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The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (SPES) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Virginia Tech seeks to fill a (9-month), 70% extension and 30% research, tenure-track faculty position in Grain Crops Research and Extension at the Assistant/Associate Professor rank located on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia. The focus of this position will be production and management of corn, small grains, and other potential crops for grain and silage to increase overall productivity, resiliency, sustainability, and economic value of food, agriculture production systems, and natural resources. The incumbent is expected to secure extramural funds to support an integrated extension and research program. The incumbent must demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability and willingness to participate in extension and research teams across related disciplines, and is expected to work closely with Virginia Cooperative Extension Agents, the Agriculture Research Extension Centers, the Virginia Grain Producers Association and other associations in the development and delivery of educational programs. The incumbent will not have a formal teaching appointment, yet graduate student education will be expected to foster the next generation of Extension agents and specialists, agronomists, farmers, and crop advisers through mentoring and training of graduate students. Guest lectures are also encouraged to support existing undergraduate and graduate courses. International activities are encouraged. The incumbent is also expected to work collaboratively and to be a good citizen of SPES, CALS, and the University to benefit the overall institutional mission of service to stakeholders.

70% Extension - The incumbent will be expected to lead a multidisciplinary team of extension specialists, county extension agents, and researchers to improve economic and environmental sustainability of the corn, small grains, and other grain crops produced in Virginia’s agricultural industry through highly visible outreach programs founded on science-based information and research. The position will work closely with corn and small grains commodity boards to achieve shared goals.

30% Research - The incumbent will be expected to lead a multidisciplinary team of peer researchers, technicians, and graduate students to conduct relevant applied (and when necessary basic) research addressing problems faced by agricultural stakeholders. The individual will conduct the statewide grain trials.

Applications: Required application materials include: 1) complete curriculum vitae, 2) official or unofficial transcripts of all graduate course work, 3) statement of current research and future research interests as relevant to this position as well as experience in extension and commitment to diversity, and 4) names, addresses and email of five professional references. All inquiries should be directed to Dr. Matthew Chappell, Search Committee Chair at mbridgem@vt.edu and questions directed to the same email address or by phone at 804-894-6121. To apply for this position, go to http://jobs.vt.edu and select posting number 525764.  Review of applications will begin on June 7, 2023 and all applications received by this date will be reviewed and considered. Search will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

The Virginia Tech College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS) is administered by the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Associate Dean and Director of Virginia Cooperative Extension, and the Director of the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station. CALS encompasses 12 on-campus academic departments as well as 11 Agricultural Research and Extension Centers (AREC) located throughout the Commonwealth, and Virginia Cooperative Extension offices in 107 cities and counties. Virginia Tech also engages in cooperative work with Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Matthew Chappell at mbridgem@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in agronomy, plant and/or crop sciences, or closely related field.
• Demonstrated strong foundation in agronomic principles and concepts.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in verbal and written communications.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and present original research results related to grain management in peer-reviewed and internationally-recognized journals as well as extension publications.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in corn and small grain production systems.
• Previous experience working with stakeholders, disseminating information, and implementing Extension programs.
• Ability to deliver information and tools via modern media technologies to diverse audiences.