"Assistant Professor, Life Sciences Communication"

Assistant Professor, Life Sciences Communication

Company:
Virginia Tech

Job Location:
Blacksburg, 24061

Category:
Environmental Science, Ecology, and Forestry

Type:
Full-Time

Job Description

The Department of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education (ALCE), in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Virginia Tech, seeks to expand efforts in research, teaching, and outreach in Life Sciences Communication. The successful candidate will be expected to build a portfolio in life sciences communication with a forward-looking research agenda for the science of science communication that can be translated into educational and outreach activities. This position emphasizes the importance of evidence-based approaches to address societal challenges in areas such as agriculture, health, and environmental sustainability, focusing on how scientific information is shared, interpreted, and used to enhance public trust and dialogue around science.

The Department of Agricultural Leadership and Community Education (ALCE) invites applicants for an academic year, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level, with expertise in Life Sciences Communication. This appointment is 30% research, 50% teaching, and 20% Extension. In addition, the successful candidate will contribute to ALCE as a team member in transforming lives through learning, discovery, and engagement.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop a nationally recognized systematic program of research in life sciences communication.
• Initiate, build, and sustain external funding to support graduate students and the research program and leverage the existing resource strengths of the department.
• Maintain an active research program through dissemination of peer-reviewed scholarship and/or creative activities.
• Develop curricula and course materials to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in life sciences communication.
• Develop Extension and outreach programs that facilitate effective engagement and trust-building among stakeholders to support life sciences communication.
• Mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students.
• Provide guidance to students in areas of scholarship and inquiry and assist in the completion and publication of student works.
• Provide discipline-related service to the Department, College, and University.
• Perform as a team member in achieving the goals of the Department, College, and University.
• Position requires occasional travel to attend conferences and meetings.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in agricultural communication, mass communication, science communication, journalism, digital media, social media, public relations, technical and scientific communication, health communication, global communication, or a closely related field by appointment start date; A capacity for directing graduate and undergraduate academic programs in Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education; Ability to work with constituents and a student body from diverse backgrounds and demonstrate a commitment to a supportive cam-pus community; Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and across differences; Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as expertise in utilizing technology in communication.

Preferred Qualifications

A record of successful external funding and scholarship; Demonstrated teaching expertise at the graduate and undergraduate level; Demonstrated discipline-related professional experience; Expertise in visual communication, photography, graphic design or related areas for teaching and research.

Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type
Regular

Salary Information
Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week
40

Review Date
11/28/2025

Additional Information
Applicants are encouraged to include: 1. Cover letter; 2. Curriculum Vitae; 3. Teaching Philosophy (two-page max); 4. Research & Outreach Statement (two-page max.); and, 5. Contact information for three (3) professional references

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

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