Collegiate Assistant Professor - Discovery Space

Job Description

The Department of Biochemistry at Virginia Tech invites applications for a Collegiate Assistant Professor position with a focus on leading the development and operation of the University Undergraduate Laboratory Discovery Suite. This is a full-time, nine-month, non-tenure-track position with a renewable three-year contract and potential for promotion. The successful candidate will have primary responsibility for establishing and managing the state-of-the-art Discovery Suite, which will serve as a multidisciplinary space supporting student-driven inquiry across a broad range of STEM-based research fields. The suite will foster collaboration among students and faculty, integrating hands-on learning with cutting-edge technology. In addition, the candidate will collaborate with campus initiatives, train students in innovation and experiential learning, partner with industry to provide real-world experiences, and support and/or teach related courses as needed.

The Discovery Suite is designed to be a flexible, interdisciplinary space where students can engage in activities ranging from molecular biology and biochemistry (e.g., protein structure analysis, enzyme kinetics), physical sciences (e.g., geosciences, biomedical, and physics-based exploration) and environmental science (e.g., soil microbiome testing, microplastics pollution analysis). The space will be a platform for students to develop practical skills, work on independent or course-related projects, and collaborate across disciplines while being mentored in innovation, creativity, and enterprise development. The Discovery Suite will operate with a focus on inclusivity, encouraging students from diverse backgrounds and academic interests to participate in multidisciplinary projects.

Responsibilities Include
● Lead the development and operation of the Discovery Suite, ensuring it provides an open, flexible environment conducive to innovation, hands-on learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
● Design and implement multidisciplinary content that utilizes the space to engage students from a wide array of academic fields, including life sciences, physical sciences, and other STEM disciplines.
● Maintain the suite’s equipment, ensuring all resources are functional, safe, and up to date.
● Collaborate with on-campus initiatives and academic units to integrate the Discovery Suite into university-wide innovation efforts and curriculum.
● Train students in innovation practices and experiential learning, preparing them to apply creative problem-solving and develop practical skills for future careers.
● Assess and report on the student outcomes and success of the space and propel the vision of the space for future use.
● Manage the Discovery Suite team, which may include graduate teaching assistants (GTA) and undergraduate assistants, to support student projects and ensure the smooth operation of the space.
● Support and/or Teach related courses as needed.
● Serve on departmental, college, or university committees as an active member of the academic community.


The anticipated start date will be mutually agreed upon.

Required Qualifications

● Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a closely related discipline.
● Demonstrated experience in leading or managing educational or research spaces, preferably involving interdisciplinary collaboration.
● Strong commitment to innovative teaching and student engagement through hands-on learning.
● Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, students, and industry partners.
● Excellent organizational and communication skills, with a passion for fostering creativity and enterprise development among students.

Preferred Qualifications

● Experience in developing or managing a maker space or similar innovation space, particularly one supporting life sciences, physical sciences, geosciences, or interdisciplinary projects.
● Knowledge of multidisciplinary project design and the ability to create content that integrates life sciences, physical sciences, and other STEM fields.
● Familiarity with innovation and experiential learning and experience collaborating with industry partners to enhance student learning opportunities.
● Experience recruiting, training, and managing a team of assistants in an educational or research setting.
● Knowledge of modern teaching practices, including project-based learning and active learning methodologies.

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

74,000-86,000

Review Date

01/15/2025

Additional Information

Interested candidates should provide:
1) A cover letter.
2) A curriculum vitae.
3) Names and contact information