The Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech invites applications for two faculty positions in computational biology and bioinformatics (CBB) and related areas. The positions are expected to be offered to a tenure-track assistant professor; exceptional candidates with qualifications appropriate to a tenured associate professor position will also be considered.
Strong candidates who work broadly in CBB with focus on infectious diseases and pandemic prediction and prevention are encouraged to apply. Areas of specific interest include development of foundational ML models with applications to epidemiology, zoonosis, and infectious diseases; computational modeling of genomic sequences and of protein evolution; and novel methods of analysis of single-cell data sets, prediction of gene regulatory networks, and cellular differentiation mechanisms. We encourage applications from individuals with a demonstrated record of collaboration with infectious disease scientists and molecular biologists.
These positions are closely associated with the Pandemic Prediction and Prevention Destination Areas initiative supported by the Office of the Provost. This effort seeks to educate and train a new generation of scientists with transformative technical and professional skills to form convergent teams that can protect and empower humans by anticipating future outbreaks and preventing them from becoming pandemics. Successful candidates will be expected to participate in the activities of this initiative, including collaborating on research projects and proposals and co-mentoring students and post-doctoral fellows.
The Department of Computer Science is in a period of rapid growth and expanding opportunity. We seek candidates motivated to contribute to a collegial, interdisciplinary community with a strong tradition of fundamental and applied research and innovative teaching. The department currently has 81 faculty members, including 63 tenured or tenure-track faculty, and 19 NSF CAREER awardees; our academic programs serve over 1,500 undergraduate majors and over 800 graduate students.
Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT—serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world. The College of Engineering undergraduate program ranks 13th and graduate program ranks 30th among all U.S. engineering schools (USN&WR). The Mission of the College of Engineering is to educate and inspire our students to be critical thinkers, innovators and leaders. Our core values are inclusiveness, excellence, integrity, perseverance and stewardship.
This position is located at Virginia Tech's main campus in Blacksburg, VA, in an area consistently ranked among the country's best places to live. Our program in the Washington, D.C., area is also expanding rapidly, with Virginia Tech's exciting new Innovation Campus in Alexandria, VA, slated to open in 2024.
The successful candidate will have a doctoral degree in computer science or a related field at the time of appointment, a rank-appropriate record of academic accomplishments and a proven ability to work collaboratively; a commitment to interdisciplinary research and instruction; and a willingness to expand disciplinary boundaries to address complex technical and societal challenges. Tenure-track faculty are expected to initiate and develop independent research that is internationally recognized for excellence, conscientiously mentor research-oriented graduate students, teach effectively at both graduate and undergraduate levels, and serve the university and their professional communities.
Applicants must apply online at jobs.vt.edu. Application materials include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least three references. In addition, applicants must provide a research statement and a statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy (up to 3 pages each) including the candidate’s ideas for supporting an equitable and inclusive educational environment consistent with the Virginia Tech Principles of Community; specific examples of experiences, activities, and plans will help us identify candidates who can support and extend our university’s commitment to inclusive excellence. The position requires occasional travel to professional meetings. Review of applications will commence on November 20, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Lenny Heath at heath@vt.edu.
The department fully embraces Virginia Tech’s commitment to increase faculty, staff, and student diversity; to ensure a welcoming, affirming, safe, and accessible campus climate; to advance our research, teaching, and service mission through inclusive excellence; and to promote sustainable transformation through institutionalized structures. 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, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran 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 need an accommodation, please contact Joe Morgan at jmorgan99@vt.edu.