of applications will begin October 1, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries can be made to Dr. Stephanie Zick, Search Committee Chair, Department of Geography, 238 Wallace Hall, 295 West Campus Drive, MC0115, Blacksburg, VA 24061. Email: sezick@vt.edu. Phone: (540) 231-3434.

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.