Postdoctoral Assoc/Research Asst Prof-Muscle Growth Biology

The successful candidate will contribute to and develop a productive research program focused broadly on skeletal muscle biology and animal growth. Areas of research may include, but are not limited to, hormonal, cellular, molecular, metabolic, physiological, and/or genetic mechanisms regulating whole-body growth, skeletal muscle growth and development, muscle metabolism, and the biological processes influencing meat production and quality.

The individual will work collaboratively with faculty in the School of Animal Sciences while developing an increasingly independent program of scholarship. Responsibilities will include designing and conducting research, analyzing and interpreting data, preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, presenting research at scientific meetings, and contributing to the development of competitive extramural research proposals. The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop new research directions and collaborations that complement and expand existing strengths in animal growth and muscle biology at Virginia Tech.

The position will provide opportunities to mentor undergraduate and graduate students and to contribute to the training of other research personnel. Depending upon appointment level and experience, the individual may also contribute to graduate and/or undergraduate instruction in muscle biology, animal growth, or related areas.

Candidates appointed at the Postdoctoral Associate level will be expected to demonstrate strong potential for research productivity and to develop increasing scientific and grant-writing independence. The position is intended to provide advanced research training and professional development that prepares the individual for an independent academic, government, or industry research career.
Candidates appointed at the Research Assistant Professor level will be expected to demonstrate a more established record of scholarship and greater research independence, including evidence of successful proposal development and the potential to develop an extramurally funded research program. Research Assistant Professors will be expected to assume greater responsibility for developing research initiatives, pursuing external funding, mentoring students and research personnel, and building collaborative research relationships within and beyond Virginia Tech.

The successful candidate will be expected to interact effectively with faculty, students, industry partners, and other stakeholders and to contribute to a collaborative research environment. Opportunities will also exist to engage with the meat and livestock industries, participate in outreach activities, and develop national and international research collaborations.

Appointment Expectations Appointment as a Postdoctoral Associate or Research Assistant Professor will be determined based on the candidate's experience, scholarly productivity, research independence, and demonstrated potential for securing extramural support. The position is designed to provide opportunities for continued professional development and increasing research independence within Virginia Tech's meat science and muscle biology program.

To apply: Please submit a cover letter describing your interests and relevant background and your CV. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a priority deadline of October 30, 2026. Contact for questions: David Gerrard, dgerrard@vt.edu.

Required Qualifications

Required Qualifications for Research Assistant Professor:

1. Ph. D. in Animal Science, Biology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a closely related discipline by the appointment start date.
2. Demonstrated ability to conduct rigorous scientific research and analyze and interpret experimental data.
3. Ability and willingness to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary research environments.
4. Interest in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students and contributing to the research and educational missions of the School of Animal Sciences.
5. Effective communication skills.
6. Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publication appropriate to career stage.

Required Qualifications for Postdoctoral Associate:

1. Ph. D. in Animal Science, Biology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a closely related discipline. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
2. Record of peer-reviewed publications or evidence of scholarly productivity
3. Excellent communication skills
   
   Preferred Qualifications
   Preferred Qualifications for Research Assistant Professor:
4. Demonstrated experience with cellular, molecular, physiological, genetic, genomic, metabolic, biochemical, or other contemporary approaches applicable to skeletal muscle biology and meat science.
5. Experience preparing or contributing to competitive extramural research proposals.
6. Demonstrated evidence of interdisciplinary or collaborative research.
7. Demonstrated experience mentoring undergraduate or graduate researchers.
8. Experience with national and international research collaborations.
9. Potential to contribute to graduate and undergraduate instruction in meat science, muscle biology, animal growth, or related disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications for Postdoctoral Associate:

1. Strong record of peer-reviewed publication appropriate to career stage.
2. Experience with cellular, molecular, physiological, genetic, genomic, metabolic, biochemical, or other contemporary approaches applicable to skeletal muscle biology and meat science.
3. Experience contributing to competitive extramural research proposals.
4. Evidence of interdisciplinary or collaborative research.
5. Interest in developing national and international research collaborations.
   
   Overtime Status
   Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
   
   Appointment Type
   Restricted
   
   Salary Information
   53,550-65,029 (PostDoc); 65,000-75,000 (Research Asst. Prof.)
   
   Hours per week
   40
   
   Review Date
   10/30/2026
   
   Additional Information
   To apply: Please submit a cover letter describing your interests and relevant background and your CV. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a priority deadline of October 30, 2026. Contact for questions: David Gerrard, dgerrard@vt.edu.
   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 Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
   Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
   Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
   If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. David Gerrard at dgerrard@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.