Assist. or Assoc. Professor - Agronomy

Job Description

Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is seeking applicants for a 9 or 12-month (to be determined by the successful candidate) Assistant/Associate professor; tenure track faculty position in Agronomy with a focus on soybean production (Research/Extension). This position will be housed at the Virginia Tech Tidewater Agricultural Research & Extension Center located in Suffolk, VA. Research and Extension goals will focus on increasing overall productivity, resiliency, sustainability, and economic value of food, agriculture production systems, and natural resources while expanding Virginia Tech's global influence in this rapidly evolving domain. This position will be affiliated with the Center for Advanced Innovation in Agriculture as well as contribute to Virginia's Smart Farm Innovation Network, in conjunction with existing faculty, county Extension agents, staff, and graduate students working in these areas of research and Extension outreach.
The successful candidate will develop a regionally and nationally recognized research and Extension outreach program to improve and enhance production capacity, profitability, and sustainability of soybean cropping systems. This should be accomplished by developing and implementing novel agronomic practices combined with integration of current and emerging technologies in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic soybean production systems. The candidate will also be expected to develop and maintain relationships with agricultural stakeholders that leads to substantial applied research that directly benefits producers across the region. The tenure home will reside in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (SPES) within the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. The position will be considered a soybean specialist within Virginia Cooperative Extension. Linkages with other universities (e.g. Virginia State University, the 1890 land-grant institution of Virginia), colleges outside of CALS and units outside of SPES will be highly encouraged. Opportunities for international engagement exist and will also be encouraged.
The successful individual is expected to secure extramural funds (including federal competitive funding) to support an integrated Extension and research program. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are necessary, and the candidate is expected to establish and maintain close working relationships with Virginia Tech-CALS Faculty, county Extension agents and regional Extension specialists; as well as industry, commodity groups, state agencies, and other organizations as appropriate. The successful candidate is also expected to recruit and mentor graduate students.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in agronomy, plant and/or crop sciences, or closely related field.
Strong foundation in agronomic principles and concepts.
Highly effective verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to publish original research in peer-reviewed and internationally-recognized journals.
Ability to obtain a Virginia Commercial Pesticide License (Category 10) within 12 months of hire date.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in soybean production systems.
Ability to apply research results and provide recommendations and guidelines for the agricultural community.
Experience in Extension programming.
Ability to deliver information and tools via modern media technologies to diverse audiences.
Work effectively in teams and evidence or interest in interdisciplinary work.
Engage with a diverse population of industry, grower organizations, faculty, staff and students.
Ability to obtain a Class A CDL.

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Review Date

June 30, 2023

Additional Information

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

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.