Lecturer - REU Program Coordinator (Faculty Wage)

About the position

The University of Virginia seeks a Lecturer to serve as the Coordinator for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site Program at Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce VA. The REU program will run from May 27 - August 1, 2025. This summer program immerses 10 undergraduate students in innovative research projects and guides them toward careers in science by providing trained research mentors and an inclusive, supportive environment that allows students to gain confidence in their abilities. This will be achieved through a combination of welcoming social events, skill-development workshops, high-quality mentoring, and exposure to a complete research experience. In addition to coordinating general program activities, the REU Program Coordinator is expected to closely mentor the research of one student. Blandy Experimental Farm is a 700-acre ecological field station located in the northern Shenandoah Valley, about 10 miles east of Winchester and 60 miles west of Washington, D.C. Its mission is to increase understanding of the natural environment through research and education. Blandy supports research by providing a wide range of habitats (woodlots, successional fields, pastures, and ponds) and modern facilities (laboratory, greenhouse, housing, and equipment). Blandy is home to a vibrant research community and members of the summer community enjoy a weekly research seminar series and social events.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and organize group educational, research, and social activities.
• Provide orientations to the students on residential life at Blandy, the objectives and format of the program, the process of mentor selection, and other important program elements if needed.
• Lead workshop on Research Ethics.
• Collaborate with faculty to determine the matching of students with mentors.
• Coordinate the guest hosting of visiting seminar speakers by the REU students.
• Lead approximately two outdoor excursions such as hikes or canoeing trips.
• Act as a primary contact for students outside of regular work hours and respond to problems as needed.
• Schedule, organize, and moderate the research forum in which the students give their final research presentations.
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• Master of Science (MS) or terminal degree in biology, ecology, or a related field; Ph.D. is highly preferred.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience working at a field station or similar research facility, and to candidates with teaching and research experience in a higher education setting.
• A successful candidate will be interested in developing a research program at Blandy and will be highly collaborative, able to multi-task, problem solve, and handle multiple competing priorities.
• A well-qualified candidate will have the ability to interact positively with faculty, staff, and students, and the ability to work independently.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are a must.

Benefits

• Faculty housing in a two bedroom cottage provided during the REU program.
• Access to research facilities (laboratory and greenhouse) and a small research budget.