"Assistant Professor - Agricultural Entomology and Applied Ecology"

Assistant Professor - Agricultural Entomology and Applied Ecology

Company: Virginia Tech

Job Location: Blacksburg, 24061

Category: Entomology

Type: Full-Time

Job Description

Virginia Tech's Department of Entomology invites applications for a 9-month research (70%) and teaching (30%) tenure-track position at the level of Assistant Professor of Agricultural Entomology and Applied Ecology focusing on high value specialty crops important to Virginia agriculture that may include grapes and other small fruits, while maintaining flexibility to address pest management issues across diverse cropping systems. This position will be based on the main campus of Virginia Tech, a Research I, land-grant university located in Blacksburg, VA.

The successful candidate for this position will be expected to develop an extramurally-funded and internationally-recognized research program that focuses on the study of traditionally important or emerging insect pest problems of high value specialty and other agricultural systems in VA. Applied ecological research areas could include (but are not limited to): biological control, chemical ecology, applied insect pathology, greenhouse environments, or plant disease vector management, all in the context of the department's core IPM team, which includes both on campus and AREC faculty. 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 at Virginia Tech. The incumbent will also be expected to develop and teach courses, which will include undergraduate and graduate classes in Insect Pest Management, and an opportunity contribute to instruction with other applied graduate courses: Insect Ecology, Biological Control, Insect Pathology, or other topics that contribute to pest management science. Collaboration with current departmental research strengths and Extension colleagues both on-and off-campus is expected. Collaboration with University Institutes and Centers (e.g., Fralin Life Science Institute, Global Change Center, Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science, Translational Plant Sciences, or the Invasive Species Collaborative) is highly encouraged. Further, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to transdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach initiatives that align with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. In broader terms, this position should contribute to university priorities addressing climate change, food security, biodiversity, invasive pests, and sustainability.

The incumbent will also support the mission of the land-grant university by participating in outreach and engaging local, state, and regional stakeholders. The selected candidate is expected to participate in institutional and professional service activities that align with the candidate's strengths and expertise. This position requires occasional travel to attend conferences and meetings.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in entomology or related fields of study by appointment start date; Demonstrated expertise in areas that directly contribute to applied pest management research.

Preferred Qualifications

Established record of research accomplishments and postdoctoral research experience in pest management related projects; Demonstrated ability to secure extramural funding; Past record of scholarly activity in applied entomological research; Evidence of effective teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate level; Evidence of potential for successful mentoring of graduate students; Experience working in transdisciplinary collaborations

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

12/08/2025

Additional Information

Application packets must include:
a. A formal cover letter summarizing their qualifications,
b. a statement describing their research plan (2-pg max),
c. a statement of teaching philosophy (1-pg max),
d. a current curriculum vitae, and
e. the names and contact information of three professional references who can assess the applicant's qualifications for this position.

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

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Scott Salom at salom@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Apply Now