Virginia Tech's Department of Entomology invites applications for a 9-month research (70%) and teaching (30%) tenure-track position at the level of Assistant Professor of Agricultural Entomology and Applied Ecology focusing on high value specialty crops important to Virginia agriculture that may include grapes and other small fruits, while maintaining flexibility to address pest management issues across diverse cropping systems. This position will be based on the main campus of Virginia Tech, a Research I, land-grant university located in Blacksburg, VA.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate for this position will be expected to develop an extramurally-funded and internationally-recognized research program that focuses on the study of traditionally important or emerging insect pest problems of high value specialty and other agricultural systems in VA. Applied ecological research areas could include (but are not limited to): biological control, chemical ecology, applied insect pathology, greenhouse environments, or plant disease vector management, all in the context of the department’s core IPM team, which includes both on campus and AREC faculty. A successful applicant will be expected to contribute to research, scholarship, and teaching in ways that support the department’s mission. This includes a strong commitment to graduate education, where the successful candidate will be expected to recruit and mentor graduate students, and serve on graduate student committees at Virginia Tech. The incumbent will also be expected to develop and teach courses, which will include undergraduate and graduate classes in Insect Pest Management, and an opportunity contribute to instruction with other applied graduate courses: Insect Ecology, Biological Control, Insect Pathology, or other topics that contribute to pest management science. Collaboration with current departmental research strengths and Extension colleagues both on-and off-campus is expected. Collaboration with University Institutes and Centers (e.g., Fralin Life Science Institute, Global Change Center, Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science, Translational Plant Sciences, or the Invasive Species Collaborative) is highly encouraged. Further, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to transdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach initiatives that align with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. In broader terms, this position should contribute to university priorities addressing climate change, food security, biodiversity, invasive pests, and sustainability.

The incumbent will also support the mission of the land-grant university by participating in outreach and engaging local, state, and regional stakeholders. The selected candidate is expected to participate in institutional and professional service activities that align with the candidate’s strengths and expertise. This position requires occasional travel to attend conferences and meetings.

Applications will be accepted only online at the following link: https://careers.pageuppeople.com/968/cw/en-us/job/534535/assistant-professor-agricultural-entomology-and-applied-ecology

Application packets must include:

1. a formal cover letter summarizing their qualifications,
2. a statement describing their research plan (2-pg max),
3. a statement of teaching philosophy (1-pg max),
4. a current curriculum vitae, and
5. the names and contact information of three professional references who can assess the applicant’s qualifications for this position.

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

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Scott Salom at salom@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the review date. Review of applications will begin December 8, 2025 and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

Applicants are required to hold a Ph.D. in entomology or related field of study by appointment start date; Demonstrated expertise in areas that directly contribute to applied pest management research.   Preference will be given to individuals with an established record of research accomplishments and postdoctoral research experience in pest management related projects; demonstrated ability to secure extramural funding; Past record of scholarly activity in applied entomological research; evidence of effective teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate level; evidence of potential for successful mentoring of graduate students; and experience working in transdisciplinary collaborations.

About Virginia Tech Department of Entomology

Founded in 1872 as a land grant college, Virginia Tech (http://www.vt.edu/) is the most comprehensive university in the Commonwealth of Virginia and is among the top research universities in the nation. 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 Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts m...ore than $650 million in research annually. Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development. 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, ethnicity or 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.

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