Associate Director-AgBio Research

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.