Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is seeking a plant pathologist to primarily serve the extension and research needs of Virginia’s wine grape industry, with additional opportunities in other small fruits. Extension responsibilities will include dissemination of information on grape disease identification and management to Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and to producers through local, state and regional industry meetings, as well as development of written and web-based resources. Research may include chemical and cultural management of grape diseases, screening fungal isolates for fungicide resistance, evaluations of cultivar susceptibility to important diseases in the mid-Atlantic region, and other issues identified as important by industry stakeholders. The appointee will work collaboratively and with guidance from campus and AREC faculty and will participate in generation of extramural funding, as well as preparation of peer-reviewed publications. The appointee will serve as a full-time faculty member at the AHS Jr. AREC (Winchester, Virginia, http://arecs.vaes.vt.edu/arec.cfm?webname=winchester), but will have additional administrative linkage with the Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science on the main campus in Blacksburg.

Qualifications:  Master of Science degree in plant pathology, biology or similar life sciences by date of employment with this position. Effective communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to develop and deliver educational programs to producers, the public and industry stakeholders are required.

Application:  Applicants should complete the faculty application online at www.jobs.vt.edu (posting 070009) and submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three references, and copies of undergraduate and graduate degree transcripts as attachments to the online application. Applicant reviews will commence in March 2007 and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

Direct inquiries to:
Dr. Tony K. Wolf, Director, AHS Jr. AREC, Virginia Tech, 595 Laurel Grove Rd., Winchester VA  22602
(540) 869-2560 x18    vitis@vt.edu

Virginia Tech has a strong commitment to the principles of diversity, and in that spirit seeks a broad spectrum of candidates including women, people of color, and people with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities desiring accommodations in the application process should notify us by the review date. Virginia Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.