Careers at Virginia Tech

The Tholl lab at the Department of Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech is recruiting a Post-Doctoral Associate for a cooperative project between the Tholl lab and USDA-APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service). The candidate will have the opportunity to work on a project with focus on plant-herbivore interactions of the invasive spotted lanternfly. In particular, the study involves metabolomic analyses of phloem sap of attractive and repellent host trees and investigates spotted lanternfly excretions to understand its nutritional and developmental needs.

We are looking for a talented scientist with strong motivation and interest in invasive insect/host physiology. The candidate will join an excellent and supportive scientific community in the Biological Sciences Department and across departments in the Virginia Tech Translational Plant Sciences Center and experience a vibrant university environment in the heart of the Appalachian Blue Ridge Mountains. The Tholl lab welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. The position is available as early as October 2024.

• PhD degree in Biology, Entomology, Biochemistry, Plant Science, or related field.  PhD awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.

• Demonstrated expertise in processing larger data sets.
• Strong problem-solving, and oral and written communication skills.
• Experience working within a team.
• Commitment to cultural diversity, an inclusive and safe workplace.

• A strong track record in metabolomics is desired.
• Experience with GC-MS and/or LC-MS techniques is a strong asset.
• Experience with collecting samples and specimens in the field is desired.
• Experience with the supervision of students is preferable.

Restricted

Commensurate with experience

October 7, 2024

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

PhD awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.

About Virginia Tech

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.

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