ASSISTANT PROFESSOR“ INSECT-MICROBIAL INTERACTIONS

Virginia Tech's Department of Entomology invites applications for a tenure-track faculty member at the level of Assistant Professor in the area of insect-microbial interactions. This position has a primary research and secondary teaching nine-month appointment and is based on the main campus of Virginia Tech, a Research I land-grant university located in Blacksburg, VA.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate for this position will be expected to develop an extramurally funded and internationally recognized research program focused on insect-microbial interactions. Areas of research could include (but are not limited to): Insect microbial communities that influence arthropod fitness and ecology, metabolomics, evolutionary genomics, pathology, symbiosis, and/or pathogen infection and transmission. Research could focus on interactions with pests (agricultural, public and animal health), model organisms, beneficial and/or invasive species. A successful applicant will be expected to contribute to research, scholarship, and teaching in ways that support the department’s mission. This includes a strong commitment to graduate education, where the successful candidate will be expected to recruit and mentor graduate students, and serve on graduate student committees throughout Virginia Tech. The incumbent will also be expected to develop and teach courses, which could include (but would not be limited to): Insect Pathology, Insect Microbe & Pathogen Interactions, Forensic Entomology, or any course in the candidate’s specific area(s) of expertise. Collaboration with current departmental research strengths and Extension colleagues both on- and off-campus is expected. Collaboration with University Institutes and Centers is highly encouraged (e.g. Fralin Life Science Institute, Global Change Center, Vector-borne Disease Research Group, Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science, Integrated Pest Management Innovation Lab, or Translational Plant Sciences). Further, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to transdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach initiatives that align with Virginia Tech’s Global Systems Science (GSS) Destination Area and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences SmartFarm Innovation Network. The selected candidate is expected to participate in institutional and professional service activities that align with the candidate’s strengths and expertise.

Qualifications: Applicants are required to hold a Ph.D. in entomology, molecular biology, microbiology, ecology, biology, virology, genetics, or a closely related field. Preference will be given to individuals with an established record of research accomplishments and postdoctoral research experience in insect-microbial interactions, a demonstrated ability to secure extramural funding, and publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.

Virginia Tech is dedicated to serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence—InclusiveVT. 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, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran 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. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact the Office for Equity and Accessibility at (540) 231-2010 or Virginia Tech, North End Center, Suite 2300 (0318), 300 Turner St. NW, Blacksburg, VA 24061.

Application: Applications will be accepted online at http://careers.pageuppeople.com/968/cw/en-us/job/511630/assistant-professor-insectmicrobial-interactions. Interested applicants should provide a (1) formal cover letter summarizing their qualifications, (2) statements of a research plan (3-pg max), (3) teaching philosophy (1-pg max), (4) current curriculum vitae, (5) a brief statement describing the applicant’s interest in and experience working with diverse groups and underrepresented populations (1 pg. max), (6) the names and contact information of three references who can assess the applicant’s qualifications for this position. Inquiries concerning the position or application process should be directed to Dr. Aaron Gross, [log in to unmask]   (540-232-8448) Chair of the Search Committee, or Dr. Tim Kring, Department Head, [log in to unmask]  . Review of applications will begin December 2, 2019 and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.