Edisto Research and Education Center Director Location:
64 Research St, Blackville, SC 29817
Open Date:
Feb 6, 2024
Description: The College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences at Clemson University invites applications for the position of Professor and Director of the Edisto Research and Education Center (REC).
Clemson University is a Land Grant institution designated as an R1 university with strong community engagement. The College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences is deeply rooted in Clemson University's heritage as a land-grant institution, advancing founder Thomas Green Clemson's vision of higher education that benefits South Carolina, its people, land, natural resources and economy. World-class education, research and Extension merge for scientific discoveries of global impact, while partnerships with industry and state and federal agencies foster innovation and provide unique opportunities for faculty and students.
Clemson University's Edisto REC is located in Blackville, South Carolina in an active agricultural crop and livestock production area of the state and has served for many decades to enhance the agricultural industry. With expertise in agronomy, horticulture, integrated pest management, precision agriculture and soils, Edisto REC's mission is to help foster economic development. In collaboration with the Cooperative Extension Service, regional problem-solving and grower educational programs receive major emphasis.
The station is home to the Clemson University Center for Agricultural Technology (CU-CAT) and has 10 resident faculty (tenured or tenure-track), 32 support staff members, and other research and Extension personnel. The Edisto REC includes 2,354 acres of cropland (organic and conventional), pastures, and forested land in the coastal plain of South Carolina. The property includes meeting rooms, classrooms, field and clean laboratories, greenhouses, growth chambers and other specialized facilities for crop and cattle research. Expansion of the research laboratory infrastructure and graduate student housing capabilities are underway.
General Duties and Responsibilities The Director serves as the principal internal and external spokesperson for the Edisto REC and its mission. The Director will hold faculty rank and provide leadership and support to maintain and advance strong integrated research and Extension programs appropriate for the Edisto REC vision and mission.
The Director will provide a vision for innovative educational initiatives; foster a collegial working environment at the REC and collaborative relationships with faculty on the Clemson University main campus and growers in the state; and strengthen working relationships with local communities, external funding agencies, research collaborators at partner institutions and other key constituency groups.
Additional Responsibilities:
• Provide leadership and oversight of Research and Extension activities at the REC
• Mentor researchers and provide vision for research initiatives
• Establish a foundation for active and sustainable fundraising
• Manage the REC's daily operation, budget and resources
• Provide supervision of support staff
• Improve and expand Edisto REC infrastructure through successful fundraising and project guidance
• Foster diversity and inclusion among students, faculty and staff
Qualifications: Clemson University seeks a strategic and visionary scientist to lead the Edisto REC. The successful candidate will have experience in a premier academic setting and can serve as a strong advocate for faculty, staff, and students. The candidate will also have demonstrated accomplishments, impacts, and programmatic vision of relevance to the research and Extension programs at the Edisto REC.
Additional Desired Qualifications Include: • Influential leadership skills including supervisory and budgetary experience
• Ability to build support for initiatives through engagement with stakeholders and industry
• Strong communication skills and capacity to inspire others
• Commitment to the land-grant mission and to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive working environment
• Understanding of fundamental and applied research opportunities across the range of disciplines represented within the Edisto REC
• Demonstrated commitment to research and/or Extension as illustrated by achievements in grants, scholarship and academic reputation in the field
• Mentoring skills that encourage faculty to achieve their highest potential
• Ability to create and maintain appropriate alliances with the diverse stakeholders
Education The successful candidate will have earned a Ph.D. in an agriculture-related discipline and achieved a record of scholarly activity warranting appointment at the rank of tenured Professor in the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences at Clemson University.
Application Instructions: For full consideration, please apply by March 29, 2024. This position will be posted until it is filled.
Applications should include 1) a detailed curriculum vitae, 2) a letter of interest that addresses the requirements described above and the applicant's motivation to apply, 3) a statement of vision (2-page max) for the Director role at the Edisto Research and Education Center including leadership style and values, and diversity, and 4) names, titles, and contact information for at least three references.
All application materials are required to be submitted electronically via .
Inquiries and nominations can be submitted confidentially to Dr. Pat Wechter () or Dr. John Mueller ().
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Clemson University is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, pregnancy, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or genetic information. Clemson University is building a culturally diverse faculty and staff committed to working in a multicultural environment and encourages applications from minorities and women.
