One of the country’s most selective public research universities, Clemson University serves a uniquely driven and highly accomplished student body.

Ranked consistently as one of the best national public university by U.S.News & World Report, Clemson is a science- and engineering-oriented college dedicated to teaching, research and service. Founded in 1889, we remain committed both to world-class research and a high quality of life. In fact, 91 percent of our seniors say they’d pick Clemson again if they had it to do over.

Clemson’s retention and graduation rates rank among the highest in the country for public universities. We’ve been named among the best values by Kiplinger magazine in 2013, and SmartMoney in 2012 ranked us No. 7 in student return on investment.

Our beautiful college campus sits on 1,400 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along the shores of Hartwell Lake. But we also have research facilities and economic development hubs throughout the state of South Carolina — in Greenville, Greenwood, Columbia and Charleston.

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