Working/Functional Title
Associate Director-AgBio Research
Position Summary
Michigan State University (MSU) seeks a mission and vision-driven leader to serve as the Associate Director of AgBioResearch (ABR). Applications, inquiries, and nominations are invited.
MSU is the nation’s premier land-grant university and one of the top research universities in the world. As a member of the Associate of American Universities (AAU) and the Big Ten Academic Alliance, MSU is nationally recognized for its academic excellence, impactful research, and global outreach. It is also known for its Spartan grit and resilience. MSU is stronger because of its community, which includes more than 51,000 students, 5,600 faculty and staff, and a network of over half a million living alums who are extremely loyal supporters and cheerleaders for the university.
AgBioResearch, founded in 1888 as the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, is part of a nationwide network of agricultural experiment stations created after the passage of the Hatch Act to benefit farmers and deliver agrarian advancements. Today, our focus has broadened to include a robust research portfolio covering food, health, and the environment. Over 300 faculty across seven colleges, with a majority investment in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), conduct research as part of the ABR portfolio. The diversity of ABR’s portfolio is driven by Michigan being the most diverse agricultural state with bountiful water and a strong connection with stakeholders. These partnerships and diversity allow us the opportunity to have a balanced research portfolio of fundamental research focused on grand challenges of the future while conducting applied research to address the short-term needs of the State of Michigan through programs like Project GREEEN (Generating Research and Extension to meet Economic and Environmental Needs), Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture (M-AAA), and agriculture climate resiliency program.
The Associate Director is a key team member, contributing to the leadership, development, and implementation of ABR’s university-wide mission and vision. This mission and vision are focused on enhancing the research portfolio of agriculture, food systems, and the environment. The Associate Director will have the unique opportunity to shape the vision and leadership of programs and priorities that significantly impact the research activity of ABR-affiliated faculty. In addition, will be at the forefront of ensuring ABR can effectively address and support the needs of stakeholders within the agriculture and natural resources communities, CANR and other partner colleges, and numerous partners within the University. The Associate Director will also be responsible for providing oversight on research grant administration, managing the research space portfolio, and communicating the value and accomplishments of research at MSU.
Reporting to the Director of ABR, the associate director will collaborate with ABR-affiliated faculty, MSU Extension (MSUE) colleagues, external stakeholders, local government officials, donors, and funding agencies, thereby facing unique challenges and opportunities in this role.
A suitable tenure home will be determined according to the applicant background. An appropriate tenure home will be identified during the negotiation process with the selected candidate
Qualified candidates must: (a) have earned a doctorate in agriculture, natural resources, biological or natural science, engineering, social sciences, or a closely related discipline and meet the requirements for tenure at the rank of full professor at MSU; (b) demonstrate outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary to lead a diverse community; and, (c) demonstrate a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in a range of academic and professional activities.
To submit a nomination or express personal interest in this position, please see Procedure for Candidacy at the end of this document.
Key Responsibilities:
- Promote the full spectrum of fundamental and applied research across MSU disciplines, including promoting future research directions and collaborations.
- Contribute to the strategic vision of ABR.
- Serve on the ABR Leadership Team and participate in weekly meetings, during which programming and budgets are discussed and decisions are made.
- Engage with MSU Extension to promote collaborative efforts and advance research impacts.
- Work collaboratively with the ABR Communications Team to promote accomplishments and impacts of research.
- Work collaboratively with the ABR Research Evaluation and Data Analytics Unit to promote and evaluate the research portfolio.
- Connect with external partners within the Michigan agricultural and natural resources community for updates and input and to promote partnerships.
- Communicate ABR's vision, values, and recent accomplishments in interactions with state and local government officials, external stakeholders, donors, and funding agencies.
- Provide input on research grant administration, including pre-award, post-award, research evaluation, and data analytics.
- Contribute to space-related oversight linked to the ABR research portfolio (e.g., offices, labs, greenhouses, natural areas, and field research sites.)
