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.

The position is affiliated with the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences (https://www.huck.psu.edu/). The successful applicant will join faculty members with complementary, interdisciplinary research interests, and have access to excellent core facilities (https://www.huck.psu.edu/core-facilities). The successful candidate will collaborate with internationally renowned Penn State programs including the Penn State Microbiome Center (https://www.huck.psu.edu/institutes-and-centers/microbiome-center) and the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics (CIDD) (https://www.huck.psu.edu/institutes-and-centers/center-for-infectious-disease-dynamics). Additionally, the candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with College of Agricultural Sciences’ Institute for Sustainable Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Science (SAFES) and the Institute for Energy and the Environment (https://agsci.psu.edu/safes).

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, either woven through their application materials or as a separate diversity statement, 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. For more information about the position, please contact Cristina Rosa ([email protected]), Chair of the Search Committee or María del Mar Jiménez-Gasco ([email protected]), Interim Head of the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology.

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.  We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission. Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.