Job Description

Job Description

The School of Animal Sciences at Virginia Tech invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position focused on applied cattle reproductive biology. The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized program that integrates research (60%) and Extension (40%).

The ideal candidate will present a clear and compelling vision for establishing an integrated research and extension program in applied cattle reproductive biology that will achieve national recognition. An interest in applied beef cattle reproduction is required but candidates may also have parallel interests in dairy cattle reproduction. Potential focus areas include but are not limited to reproductive health, ovarian function, estrus synchronization, and other reproductive technologies, pregnancy, male fertility, and nutritional control of reproductive competence, among other relevant subject areas. The candidate is also expected to produce high-quality scholarly work that builds a strong national reputation in their field.

The School of Animal Sciences at Virginia Tech is a dynamic, highly competitive program with a strong track record of securing federal research funding from USDA, NIH, and NSF in diverse areas of animal and biomedical sciences. The successful candidate will join a collaborative, intellectually diverse team of scientists specializing in reproductive and developmental biology, as well as related disciplines. The School includes approximately 30 tenure-track faculty with expertise in bioengineering, data science, endocrinology, genetics/genomics, growth and muscle biology, one health, neurobiology, nutrition, and precision agriculture. In addition, faculty members actively collaborate with colleagues from the Large Animal Clinical Sciences department in the Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. The candidate will have access to state-of-the-art research laboratories and extensive animal resources, including on-campus herds and multiple state-owned research herds totaling roughly 3,000 cows and heifers. They will also have access and are encouraged to perform work in collaboration with the Agricultural Research and Extension Centers in Virginia such as the Shenandoah Valley AREC, the Southern Piedmont AREC, Middleburg AREC and Southwest Virginia AREC.

The successful candidate will also collaborate closely with an active, dynamic extension team to develop programs that serve stakeholders in the beef industry, the broader agricultural sector, and communities across Virginia and the nation. They will contribute to existing extension initiatives that support producers, extension agents, and other key partners.

The candidate is expected to contribute to the teaching mission through engagement in undergraduate and/or graduate-level courses in their area of expertise. Interaction with undergraduate and graduate students is required. Advancement of equity and inclusion in all facets of the position is expected.
Deadline for applications is January 26, 2026, or until the position is filled. Expected start date is August 10, 2026. Candidates must submit online (https://www.jobs.vt.edu) a cover letter summarizing their qualifications and interest in the position, curriculum vitae, a copy of graduate transcripts, a statement of research interests (2-page maximum), a statement of teaching and extension philosophy (2-page maximum), and the contact information for at least three professional references. Questions can be addressed to:

Dr. Fernando Biase
School of Animal Sciences
3200 Litton-Reaves (0306)
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0306
[email protected]
540-231-9520

Required Qualifications

Candidates must have: 1) a Ph.D. in animal sciences or a closely-related field by appointed start date; 2) potential to develop and lead a research program and attract extramural funding; 3) a willingness to translate knowledge to stakeholders; 4) a strong interest in education; and 5) outstanding interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, particularly in communicating science to lay audiences. Preference will be given to candidates with 1) peer-reviewed publications in the field of reproductive biology; 2) successful funding acquisition; 3) experience in extension programming. Applicants holding both a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree are strongly encouraged to apply, with the possibility of a joint appointment with the Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Successful candidates will require a successful background check.