Assistant​/Associate Professor of Mammalian Conservation Ecology

Job Description

The Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Mammalian Conservation Ecology. We seek a collaborative scholar and educator whose work advances understanding and conservation of mammals and strengthens the department’s core missions in biodiversity conservation and experiential education. The successful candidate will develop an internationally visible research program in mammalian conservation ecology.

The candidate should have a strong track record studying the conservation and ecology of wild mammal populations, with research addressing contemporary socio-environmental challenges such as climate change, emerging infectious diseases, invasive species, and habitat loss. The Department and the University are highly collaborative environments, creating the opportunity for diverse collaborations across Virginia Tech and with state and federal natural resource agencies, conservation organizations, and other partners.

The position is envisioned as approximately 25% teaching, 65% research, and 10% service.

The department boasts a high-quality teaching environment that emphasizes modern pedagogical techniques and ample experiential learning opportunities. Teaching will include a 1:1 teaching expectation, including FIW 4334 Mammalogy, a high-enrollment, field-oriented course central to the Wildlife Conservation curriculum. During the first two years, the faculty member is also expected to develop or contribute to a graduate course in their area of expertise and, as the appointment matures, contribute (e.g., team teach) to general education or other high-demand undergraduate courses.

The faculty member will mentor undergraduate researchers and M.S. and Ph.D. students and provide field-based, experiential learning opportunities.

The successful candidate will establish a highly productive, externally funded research program that supports graduate students and produces high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship. Expectations include publishing impactful research in respected peer reviewed journals. The candidate will be expected to apply for McIntire-Stennis (USDA NIFA capacity grant) funding in the first year. The candidate should pursue annual external funding from appropriate federal and state agencies and foundations, including opportunities through NSF, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department of Defense, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources as well as state wildlife agencies in surrounding states or beyond.

Externally-funded research should contribute to science-based wildlife conservation and management and strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations across the department and Virginia Tech.

• -Ph.D. in wildlife science, ecology, biology, zoology, natural resources, forestry, range management, or a closely related field by appointment start date.
• -Demonstrated expertise in mammalogy and mammalian conservation ecology.
• -Evidence of potential for excellence in university teaching, field-based instruction, and student mentoring.
• -Evidence of strong potential to develop a productive, externally funded research program and peer-reviewed scholarship.

• -Postdoctoral or comparable professional research experience.
• -Experience with modern quantitative, geospatial, field, laboratory, technological, and/or experimental techniques relevant to…