Job Description
The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences seeks to hire a full-time Research Associate with expertise in Agro-environmental Sensors and Electronics. This position serves as the primary research support specialist for instrumentation and data management in agricultural and environmental systems. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, designing, deploying and maintaining instruments and networks devoted to environmental sensing (e.g., soil moisture, stream flow/chemistry, greenhouse gas emissions, sap flux, GPS-and/or RFID-based tracking); implementing cutting-edge environmental sensors and methods; assisting with data processing and analysis; implementing database management practices; recognizing and prioritizing research needs; working cooperatively with other team members; and directing and instructing others on proper means and methods for accurately and safely meeting research tasks and objectives.
Required Qualifications
M.S. degree in science or engineering related field. Experience with environmental sensors and equipment. Proven excellence in outreach and communication (oral and written) skills. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with others. Ability to work independently Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage detailed and complex tasks with good results. Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and perform strenuous work under adverse environmental conditions. Virginia Driver's License required with clear driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
Micro-controller and/or mini-computer experience (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry PI.) Computer programming experience. Data management tools such as R, Python, MySQL, and/or Matlab. Electronics circuits and printed circuit board (PCB) design and development.
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
Commensurate with experience, starting at $55,000
Review Date
01/02/2025
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto,Ut Prosim(That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive communitydedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicinecollege, Graduate School , andHonors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including theInnovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerousExtension offices andresearch centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.
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