Research Associate

Job Description

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (SPES) at Virginia Tech is seeking a Research Associate to lead as project manager on a multifaceted, three-year research and extension program that aims to: (1) improve the commercial availability of native grassland plant seeds by partnering with historically underserved farmers in southern Virginia, (2) build the economic knowledge base for native seed production, and (3) train new conservation leaders. This full-time position will be based in Blacksburg, Virginia, but the job will involve regular travel in the state to work with partners. Primary responsibilities will include managing the project budget and ensuring timely completion of project objectives, conducting field or lab research on the ecology, economics, and/or production of native seeds – including a gap analysis on native seed supply, disseminating research through peer-reviewed manuscripts, extension publications, and conference presentations, building stakeholder relationships – including with historically underserved farmers and seed buyers, and presenting at extension field days. Incumbent's work will be supervised by Dr. J. Leighton Reid,

Required Qualifications

Master's degree in Biology, Botany, Ecology, Ecological Restoration, Natural Resources Management, Agronomy or a related field with relevant work experience; Valid driver's license, clear driving record, clear conviction check; Ability to use GIS databases in ArcGIS or QGIS; Ability to manage and analyze large datasets in Excel, R, Access, or other database programs; Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; Ability to effectively supervise staff and work collaboratively with other researchers and faculty.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in Biology, Botany, Ecology, Ecological Restoration, Natural Resources Management, Agronomy or related field; Knowledge of seed collection, seed processing, native plant propagation, or grassland restoration; Knowledge of grassland flora of eastern North America or ability to translate knowledge from another region to Virginia species with experience keying out plants with technical floras; Knowledge of conservation genetics and ex-situ plant conservation; Experience writing extension publications; Multilingual skills a plus.

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Leighton Reid at [email protected] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.