Description

Graduate Research Assistantship Opportunity in Strawberry Soilless Substrate Systems at Virginia Tech

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center (HRAREC) at Virginia Tech are seeking a highly motivated M.S. student to join a project on developing sustainable greenhouse strawberry production in soilless culture systems. Strawberries are a valuable specialty crop in Virginia, but soilborne pathogens threaten plant health and yields, while conventional management strategies such as crop rotation or soil sterilization are costly, impractical, or hazardous. This project evaluates peat-based and peat-reduced substrates as alternatives, with the student leading greenhouse trials to assess yield, fruit quality, and root development, while also characterizing substrate properties before and after production. The position provides opportunities for hands-on research in controlled environment agriculture, collaboration with faculty specializing in small fruits and substrate science, and professional development through extension programming, conference participation, and publication of research findings.

Location and Timeline:

The student will be based at Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus for coursework during the first year, with subsequent years stationed at HRAREC in Virginia Beach, VA to conduct research. The anticipated start date is January 2026, with the assistantship expected to conclude in December 2028.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should email the following materials to Dr. Eric Stallknecht (ericjs3@vt.edu) before submitting a formal application:

       Curriculum vitae or résumé

       Contact information for three references

       GRE scores

       Unofficial transcripts

       One-page cover letter describing research interests and career goals

Additional Resources:

       Virginia Tech: https://www.vt.edu

       School of Plant and Environmental Sciences: https://spes.vt.edu

       Hampton Roads AREC: https://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/hampton-roads.html

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 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.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

       B.S. degree in horticulture, plant science, agronomy, soil science, or a related field

       Ability to work in outdoor spaces

       Strong academic record (minimum GPA 3.0) and ability to meet Virginia Tech Graduate School admission requirements

       Proficient in Microsoft suite

       For international applicants: TOEFL (90 iBT / 213 CBT / 550 PBT) or IELTS (6.5 overall), and GRE scores (Verbal 150, Quantitative 150, Analytical Writing 4.0)

       Motivation to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team

Preferred Qualifications:

       Research experience

       Work experience in greenhouse production, nursery, or small fruit production

       Experience with statistical analysis (R or similar software)

       Strong writing skills