Assistant Professor - - Urban Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Job Description

The Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech invites applications for a tenure-track position at the level of Assistant Professor from applicants who conduct research on fish and wildlife conservation in urban environments. We encourage applications from social scientists working on urban conservation issues. The full-time, tenure-track, 9-month appointment will be based at the Blacksburg campus of Virginia Tech, a land-grant university. This position will complement existing departmental strengths and contribute to our growing undergraduate human dimensions curriculum and a college-wide priority of scholarship in urban natural resources. This hire is part of the Global Systems Science Destination Area , a university-wide initiative to build scholarly capacity related to socio-environmental issues. The appointment is in the College of Natural Resources and Environment and reports directly to the Head of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation. Anticipated start date is August 2020.

Application materials shall include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcripts, and the names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references. The applicant also shall submit a synthesized written statement of no more than 3 pages that reflects the individual’s philosophy of how s/he will integrate teaching, research, outreach, and diversity/inclusion.

Effective teaching, support of the land-grant mission, and development of an independent, externally funded research program that engages both graduate and undergraduate students are expected for promotion and tenure. The appointed individual will teach ~1.5 undergraduate and/or graduate courses per year in the area of their expertise. Advising and mentoring of both graduate and undergraduate students are required. Strong preference will be given to candidates who can develop and fund a successful research program that collaborates with diverse entities, including state and federal agencies, local governments, and/or non-governmental organizations. Participation in departmental, college and university affairs, and collaboration with faculty both within the college and across the university is expected. Researchers who use interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary approaches and interact with stakeholders are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to individuals with an established track record in conservation research in urban environments and a demonstrated ability to secure extramural funding, publish in high quality, peer-reviewed journals, and extend research results to managers, policy makers, and the public.

Required Qualifications

At the time of appointment, an earned Ph.D. in conservation of natural resources, human dimensions, wildlife science, fisheries science, social-ecological sciences, social sciences, urban planning, applied economics, natural resource policy, or a related field from an accredited university.

Ability to develop and teach courses in our growing human dimensions or urban natural resources undergraduate curriculum.

Demonstrated record of engagement and commitment to collaborative research with local, state or federal agencies, foreign governments, NGOs, private industry, and/or municipal governments groups.

An ability to secure research funding adequate to support an active research program.

A track record of publishing in relevant peer-reviewed journals.

Commitment to the principles and practices of nurturing a diverse and inclusive community.

Preferred Qualifications

Expertise in using methods and theories from the social sciences.

Demonstrated teaching effectiveness at the university level.

Postdoctoral research experience.

Experience publishing in high impact, relevant peer-reviewed journals.

Experience advising and directing the research of graduate and/or undergraduate students.

Research competencies that complement existing departmental strengths.

Demonstrated record of research and/or teaching addressing needs of under-represented communities, including racial, ethnic, and religious minorities, immigrants, and LGBTQ individuals.

Pay Band

N/A

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Review Date

January 24, 2020

Additional Information

The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction and driver's check.

About Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT—serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. We seek candidates who adopt and practice the Principles of Community, which are fundamental to our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world.

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, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran 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 accommodation please contact the hiring department.

Advertised: December 19, 2019
Applications close: