Assistant Professor – Weed Ecologist with Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina, US 29631

Location: Clemson University

The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences in the College of Agriculture Forestry and Life Sciences at Clemson University is seeking applications for the position of Assistant Professor – Weed Scientist/Biologist. The position will be a 12-month, tenure-track position with a 70% research and 30% teaching appointment. The projected start date is before or on January 1, 2023. The position is located on campus at Clemson, SC. Clemson University is recognized as a Top 25 public university by U.S. News and World Report.

Clemson University’s Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences offers numerous educational, research and outreach programs in agronomy, entomology, environmental sciences, horticulture, turfgrass, plant pathology, soil and water sciences, and weed science. Rigorous curricula coupled with partnerships with many of South Carolina’s largest industries offer unique experiential learning opportunities for students while helping the South Carolina economy. Undergraduate programs include BS programs in Horticulture, Plant and Environmental Sciences, and Turfgrass. Graduate programs include Entomology (MS, PhD) plus Plant and Environmental Sciences (MS, PhD). Faculty are also located at Research and Educational Centers in Blackville, Charleston, Florence, and Columbia, SC. For more information about the department, refer to: https://www.clemson.edu/cafls/plant-environmental-sciences/index.html.

The successful candidate is expected to:

* Develop a nationally recognized, collaborative and externally funded, impactful and innovative research program in weed science including biology, ecology, and sustainable management systems. Of specific interest, the research program would focus on using a systems approach to devise sustainable weed management strategies that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impacts.
* Responsibilities include: (1) devising and testing integrated, organic weed management strategies; (2) developing alternative, ecological management strategies for herbicide resistant weeds; (3) weed seed and plant biology and ecology involving, weed-crop dynamics within a changing climate; and (4) cultural, mechanical, chemical, and biological control strategies; and (5) incorporating state-of-the-art detection and application technologies in ecological weed management.
* Research will incorporate novel cultural, biological, mechanical, and alternative chemical control practices that draw on advances in engineering, digital agriculture, and genomics by enhancing the understanding of weed management on plant communities, and how climate change is impacting weed management practices and the evolution of weed species. Basic and applied research would be expected to understand and solve weed management issues in organic and conventional cropping systems.
* The primary research focus will be on agronomic and fruit horticultural cropping systems, plus possible invasive plant species. This faculty member will be expected to work closely and cooperatively with other weed scientists in the Department, as well as other scientists in related fields including regional and multi-state collaboration.
* Research will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at professional society meetings, disseminated research results at field day events statewide, as well as technical articles, popular press, and other modern communication platforms.
* Recruiting and advising graduate students and supervising technical staff are expected.
* Teach an undergraduate/graduate weed science course per academic year, plus a graduate level course in plant growth and development along with team teaching an organic management systems course every other academic year. The successful candidate will mentor undergraduate students and supervise graduate programs in weed and crop science.

Qualifications:

* Earned Ph.D. from an accredited institution in weed science or closely related field at the time employment begins with a research emphasis and training in weed management.

* Demonstrated background and expertise in weed science with emphasis on managing herbicide resistance, ecology, and biology is preferred.

* Documented evidence of individual and/or collaborative research in weed science resulting in peer-reviewed publication plus regional and national professional society activity.

* Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with colleagues across disciplines and develop a collaborative research and teaching program is preferred. This includes demonstrated experience in design, execution, and statistical analyses of various research projects.

* Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills in English to effectively interact with diverse audiences are essential.

* Experience in proposal preparation and project management is preferred.

* Demonstrated evidence for excellence in teaching and student mentoring.

Application Instructions Please submit the following items electronically (PDF format) via Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/107135).

* Letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position

* A one-page statement of your research interest, experience, and future plans

* A statement describing past experience and/or future plans to promote diversity and inclusion

* Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts (official transcripts will be needed before an offer is made)

* Full curriculum vitae

* Name, address, email, and phone number of three professional references.

To receive full consideration, applications must be received by June 30, 2022. The position will remain open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Any questions should be addressed to Dr. Bert McCarty, Search Committee Chair ([email protected])

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