- Serve as an ABR liaison for position searches (e.g., faculty, staff, or administrative positions).
- Contribute to mentoring ABR Administrative Fellows.
- Address other responsibilities as assigned.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -Agriculture, natural resources, biologic
Minimum Requirements
Qualified candidates must: (a) have earned a doctorate in agriculture, natural resources, biological or natural science, engineering, social sciences, or a closely related discipline and meet the requirements for tenure at the rank of full professor at MSU; (b) demonstrate outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary to lead a diverse community; and, (c) demonstrate a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in a range of academic and professional activities.
Desired Qualifications
- A proven record of excellence in leadership, management, and administration skills; including developing and fostering working relationships with faculty, staff, and stakeholders, team building, and managing staff issues/concerns.
- Experience in leadership and administering large, multidisciplinary, and diverse research teams and programmatic endeavors.
- Experience overseeing budgets, an ability to garner additional funds and resources for programs, and the ability to partner with advancement and development.
- Experience building capacities that support the ever-changing agriculture and natural resources communities, consistent with the land-grant mission.
Required Application Materials
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include 4 letters of reference , a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile, including a statement detailing how your past and future work will contribute to advancing MSU’s commitment to inclusive excellence.
Special Instructions
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include 4 letters of reference, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile, including a statement detailing how your past and future work will contribute to advancing MSU’s commitment to inclusive excellence.
WittKieffer is assisting Michigan State University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by August 30, 2024.
Confidential Nominations, inquiries, and application materials can be directed to:
Jessica Herrington and Natalie Song at:
MSUAgBioAD@wittkieffer.com
In addition, candidates must apply through Michigan State University's online portal at MSU - Careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Review of Applications Begins On
08/30/2024
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Website
HTTPS://WWW.CANR.MSU.EDU/RESEARCH/
Department Statement
Michigan State University is the nation’s pioneer land-grant university and one of the top research universities in the world. Home to nationally ranked academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, MSU enjoys a park-like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. MSU is a diverse community that provides regional, national, and international leadership in research, excellence in teaching (emphasizing international engagement), and a strong Extension program that partners with diverse interest groups to bring science-based responses to social and environmental challenges. The University proactively upholds the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides individual accessibility plans to students and employees with disabilities. MSU is also proactive in exploring employment opportunities for dual-career families inside and outside the University and respects all family forms. Information regarding MSU’s dual career and other Work-life support can be found at https://worklife.msu.edu/.
Michigan possesses abundant natural resources and is surrounded by the beautiful Great Lakes. The MSU campus is in the City of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The area has a diverse population of approximately 450,000. Local communities have excellent school systems and place a high value on education. The region has numerous music and theatre offerings, with an active arts community that includes the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts and the Broad Art Museum. Michigan boasts a growing local food movement, over 200 wineries and 200 microbreweries, diverse outdoor recreation activities, and a range of sporting events year-round.
Founded on February 26, 1888, as the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University AgBioResearch is part of a nationwide network of agricultural experiment stations created after the passage of the Hatch Act to benefit farmers and deliver agrarian advancements. Today, our focus has broadened to include a robust research portfolio covering food, health, and the environment. Over 300 faculty across seven colleges conduct research as part of the ABR portfolio.
ABR conducts leading-edge research that combines scientific expertise with practical applications to advance agriculture, sustain natural resources, generate economic prosperity, and enhance the quality of life in Michigan and worldwide. Researchers across the MSU campus seek to discover economically feasible, scientifically based solutions to global challenges such as climate change, water issues, invasive species, and food safety and security.
Our success is based on partnerships with the Michigan agriculture and natural resources sectors, MSU Extension, commodity organizations, governmental funding agencies, and exceptional legislative support at the state and federal levels. Industry and stakeholder input heavily guides our research in meeting specific needs and addressing emerging threats.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
