Job Information
Michigan State University(MSU) Associate Director-AgBio Research in East Lansing, Michigan
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 act