Assistant Professor - Turf and Ornamental Entomology

Clemson University: College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences: Plant & Environmental Sciences
Assistant Professor - Turf and Ornamental Entomology

Location: PEE DEE HQ (PITNER BUILDING), 2200 Pocket Road, Florence, SC, 29506

Description

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 Turf and Ornamental Entomology. The appointment will include responsibilities in research (60%) and extension (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 50 faculty of various specializations, including, but not limited to, plant pathology, entomology, horticulture, soil science, weed science, and agronomy. The department houses 124 undergraduates across three programs (Horticulture, Plant and Environmental Sciences, and Turfgrass) and 116 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 research and extension program on Turf and Ornamental Entomology. Basic and applied research should generate outputs (including peer-reviewed publications) and enhance arthropod management on ornamental plants and warm- and cool-season turfgrass in South Carolina and around the country. Extension activities will include, but not be limited to, responding to arthropod questions and problems related to turfgrass and ornamental plant production in South Carolina and developing effective and impactful training programs and education materials on arthropod management 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.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Entomology or a closely related discipline is required. Post-doctoral experience is 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.

Application Instructions

To ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted via Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/132764 by 30 November 2023. The position will remain open until filled.

Please submit (1) a letter of interest; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) contact information for three references; (4) a one-page research philosophy; (5) a one-page statement of extension experience and philosophy; (6) a one-page statement on commitment to diversity; and (7) unofficial transcripts from all degree-granting institutions.

Applicants may request their candidacy remain confidential during the initial review process.

Questions related to this position may be directed to:

Joe Roberts, Ph.D.

jar7@clemson.edu

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.

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