Research Associate
Job Description
This position supports a new Conservation Innovation Grant funded by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to conserve pollinators in “fescue belt” pastures. Grazing lands in the southeastern U.S. are dominated by non-native species and this grant seeks to create “bee-friendly beef” systems by integrating native wildflower species into pastures. The Research Associate will join an interdisciplinary team and will play a key role in coordinating partnerships between Virginia Tech, the University of Tennessee, and the Virginia Working Landscapes nonprofit. The Research Associate will supervise graduate and undergraduate students, lead extension activities, and ensure project deliverables are completed for NRCS. Research will focus on the agronomy of establishing wildflowers into pastures, and impacts on pollinators and cattle. The desired outcome of the project is to create the scientific foundation for NRCS to create a new conservation cost-share program for farmers. This is a 12-month position renewable annually for 3 years total. Dr. Benjamin Tracy is the supervisor for the position.
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in Ecology or related discipline. Field research experience
Preferred Qualifications
PhD in Entomology, Ecology or related discipline. Field research experience working with pollinators. Proven record of peer-reviewed publication. Experience managing large data sets
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Commensurate with education, qualifications, and experience.
Review Date
September 14, 2020
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.
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