M.S. Graduate Research Assistant (Commercial Greenhouse Production)

Hiring Organization: Virginia Tech
Employment type: Full-Time
Job Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Application Due Date: February 28, 2024

Graduate Research Assistantship Opportunity at Virginia Tech

The lab of Dr. Eric Stallknecht is seeking a highly motivated M.S. track Graduate Research Assistant working in commercial greenhouse production. The prospective student will join the very active field of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) with the potential to work with edible and/or ornamental greenhouse crops depending on the student’s research interests. Possible research areas can include but are not limited to hydroponic production of leafy greens, interactions between greenhouse light environment and plant development, new greenhouse crop selections, and/or floriculture production.

Perspective students should email a curriculum vitae/resume, unofficial transcript(s), and a 1-page cover letter describing their research interests to ericjs3@vt.edu before officially applying. The anticipated start date is May or August 2024. Students interested in a later start date are welcome to inquire about future funding opportunities. The position is partially stationed at the main campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA and at the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Virginia Beach, VA. The selected student will receive a stipend, tuition, and health insurance.

Minimum Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant biology, agronomy, or a related field by the anticipated start date
• An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher

Suggested Requirements:

• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores in the 60th percentile
• Greenhouse production experience
• Strong writing skills
• Strong time management skills to successfully conduct course work and research