Senior Scientist and Director of the South Carolina Limnology Research Center
South Carolina State University 1890 Research and Extension | Posted May 29, 2025
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The Senior Scientist and Director of South Carolina Limnology Research Center is responsible for leading research initiatives focused on freshwater ecosystems, including lakes, rivers, and wetlands. This role combines scientific expertise in limnology with leadership responsibilities to guide a team of researchers and collaborate with various stakeholders. The director will oversee the development and implementation of research projects aimed at understanding water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and the impacts of human activities on these environments.
The positions encompass strategic leadership in managing comprehensive water-related research initiatives aimed at improving resource management practices while fostering collaboration among various stakeholders involved in addressing global water challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Research Leadership: Direct and manage limnological research projects, ensuring that they align with organizational goals and address critical environmental issues related to freshwater systems.
- Team Management: Lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists, providing mentorship, guidance, and support to foster professional development and collaboration.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and community groups to promote research findings and advocate for sustainable water management practices.
- Data Analysis & Reporting: Oversee the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data related to freshwater ecosystems. Prepare comprehensive reports that communicate findings to both scientific audiences and the public.
- Funding Acquisition: Grant writing and project management success that has led to peer reviewed scientific publications
- Policy Development: Contribute scientific expertise to inform policy decisions regarding water resource management at local, regional, and national levels.
Qualifications: Knowledge of water quality standards and regulations; proficiency in laboratory analysis techniques.Project Management Experience and Supervisory Experience required
Required: Ph.D. in Limnology, Aquatic Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field is required.
- Experience: Significant experience in conducting limnological research with a proven track record of writing and securing externally funded grants that has led to peer reviewed scientific publications.
- Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead teams effectively while managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for presenting research findings clearly to dynamic audiences including fundraising activities and providing compelling propositions to perspective donors.
Work Environment:
The Senior Scientist and Director of Limnology will primarily work in an office setting but will also spend time in laboratories or field sites conducting research. Travel may be required for meetings with stakeholders or fieldwork.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to lead, as well as to function as a strong collaborator on a multidisciplinary team.
- Highly organized.
- Ability to effectively communicate with PSA Administration, and the College of Agriculture
- Ability to work cooperatively with others.
- Strong writing, public speaking, and presentation skills.
- Professional demeanor.
- Knowledge and understanding of the mission and role of the Land Grant University System.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Project management and supervisory experience preferred.
Work Environment:
Ability to work both in the lab and outdoors including occasional work in inclement weather.
Physical Requirements:
When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and physical demands as well to include, but not limited to, independently traveling to and performing work at different locations, lifting and moving items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements.
Travel Requirements:
- A valid driver's license is required.
- Local, statewide, regional, national and international travel required; university transportation available.
- To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities.
- South Carolina State University is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive work environment for all staff and applicants, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability
As a qualifying federal contractor, the South Carolina State University uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.