Clemson University invites applications for the position of Patricia “Pat” Layton Endowed Directorship of the Wood Utilization + Design Institute (WU+D). The position is a 12-month faculty (or faculty equivalent) appointment with responsibilities in external relations and industry partnerships, facilitation of collaborative grantsmanship and research, public policy and government affairs, building collaborations within and outside of Clemson University, and WU+D administration. Although this position does not have a formal teaching assignment, there will be opportunities for guest lecturing, seminar organization, and speaking engagements to represent Clemson WU+D. The anticipated start date is May 2024.
The successful candidate will lead a group of dedicated and innovative faculty, research scientists, students, and staff committed to professional and inclusive excellence. Clemson University is a highly ranked public, land-grant university designated as an R1 research institution with strong community engagement. The university is situated in the upper Piedmont of South Carolina, adjacent to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 17,500-acre Clemson Experimental Forest is contiguous with the campus and provides abundant opportunities for research, teaching and outreach.
Clemson University’s Wood Utilization + Design Institute is a multidisciplinary engine of innovation. The institute facilitates interactions among foresters, architects, engineers, constructors and building industry stakeholders focused on advancements in wood-based manufacturing to compete with steel, concrete and other materials. A director leads the WU+D, but much of the work is done in collaboration with faculty fellows in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Science, and Forestry.
Approximately 67% (almost 13 million acres) of the land area in South Carolina is comprised of forest, and the state’s forest industry has an economic impact of $23.2 billion annually. WU+D forges new markets and grows South Carolina’s forest products industry by:
- Attracting new business and industry to South Carolina
- Providing education and training, research and development, and direct marketing of wood-based technical solutions
- Developing forest management protocols to grow trees with higher-quality fiber
- Engineering groundbreaking manufacturing and construction processes for wood-based products, resins, adhesives, and fasteners
WU+D also enhances the educational and career opportunities of Clemson students by:
- Preparing the next generation of architects, contractors, engineers, foresters, and material wood scientists
- Creating an experiential learning environment where students test products they have developed through installation in prototype buildings
The WU+D has an excellent track record in grants, contracts, teaching and outreach and has been instrumental in promoting the growth of mass timber in the United States. The new director will be tasked with continuing and expanding the vision of the Institute and its role in promoting forest products worldwide.
Qualifications
Clemson University seeks a highly accomplished and visionary professional to lead the WU+D. The successful candidate will have academic credentials and/or professional experience in wood science, wood products, or wood engineering, that will allow the applicant to be appointed to Professor rank. Knowledge of forest management and sustainability of forests related to wood products is required. The successful faculty candidate will have achieved a record of scholarly activity appropriate for a tenured appointment at the rank of full professor. For candidates whose careers have been non-academic, it is expected that they will have reached the highest levels of activity consistent with their individual path.
Preference will be given to candidates with forest products research and development experience, evidence of collaborative work, leadership capability, lecturing and presentation skills, and a demonstrated ability to secure external funding from diverse sources to support an active, interdisciplinary research program. Experience working for or with the forest products industry is highly desirable.
Application Instructions
To ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted through this link before November 19, 2023. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Applications should include:
- a detailed curriculum vitae
- a letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described above, as well as the applicant’s motivation to apply
- contact information for three-five references (these will not be contacted until later in the search process)
Inquiries and nominations can be submitted confidentially to Todd Petty (jtpetty@clemson.edu)