Assistant Professor of Virus Ecology

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS (REQ_0000051274):The Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology in the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences of The Pennsylvania State University are seeking an Assistant Professor of Virus Ecology. This position has 75% research and 25% teaching responsibility on a tenure-track 36-week appointment. The successful applicant is expected to develop an externally funded, high impact research program exploring virus ecology and evolution. We anticipate applicants that seek to understand and harness viruses (including viromes) for increased sustainability and resilience of agricultural and natural systems. Examples of potential research topics include but are not limited to applied evolution, impact of viral infection in multitrophic interactions and virus vectors biology, spatio-temporal distribution of virus communities, invasion biology, biological control, and the influence of the abundance and diversity of viruses in agricultural and natural ecosystems. Research may be conducted across scales.The successful applicant will have opportunities to collaborate with other faculty in one or more key areas in the department and with Faculty across the College, the Huck Institute and University. Teaching responsibilities will include teaching PPEM 454 Virus Ecology and a general education course in line with the teaching goals of the department and relevant to the expertise of the candidate. Applied research and outreach opportunities exist for contributing to a diverse variety of crop industries in the state, including but not limited to mushrooms, vegetables, horticultural crops, and field crops.Please submit a cover letter, CV, Research Statement, Teaching Philosophy Statement, and the names and contact information for three references to apply. Applicants should provide evidence of a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusive excellence, and belonging, and of engagement which creates an inclusive environment in their research, classroom, department, and the University.Qualifications:Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Ecology, Biology, Microbiology, or a related field is required. Applicants should provide evidence of strong potential for conducting and publishing innovative research in virology, competitiveness for external research funding, excellence in communication with clientele from diverse populations, and keen interest and skills to mentor and advise students. Strong interest to engage in interdisciplinary research collaborations in one or more areas central to the College of Agricultural Sciences strategic plan, including sustainability, advanced agricultural systems, integrated health solutions, entrepreneurship, and environmental resilience, is highly encouraged.Candidates will be evaluated on their potential for publishing high impact work, obtaining extramural funding, excellence in instruction, and collaboration in research and instruction within and outside the Department.The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.Selection Criteria:Candidates will be evaluated on their excellence in instruction, potential for publishing high impact work, obtaining extramural funding, demonstrated commitment to principles of diversity and equity, and collaboration in research and instruction within and outside the Department.Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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