Michigan State U: Associate Director-AgBio Research

Position Title: 

Position Summary

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.

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.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

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 DEGREE:

Doctorate -Agriculture, natural resources, biologic

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.