The Department of Biochemistry at Virginia Tech invites applications for a Collegiate Assistant Professor position with a focus on leading the development and operation of the University Undergraduate Laboratory Discovery Suite. This is a full-time, nine-month, non-tenure-track position with a renewable three-year contract and potential for promotion. The successful candidate will have primary responsibility for establishing and managing the state-of-the-art Discovery Suite, which will serve as a multidisciplinary space supporting student-driven inquiry across a broad range of STEM-based research fields. The suite will foster collaboration among students and faculty, integrating hands-on learning with cutting-edge technology. In addition, the candidate will collaborate with campus initiatives, train students in innovation and experiential learning, partner with industry to provide real-world experiences, and support and/or teach related courses as needed.

The Discovery Suite is designed to be a flexible, interdisciplinary space where students can engage in activities ranging from molecular biology and biochemistry (e.g., protein structure analysis, enzyme kinetics), physical sciences (e.g., geosciences, biomedical, and physics-based exploration) and environmental science (e.g., soil microbiome testing, microplastics pollution analysis). The space will be a platform for students to develop practical skills, work on independent or course-related projects, and collaborate across disciplines while being mentored in innovation, creativity, and enterprise development. The Discovery Suite will operate with a focus on inclusivity, encouraging students from diverse backgrounds and academic interests to participate in multidisciplinary projects.

Responsibilities Include
● Lead the development and operation of the Discovery Suite, ensuring it provides an open, flexible environment conducive to innovation, hands-on learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
● Design and implement multidisciplinary content that utilizes the space to engage students from a wide array of academic fields, including life sciences, physical sciences, and other STEM disciplines.
● Maintain the suite’s equipment, ensuring all resources are functional, safe, and up to date.
● Collaborate with on-campus initiatives and academic units to integrate the Discovery Suite into university-wide innovation efforts and curriculum.
● Train students in innovation practices and experiential learning, preparing them to apply creative problem-solving and develop practical skills for future careers.
● Assess and report on the student outcomes and success of the space and propel the vision of the space for future use.
● Manage the Discovery Suite team, which may include graduate teaching assistants (GTA) and undergraduate assistants, to support student projects and ensure the smooth operation of the space.
● Support and/or Teach related courses as needed.
● Serve on departmental, college, or university committees as an active member of the academic community.


The anticipated start date will be mutually agreed upon.