AssistantAssociate Professor of Sustainable Systems & Energy

Job Description

The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in Sustainable Systems. We seek a systems-oriented scholar working at the intersection of industrial ecology sustainable biomaterials energy systems circular economy and industrial decarbonization. Rank will be determined based on the selected candidates commensurate experience and impact.

The successful candidate will strengthen the growing Sustainable Systems Science major by integrating material and energy flows across supply chains infrastructure manufacturing packaging and bio-based systems. Relevant approaches may include life-cycle assessment carbon accounting sustainability analytics renewable and bioenergy systems and modeling of energy-material interactions.

Teaching and Mentoring Expectations

The position is a 50% teaching 40% research and 10% service with a standard 2:2 teaching load expected by the end of the second year. Core instructional responsibilities include SBIO 2514 Applied Industrial Ecology SBIO 3545 Society Sustainability Biomaterials and Energy SBIO 4724 Sustainable Systems Science Capstone and development of a new SBIO 2XXX Materials-Energy Systems and Analytics course. During the transition period the faculty member may provide temporary coverage for SBIO 4164/5164G Sustainability Performance and Assessment. The faculty member will play a central role in the Sustainable Systems Science Bridge Experience program supervise capstone and undergraduate research and contribute to curriculum development in energy systems decarbonization and sustainability analytics. Study abroad courses with students are also possible.

Research Scholarship Extension and Engagement Expectations

The successful candidate will establish a nationally recognized externally funded research program addressing sustainability and energy-transition challenges. Expected areas include industrial ecology energy-material systems industrial decarbonization circular systems renewable or bioenergy systems carbon accounting and life-cycle assessment. The candidate is expected to pursue funding from agencies such as NSF DOE EPA USDA as well as industry and foundations and to support graduate training and interdisciplinary initiatives; this includes submitted external proposals annually by year two and active participation in the USDAs McIntire-Stennis program. Research should be integrated with teaching and experiential learning.

Service Expectations

The successful candidate will be expected to collaborate effectively with colleagues within the department across Virginia Tech and with government agencies industry partners non-governmental organizations (ISO ISTA ASTM) and other academic institutions. The candidate will also contribute to departmental college and university service activities and engage with external stakeholders on sustainability-related industrial systems and energy challenges.

Required Qualifications

Appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor:

Ph.D. in industrial ecology sustainability science energy systems environmental engineering/science sustainable biomaterials systems engineering or a closely related field by appointment start date.
Expertise in one or more of the following: life-cycle assessment energy-material flow modeling carbon accounting industrial decarbonization circular economy renewable/bioenergy systems or sustainability analytics.
Evidence of excellence or strong potential in university teaching and student mentoring.
Evidence of strong potential for externally funded research and high-quality peer-reviewed scholarship.

Appointment at the rank of Associate Professor:

Evidence of a sustained externally funded research program and scholarly record commensurate with rank.
Evidence of an established and productive scholarly research program with a strong publication record.
Demonstrated leadership and recognized contributions through professional service outreach engagement or other academic service activities.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience integrating research with capstone experiential or project-based learning.
Ability to collaborate across natural resources engineering infrastructure manufacturing packaging and industry.
Experience with LCA software energy auditing sustainability performance analytics or related computational tools.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$85-$95000 for Assistant; $100-$124000 for Associate

Hours per week

40

Review Date

October 15 2026

Additional Information

Applicants should submit the following additional documents:

1. A cover letter describing their interest in the position (up to one page)
2. A curriculum vitae
3. Names and contact information for three professional references.

4. Teaching and Mentoring Approach Statement (up to two pages)

Details to include:

• Your approach to effective teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Courses that you would offer to enhance the Sustainable Systems Science curriculum.
• How your expertise interests and goals would contribute to the Sustainable Systems Science program and its faculty community.

5. Research Scholarship or Professional Program Statement (up to three pages)

Details to include:

• Your research vision areas of expertise and planned research agenda including alignment with the Sustainable Systems Science program.
• Strategies for establishing and sustaining a productive and impactful research program.
• The facilities laboratory space equipment and other resources needed to support your research program.

Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Jennifer Russell Chair Search Committee: Department of Sustainable Biomaterials College of Natural Resources and Environment. Phone: or email:

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt 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 aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors 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 numerousExtension officesandresearch 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.