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Postdoctoral Associate

School of Plant & Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA, USA

About the Role

Job Description

The successful candidate will conduct research to develop a new set  of procedures to specify and analyze BSM for use in Department of  Transportation installations. The successful individual will: review existing practices, protocols, and regulations; generate a summary of  needs in characterization and composition of bioretention soil media;  determine appropriate sample preparation techniques (e.g., bulk density)  based on in-field sampling of media from existing bioretention  infrastructure; and provide recommendations on revised bioretention soil  media specifications and testing procedures. The incumbent will lead the design, execution, analysis, and publication of this research. A  strong background in the collection and analysis of soil samples and  measurements of soil properties, including hydraulic conductivity, is  preferred. Additional opportunities will be available to engage with  ongoing projects focused on soil health and sustainable water management  in urban settings.


Required Qualifications

PhD in environmental sciences, soil sciences, civil and environmental  engineering, or a closely related field awarded no more than four years  prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year  eligibility remaining; An academic record of excellence with proficiency  in written expression.


Preferred Qualifications

Field and laboratory experience, especially with the collection and  analysis of soil samples and measurements of soil properties, including hydraulic conductivity.


Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime


Appointment Type

Restricted


Salary Information

53,550-65,029


Hours per week

40


Review Date

05/10/2026


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 community dedicated  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 medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The  university has a significant presence across Virginia, including  Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and  Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and  numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.   These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide  important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for  unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or  applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including  pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic  information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race,  religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise  discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss,  or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees  or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Ryan Stewart at sryan3@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

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