Assistant Professor – Turfgrass Agronomy

Description of Duties

The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PES) at Clemson University is seeking to fill a 12-month, tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level in Turfgrass Agronomy. The appointment will include responsibilities in Extension (60%) and research (40%). The position will be located at the Pee Dee Research and Education Center (PDREC) in Florence, SC. The successful candidate will be an integral part of PES’s research, teaching, and Extension programs. Clemson University is recognized as a top public university by U.S. News and World Report. PES is a dynamic department within the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences, with a strong commitment and contribution to the Land-Grant mission of Clemson University. PES encompasses 59 faculty of various specializations, including, but not limited to, plant pathology, entomology, horticulture, soil science, weed science, and agronomy. The department houses 135 undergraduates across three programs (Horticulture, Plant and Environmental Sciences, and Turfgrass) and 112 graduate students in two M.S. and Ph.D. granting programs (Entomology and Plant and Environmental Sciences). The faculty and graduate student populations are diverse and cosmopolitan, involved in projects across the region and the globe. PDREC is one of Clemson University’s six research and education centers (RECs) located throughout South Carolina. Situated in South Carolina’s major agricultural and turf area, PDREC encompasses the Pitner Center, greenhouses, support buildings, and 2,300 acres of agricultural lands, managed forests, and natural habitats. The Pitner Center houses state-of-the-art laboratories, offices, and classrooms. The turf research area constitutes about 12 acres of warm- and cool-season turf. Currently, the turfgrass facility includes nearly 90,000 square feet of putting green turf, 25,000 square feet of golf course fairway or sports field turf, several acres of home lawn or landscape turf, and additional space for constructing new research areas. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized, externally funded Extension and research program engaged in Turfgrass Agronomy. The primary focus for this position will be the development of management programs that promote overall turfgrass health and utility. Basic and applied research should generate outputs (including peer-reviewed publications) and enhance nutrient, plant growth regulator, and/or herbicide management recommendations in warm- and cool-season turfgrass in South Carolina and around the country. Extension activities will include, but not be limited to, responding to agronomic questions and problems related to turfgrass management and production in South Carolina and developing effective and impactful training programs and education materials for a broad range of stakeholders. The successful candidate will mentor graduate students and participate in departmental, college, and university committees. The successful candidate must have a strong interest and commitment to educate and work with students and stakeholders of all racial and cultural backgrounds.
A Ph.D. in Agronomy or a closely related discipline is required. Turfgrass and post-doctoral experience are desired but not required. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated research productivity, graduate student mentoring experience, a record of effective Extension and outreach, excellent communication skills, and success in obtaining external funding to support research and Extension programs. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Type of position

Faculty

Salary

Benefits

Location

Pee Dee Research and Education Center, Florence, SC 29506,

Closing Date

12/01/2024

Date Position Available

Clemson University