Social Scientist

Job Description

Social scientist, Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech.

We are seeking a skilled social scientist, familiar with qualitative methods, to help manage Virginia Tech’s involvement in a national research study, “Fast and (or?) Fair: Are Rapid and Equitable Processes for Large-Scale Solar Development Mutually Exclusive?” The study documents and investigate siting and permitting processes for large-scale solar (LSS) energy facilities in the U.S. The scientist will report directly to the Principal Investigator and collaborate with many team members. The PI is a social scientist in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation who conducts interdiciplinary study of sustainably sited large-scale solar PV facilities. This project is part of a larger, five-institution team led by Michigan State University, funded by the Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO)’s Solar Energy Evolution and Diffusion Studies (SEEDS 4). This project includes collaborators from six institutions across the US.

Required Qualifications

• Masters degree in social sciences related to fish and wildlife conservation, natural resources, geography, sociology, rural studies, policy science, or a closely related field
• Knowledge of social science concepts sufficient to oversee planning and day-to-day administration of quantitative and qualitative research activities across Virginia
• Skills in leading collaborative teams
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in social sciences related to fish and wildlife conservation, natural resources, geography, sociology, rural studies, policy science, or a closely related field
• Previous research experience focused on renewable energy in the US.
• Skilled in basic webpage development
  
  

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Hours per week

up to 40

Review Date

11/17/25

Additional Information

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

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut 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 an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The 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 numerous Extension offices and research 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.

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, ethnicity or 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.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Jennifer Phillips at jewolfor@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.