The University of Virginia seeks a Lecturer to serve as the Coordinator for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site Program at Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce VA. The REU program will run from May 27 – August 1, 2025. This summer program immerses 10 undergraduate students in innovative research projects and guides them toward careers in science by providing trained research mentors and an inclusive, supportive environment that allows students to gain confidence in their abilities. This will be achieved through a combination of welcoming social events, skill-development workshops, high-quality mentoring, and exposure to a complete research experience. In addition to coordinating general program activities, the REU Program Coordinator is expected to closely mentor the research of one student.
 
Blandy Experimental Farm is a 700-acre ecological field station located in the northern Shenandoah Valley, about 10 miles east of Winchester and 60 miles west of Washington, D.C. Its mission is to increase understanding of the natural environment through research and education.

Blandy supports research by providing a wide range of habitats (woodlots, successional fields, pastures, and ponds) and modern facilities (laboratory, greenhouse, housing, and equipment). Blandy is home to a vibrant research community and members of the summer community enjoy a weekly research seminar series and social events.

The REU Program Coordinator is responsible for scheduling and organizing group research, educational, and social activities, leading approximately two field trips, overseeing collaboration between the REU students and Blandy staff, and leading a workshop on Research Ethics. The Coordinator works closely with research faculty and Blandy staff to ensure a safe, inclusive, orderly, and positive experience.

The Coordinator serves as research mentor for one REU student. The process for mentoring includes guiding the development of an innovative research project and closely advising the student through the writing and defending of a research proposal, completion of the research project, and written and oral presentation of findings. A candidate who would use this opportunity to build a productive research program, including encouraging mentees to present their research at scientific conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals, is preferred. While the Coordinator remains responsible for group dynamics throughout the program, time available for research typically increases over the summer due to front-loading of program activities.

The Coordinator’s research will be supported through access to research facilities (laboratory and greenhouse) and a small research budget. The Coordinator will live on-site during the REU program, so faculty housing in a two bedroom cottage is provided.

REU Program Coordinator responsibilities:

Schedule and organize group educational, research, and social activities.Provide orientations to the students on residential life at Blandy, the objectives and format of the program, the process of mentor selection, and other important program elements if needed.Lead workshop on Research Ethics.Collaborate with faculty to determine the matching of students with mentors.Coordinate the guest hosting of visiting seminar speakers by the REU students.Lead approximately two outdoor excursions such as hikes or canoeing trips.Act as a primary contact for students outside of regular work hours and respond to problems as needed.Schedule, organize, and moderate the research forum in which the students give their final research presentations.In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Research Mentor responsibilities:

Mentor one REU student through a complete research experience from the conception of innovative research and study design to the dissemination of results.Work with students to resolve problems with research projects as needed.Participate in a mentor-training workshop along with other research mentors.

Requirements:

Master of Science (MS) or terminal degree in biology, ecology, or a related field; Ph.D. is highly preferred.A valid driver’s license is required.Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience working at a field station or similar research facility, and to candidates with teaching and research experience in a higher education setting. A successful candidate will be interested in developing a research program at Blandy and will be highly collaborative, able to multi-task, problem solve, and handle multiple competing priorities.A well-qualified candidate will have the ability to interact positively with faculty, staff, and students, and the ability to work independently.Excellent interpersonal skills are a must. 

Physical Demands:
This job involves use of a computer, but also requires the ability to walk to field sites outdoors in all weather conditions (extreme heat, humidity, cold, etc.).

Application Instructions:

Apply through Workday https://jobs.virginia.edu/us/en​ and search for R0064611. Submit an application online and attach a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for two professional references (name, address, email address, telephone number).

Application review will begin on 01/15/2025.

This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Questions about this position? Contact Kyle Haynes, haynes@virginia.edu

Questions about the application process? Contact askhr@virginia.edu

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.