Assistant/Associate Professor of Mammalian Conservation Ecology

Virginia Tech • Blacksburg, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Mammalian Conservation Ecology. We seek a collaborative scholar and educator whose work advances understanding and conservation of mammals and strengthens the department’s core missions in biodiversity conservation and experiential education. The successful candidate will develop an internationally visible research program in mammalian conservation ecology. The candidate should have a strong track record studying the conservation and ecology of wild mammal populations, with research addressing contemporary socio-environmental challenges such as climate change, emerging infectious diseases, invasive species, and habitat loss. The Department and the University are highly collaborative environments, creating the opportunity for diverse collaborations across Virginia Tech and with state and federal natural resource agencies, conservation organizations, and other partners. The position is envisioned as approximately 25% teaching, 65% research, and 10% service.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in wildlife science, ecology, biology, zoology, natural resources, forestry, range management, or a closely related field by appointment start date.
• Demonstrated expertise in mammalogy and mammalian conservation ecology.
• Evidence of potential for excellence in university teaching, field-based instruction, and student mentoring.
• Evidence of strong potential to develop a productive, externally funded research program and peer-reviewed scholarship.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Postdoctoral or comparable professional research experience.
• Experience with modern quantitative, geospatial, field, laboratory, technological, and/or experimental techniques relevant to mammalian conservation ecology.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with natural resource agencies, conservation organizations, and/or interdisciplinary research teams.
• Experience mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

Responsibilities

• Develop an internationally visible research program in mammalian conservation ecology.
• Conduct research addressing contemporary socio-environmental challenges such as climate change, emerging infectious diseases, invasive species, and habitat loss.
• Teach a 1:1 teaching expectation, including FIW 4334 Mammalogy.
• Develop or contribute to a graduate course in their area of expertise.
• Contribute (e.g., team teach) to general education or other high-demand undergraduate courses.
• Mentor undergraduate researchers and M.S. and Ph.D. students.
• Provide field-based, experiential learning opportunities.
• Establish a highly productive, externally funded research program that supports graduate students and produces high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship.
• Publish impactful research in respected peer reviewed journals.
• Apply for McIntire-Stennis (USDA NIFA capacity grant) funding in the first year.
• Pursue annual external funding from appropriate federal and state agencies and foundations, including opportunities through NSF, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department of Defense, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources as well as state wildlife agencies in surrounding states or beyond.
• Ensure externally-funded research contributes to science-based wildlife conservation and management.
• Strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations across the department and Virginia Tech.

Benefits

• Tenure-track position
• Opportunities for diverse collaborations across Virginia Tech and with state and federal natural resource agencies, conservation organizations, and other partners.
• Endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree