[Arabidopsis] Assistant Professor, Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions

[Brett Tyler]

Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions
Assistant Professor

Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology & Weed 
Science College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
Blacksburg, Virginia

Position Description:
The Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology & 
Weed Science at Virginia Tech seeks applicants 
for a tenure track position at the Assistant 
Professor level.  We seek an ambitious and 
creative individual who will employ cellular, 
molecular, and/or genomic approaches to 
understand interactions between plants and 
microbes.  We are interested in scientists who 
investigate cellular biology of plant-microbe 
interactions, particularly those involving 
viruses.  However, we will consider any candidate 
with exceptional potential to complement our 
existing strengths in functional and comparative 
genomics of oömycetes, fungi and bacteria, and 
mechanisms of host resistance and innate 
immunity.  The successful candidate will: 1) 
develop an extramurally funded, internationally 
recognized research program, 2) contribute to 
graduate-level courses in plant-microbe 
interactions, and 3) mentor students.  The 
candidate will participate in a strong 
interdepartmental Molecular Plant Science 
graduate program.  Additional information can be 
found at http://www.ppws.vt.edu and 
http://www.molplantsci.org.vt.edu/.   
Applicants are to submit an online application 
for position #081133 at https://jobs.vt.edu/.  A 
complete application must include a cover letter, 
curriculum vitae, a research & teaching statement 
and names and complete contact information of 
three (3) references.  Review of applications 
will begin on December 15 and will continue until 
the position is filled or the search is closed.

Virginia Tech has a strong commitment to the 
principles of diversity, inclusion, and to 
maintaining a work and learning environment that 
is free of all forms of discrimination.  As a 
result, this institution does not tolerate 
discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, 
color, disability, gender, national origin, 
political affiliation, race, religion, sexual 
orientation, or veteran status.  Anyone having 
questions concerning discrimination should 
contact the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Responsibilities:
o  Develop and maintain a productive, 
internationally recognized research program 
through extramural
funding
o  Contribute to graduate courses in molecular 
plant-microbe interactions and plant pathology
o  Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate 
students, as well as post doctoral fellows
o  Participate in department, college, 
university, and professional service and outreach 
activities
o  Adhere to the responsibilities of the faculty 
as described by the Faculty Handbook 
(www.provost.vt.edu/fhb.html)

Qualification/Requirements:
o  An earned doctorate in the Life Sciences and 
postdoctoral with demonstrated experience in 
molecular and/or cellular aspects of 
plant-microbe interactions
o  A record of publication indicative of the 
potential to establish and maintain a productive 
research program
o  Ability to work within a team environment
o  Commitment and sensitivity to issues of diversity in the campus community

Preferred Qualifications:
o  Documented success in attracting extramural research funding 
o  Shared interests with other scientists 
studying aspects of plant biology and infectious 
disease across the University
o  Expertise with cell biological aspects of 
plant-microbe interactions, particularly those 
involving viruses
o   Demonstrated teaching expertise
o  Ability to work with a student body from diverse backgrounds

Virginia Tech is the recipient of the National 
Science Foundation ADVANCE Institutional 
Transformation Award to increase the 
participation of women in academic science and 
engineering careers. 

-- 
*****************
Brett Tyler
Professor
Virginia Bioinformatics Institute
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Washington Street
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0477

Telephone: (540) 231-7318
Fax: (540) 231-2606
Email: bmtyler from vt.edu
Web: https://www.vbi.vt.edu/article/articleview/141

Administrative Assistant:
Teresa Jewell
Telephone:  (540) 231-7941
Email: tsjewell from vbi.vt.edu
*****************