Assistant/Associate Professor of Turfgrass Science

Virginia Tech•Blacksburg, VA

1d•$85,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech seeks a 9-month, tenure-track faculty member at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank in Turfgrass Science. The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized research and Extension program addressing stakeholder-identified needs across Virginia’s turfgrass industries, including golf course management, sports field management, sod production, and professional lawn care. Research may focus on relevant areas of turfgrass adaptation and management, such as water-use efficiency and irrigation scheduling, water quality, adaptation of warm- and cool-season grasses, turfgrass pest distribution and spread, autonomous and GPS-guided equipment, labor-saving and input-reducing technologies, energy transitions in equipment, and economic evaluation of management practices and new technologies. The candidate is expected to establish a productive, externally funded research program that advances turfgrass science through improved management strategies. The position includes statewide Extension leadership through timely, science-based information for turfgrass professionals. Collaboration with Virginia Tech faculty, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Research and Extension Centers, and industry partners will support Extension publications, digital tools, and decision-support materials. Other duties include presenting at stakeholder and Extension meetings, advising graduate students, and contributing to the School’s scholarly mission. The candidate will contribute to teaching at a level consistent with a 10% teaching appointment. This may include strengthening existing turfgrass courses, developing shared course modules, guest lecturing, and mentoring students. Leading a full course is possible by mutual agreement with the School. Appointment is regular and exempt from overtime. The stated salary range is $85,000–$100,000. Review begins December 4, 2026, and the position is open until filled. Application materials include a cover letter, teaching and research philosophy statement (maximum two pages), Extension philosophy statement (maximum two pages), current CV, and contact information for three professional references. The successful candidate must undergo a criminal conviction check.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Turfgrass Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Sciences, Environmental Science, Entomology, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated potential for impactful, externally funded research and Extension programming.
Developing publication record, including peer-reviewed journal articles and Extension materials.
Effective communication skills and ability to engage diverse stakeholder groups.
Research program must include a substantial applied component, with findings delivered to turfgrass stakeholders and usable in management practice.
Ability to work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to travel within Virginia and elsewhere as required to support Extension programming.
For Associate Professor appointment: sustained record of peer-reviewed publications and Extension materials; history of competitive external funding as principal investigator or equivalent; evidence of statewide or national Extension leadership; documented applied research program delivered to and adopted by stakeholders; graduate student mentoring record; and collaborative work with industry, agencies, and professional associations commensurate with rank.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in one or more stakeholder-identified priority areas described in the posting.
Experience collaborating with industry partners, government agencies, or professional associations.
Background in field-based research and problem-solving with end users.

Responsibilities

Develop a nationally recognized research and Extension program supporting Virginia’s turfgrass industries and responding to stakeholder-identified needs.
Establish a productive, externally funded research program that advances turfgrass science through improved management strategies.
Lead statewide Extension programming and deliver timely, science-based information addressing practical challenges faced by turfgrass professionals.
Collaborate with Virginia Tech faculty, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Research and Extension Centers, and statewide turfgrass industry partners.
Develop Extension publications, digital tools, and decision-support materials.
Present at stakeholder and Extension-organized meetings.
Advise graduate students.
Contribute to the School’s broader scholarly mission.
Contribute to teaching consistent with a 10% teaching appointment, potentially including course development, shared course modules, guest lectures, and student mentoring.
Travel within Virginia and elsewhere as required to support Extension programming.