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.