Assistant Professor-Weed Ecologist

Location:
E143 Poole Ag Center, Clemson, SC
Open Date:
Jul 21, 2023
Description:

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 Ecologist. The position will be a 9-month, tenure-track position with 70% research and 30% teaching appointment. The projected start date is Spring 2024. The position is located on campus at Clemson, SC. U.S. News and World Report recognizes Clemson University as a Top 25 public university.

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Develop a nationally recognized, collaborative, externally funded, impactful, and innovative research program in weed science, including ecology, biology, and sustainable management systems. Of specific interest are the research programs that would use a systems approach to devise sustainable weed management strategies that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impacts.

• Responsibilities include:

(1) devising and testing integrated weed management strategies in organic production systems; (2) developing alternative, ecological management strategies to manage herbicide-resistant weeds; (3) exploring weed seed bank dynamics and biology and ecology of problematic weeds that are of relevance to SC agriculture (4) investigating how climate change is impacting weed management practices and the evolution of weed species(5) incorporating state-of-the-art detection and application technologies in ecological weed management.

• 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 or horticultural crops with an emphasis on organic and sustainable cropping systems. This faculty member will be expected to work closely and cooperatively with other researchers in the Department and other scientists in related fields, including regional and multi-state collaboration.

• Research will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at professional society meetings, and 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, and team teaching a course on organic management systems every other academic year. The successful candidate will mentor undergraduate students and supervise graduate programs in weed and crop science. The candidate is expected to lead/co-lead the development of a Certificate in Organic Agriculture.

Qualifications:

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 biology/ecology and management.

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

• Documented evidence of individual and 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 the 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:

Application Instructions Please submit the following items electronically (PDF format) via Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/128506).

• Letter describing the applicant’s interest in and qualifications for the position

• Statement of applicant’s research interest, experience, and future plans (no more than two pages)

• Teaching and mentoring philosophy (no more than two pages)

• A statement describing 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 four professional references.

Any questions should be addressed to Dr. Nishanth Tharayil, Search Committee Chair (ntharay@clemson.edu ).

To receive full consideration, applications must be received by September 1, 2023. The position will remain open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

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.