Director, Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences.
The Baruch Institute has been at the forefront of coastal and marine research and education in the southeast US and beyond since it was established in 1969 through the joint efforts of the University of South Carolina and the Belle W. Baruch Foundation. The core of the Institute consists of the Baruch Marine Field Laboratory, which is located on Hobcaw Barony in Georgetown, SC within a near-pristine stretch of protected coastline. Here, the Institute conducts and supports a broad range of internal and external research and education programs in fulfillment of its mission to improve the management of marine and coastal resources as well as advance basic science for the well-being of people and their environment. Additionally, the Institute has facilities on the University of South Carolina main campus in Columbia, SC, which incorporate the field lab into the main campus academic environment and enable key collaborative efforts.
The Director will have significant support from the College of Arts and Sciences to develop a unique, mission-oriented vision for the future of the Baruch Institute that will continue and expand upon its legacy as a leader within the coastal science community. This will include recruiting a cohort of new tenure track faculty to catalyze the growth of research programs to leverage the Institute’s unique existing resources. When developing and formulating their new strategic plan, the Director will be able to leverage the existing robust long-term ecological and biogeochemical datasets, proximity to pristine and rapidly developing coastal settings as well as natural and managed ecosystems, and strong partnerships with current laboratory staff and faculty on Columbia campus. Furthermore, burgeoning connections with local members of the community will aid incorporation of the cultural history of the region and Hobcaw Barony into current and novel research and education efforts.
Reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the successful candidate for the Director position will understand the unique requirements and opportunities associated with a marine field station, have significant experience managing and supporting internationally recognized, interdisciplinary research and have a demonstrated ability with fundraising or program development. The Director will supervise faculty and staff positions based at the field lab, oversee the administration and operation of programs and facilities, lead institute-wide research and education initiatives, and establish state, national and international networks that promote fundraising and development of Institute initiatives.
The Baruch Institute currently has about fifteen full-time staff members and professional track faculty. It is the state partner for the NOAA-funded North Inlet-Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NI-WB NERR) and hosts the NERRS Centralized Data Management Office (CDMO). The marine field laboratory includes a ~22,000 square foot laboratory building that has a research laboratory, a teaching laboratory/classroom, and administrative areas as well as a separate ~3,000 square foot seawater laboratory. The Institute has eleven boats (14-23 ft) and vehicles for use in field research and external travel. The Kimbel Living and Learning Center on Hobcaw Barony provides lodging and conference facilities for the Institute. Additional facilities on the main campus include a 1,400 square foot seawater laboratory, administrative space, and meeting spaces.
As the largest college at USC, the College of Arts and Sciences is the intellectual, artistic, scientific, and instructional heart of the university. The college is home to award-winning scientists, scholars, and teachers who span the arts, humanities, natural science, and social science disciplines. The college’s 26 schools, departments, academic programs, and institutes offer 109 degrees to over 8,700 undergraduates and more than 850 graduate students. College faculty are consistently recognized both nationally and internationally for teaching and research excellence.
Required Education and Experience
We seek a visionary leader with a proven record of program development, fund-raising, and management. A Ph.D. in a field related to marine/coastal science is required, plus years of relevant experience consistent with academic policy for faculty rank. The position may be tenurable as a faculty member in a school/department within the College of Arts and Sciences, with appropriate academic credentials that include an internationally recognized, externally funded research program. Alternatively, non-academic candidates may be appointed as professional track faculty. We anticipate this position will be based at the Baruch Institute in Georgetown, SC, with occasional travel to the USC Columbia campus. The expected start date is August 16, 2024 (negotiable).
Applicants must submit 1) a cover letter that summarizes their leadership experience, vision, and commitment to diversity, 2) a curriculum vitae, and 3) the contact information for at least three references via the USCJobs site at: http://uscjobs.sc.edu/hr/postings/154658. If the candidate is applying for a tenure-track position, 4) research and teaching statements must be included. Reference letters will only be requested from top applicants after an initial screening. For additional information, please contact Dr. Carol Boggs (cboggs@seoe.sc.edu). Review of applications will begin November 27, 2023, and continue until the position is filled.
At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.
We strongly encourage applications from candidates whose research, teaching, and/or service align with this commitment.
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
