Career Center

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (SPES) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Virginia Tech seeks to fill an academic year (9-month) tenure-track faculty position as an Agricultural Carbon Specialist. The incumbent will be expected to develop an internationally-recognized and externally-funded research and extension program. Expertise can include any area related to carbon assessment, valuation, or management in agricultural systems. The extension programming will be closely integrated with the research activities, and may include efforts to help farmers create realistic carbon sequestration goals, navigate carbon credit markets, and interface with commercial options for carbon assessment. Anticipated stakeholders include farmers, extension agents, regulatory agencies, local government decision makers, landowners, and citizens. The incumbent is expected to work collaboratively with colleagues in SPES, at Virginia Tech Agricultural Research and Extension Centers, in other units at Virginia Tech, at other universities, and with industry partners. International work is encouraged. The incumbent is expected to serve on SPES and CALS committees, participate in SPES and CALS community activities, maintain an active Hatch project and be a good citizen of SPES, CALS, and Virginia Tech and to contribute to the overall institutional mission of service to Virginia stakeholders. The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences is committed to building an inclusive community, and we welcome applications from diverse, underrepresented candidates. Projected start date is August 10, 2024.

Appointment: Assistant Professor; 60% research, 40% extension. 

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 four professional references.  All inquiries should be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Ryan Stewart at sryan3@vt.edu. To apply for this position, go to Job # 527464 at https://www.jobs.vt.edu.  Review of applications will begin on January 5, 2024 and all applications received by this date will be reviewed and considered.

Virginia Tech is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Anyone having questions concerning discrimination or accessibility should contact the Office for Equity and Accessibility.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in soil science, agronomy, agroecology, economics, policy, or a closely related discipline. 
• Experience relevant to carbon quantification in agricultural systems. 
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills. 
• A record of scholarship and peer-reviewed publications related to carbon in agricultural production systems.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment

Desired Qualifications:  

• Experience with field measurements or modeling of agricultural carbon. 
• Extension experience, including developing written publications and oral presentations.
• Demonstrated potential to acquire research funding adequate to support an active research program, including supporting graduate students.
• Experience in mentoring undergraduate or graduate students.