Assistant/Associate Professor of Mammalian Conservation Ecology

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech seeks a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Mammalian Conservation Ecology in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation. The ideal candidate will build an internationally visible research program focused on wild mammal populations and collaborate across Virginia Tech and partner agencies.

The position envisions ~25% teaching, 65% research, and 10% service, with a strong emphasis on experiential education and mentoring of students at the undergraduate, MS, and

Qualifications

• PhD in wildlife-related field or closely aligned discipline.
• Strong background in mammalogy and mammalian conservation ecology.
• Evidence of potential for excellence in university teaching, field-based instruction, and student mentoring.
• Proven ability to develop externally funded research programs and publish in peer-reviewed venues.

Responsibilities

• Establish a productive, externally funded research program that supports graduate students.
• Publish high-quality peer-reviewed research and secure external funding.
• Teach and mentor undergraduates and graduate students, including field-based experiences.
• Collaborate with agencies and organizations for interdisciplinary conservation work.

Skills

Mammalian conservation ecology

Teaching excellence

Funded research capability

Collaborative skills

Education

PhD in wildlife science or related field

Job description

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.

Teaching and Mentoring Expectations

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.

Research, Scholarship, Extension, and Engagement Expectations

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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral or comparable professional research experience.
• Experience with modern quantitative, geospatial, field, laboratory, technological, and/or experimental techniques relevant to mammalian conservation ecology.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with natural resource agencies, conservation organizations, and/or interdisciplinary research teams.
• Experience mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Hours per week

40

Review Date

10/15/2026

Additional Information

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Applicants Should Submit

• A cover letter (not to exceed one page) describing their interest in the position
• A curriculum vitae
• A combined teaching, mentoring, and research statement (not to exceed three pages) describing their professional program
• Names and contact information for three professional references

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 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 more 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.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kelsey Lester at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.