Plant Breeding Faculty Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Department of Agriculture in the College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences at South Carolina State University invites applications for a joint appointment position at the Assistant/Associate Professor level in Natural Resource Management. The position has a 50% teaching appointment within the Department of Agriculture and a 50% extension/research appointment through 1890 Research & Extension.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in advancing the department's mission of providing high-quality education, conducting impactful research, and delivering relevant extension programming to the agricultural community of South Carolina and beyond.

Responsibilities:

Teaching (50%):

• First year responsibilities will include development of a new degree program in Natural Resource Management and associated courses.
• Upon final approval of the new degree program, 50% teaching plus 50% research and Extension will be required
• Teach a variety of undergraduate courses in Natural Resource Management, which may include but are not limited to: soil science, plant science, plant breeding and genetics, horticulture, agronomy, natural resource management and/or environmental resilience to extreme weather events.
• Develop and update course curricula, syllabi, and teaching materials to reflect current industry practices and scientific advancements.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate students, including academic advising, career counseling, and fostering student success in agricultural disciplines.
• Participate in departmental and university committees related to curriculum development, student affairs, and academic policy.
• Potentially develop and teach graduate-level courses if a graduate program is established.
• Serve as graduate advisor in graduate program if established.

Extension & Research (50%):

• Extension: Develop, implement, and evaluate innovative Extension programs in Natural Resource Management (NRM) tailored to the needs of limited-resource farmers, small producers, youth, and other stakeholders in South Carolina. Focus areas may include soil health, sustainable/regenerative/precision crop production, control environment agriculture, alternative marketing strategies, and value-added agriculture.
• Conduct field demonstrations, workshops, trainings, and educational events across the state.
• Develop strong relationships with stakeholders, commodity groups, government agencies, and other universities to address critical issues in natural resource management.
• Prepare and disseminate educational materials, including fact sheets, newsletters, online resources, and presentations.
• Research: Establish and maintain an active, extramurally funded research program focused on addressing challenges and opportunities in natural resource management, sustainable/regenerative/precision agriculture relevant to the needs of the state and region. Research areas may include but are not limited to: soil health, sustainable/regenerative/precision crop production, control environment agriculture, alternative marketing strategies, and value-added agriculture.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at professional conferences.
• Mentor undergraduate and potentially graduate students in research activities.
• Seek and secure external grant funding from federal, state, and private agencies to support research and outreach efforts.

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Natural Resource Management (NRM) or a closely related field (i.e. soil science, plant science, plant pathology, horticulture, agronomy) from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated expertise and experience in at least two of the following areas: soil, land, water conservation, vegetable/fruit production, control environment agriculture.
• Evidence of effective teaching experience at the university level (as an instructor, teaching assistant, or guest lecturer).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse audiences (students, farmers, researchers, extension personnel).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Commitment to the mission and values of an 1890 Land-Grant Institution, including serving underrepresented populations and promoting agricultural sustainability.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel frequently within the state for extension activities.

Preferred:

• Postdoctoral research experience.
• Experience in securing external grant funding for research or extension programs.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering extension programming.
• Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in South Carolina and the southeastern United States.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and agricultural communities.

                                         SC STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER