Research Specialist

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Work type:Staff
Senior management: Agriculture & Life Sciences
Department: Alson H. Smith, Jr. AREC
Location:Northern Area
Categories:Agriculture / Life Science

Job Description

Provide technical support in fruit pathology research field plots and laboratory experiments, applying experimental and maintenance treatments, collecting data, and summarizing results.

Required Qualifications

Relevant work experience in fruit tree orchard management. Ability to lift up to 55 pounds. Willingness to obtain VDACS commercial pesticide applicator’s certification. Familiarity with general laboratory operation. Use of basic computer programs like Word and Excel. Ability to keep comprehensive, up-to-date and accurate work record notebooks. Demonstrated ability to accurately and legibly record and summarize numerical or other data collected in the field, greenhouse or lab. Good oral and written communication and planning skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Associate’s or BS degree in plant pathology/biology/plant health/plant protection or related discipline. Experience with pesticide application to field or orchard crops using airblast or hydraulic sprayers, as well as operation of handgun sprayer and backpack sprayers. Experience in field plant pathology research focused on fruit crops. Experience driving 50+ horsepower tractors, calibrating and applying pesticides with airblast-sprayers. Supervisory experience.

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check. Must also have a driver's license check with an acceptable and safe driving record. Occasional weekend duties as dictated by research. Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 55 pounds; climbing; working in outside elements (Ex: weather); considerable walking, standing, bending, stooping; working or traversing uneven terrain.

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 Srdan Acimovic at [email protected] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.