Director-Management

MSU Careers Details • East Lansing, MI

1d

About The Position

Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking a Director of AgBioResearch to oversee a significant component of its land-grant mission. This role involves leading a complex statewide organization with a substantial operating budget, numerous scientists across multiple colleges, and extensive research facilities. The Director will be responsible for research administration, evaluation, infrastructure, and long-term planning, aiming to advance solutions in agriculture, food systems, natural resources, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Key opportunities include modernizing infrastructure, leveraging investments in greenhouse and dairy research, and securing new funding sources. The Director will act as a visible advocate for agricultural and natural resources research, cultivating relationships with policymakers, industry leaders, funding agencies, and donors, while strengthening internal collaborations across MSU. This position offers the chance to foster a people-centered culture, break down silos, enhance MSU's global reputation, and position AgBioResearch at the forefront of innovation in areas such as climate resilience and advanced food systems, ensuring the fulfillment of the university's land-grant mission.

Requirements

• Earned doctorate in agriculture, natural resources, environmental sciences, life sciences, or a closely related field.
• Distinguished record of scholarship and achievement sufficient to merit appointment as a tenured professor in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University.
• Demonstrated record of senior leadership in higher education, agricultural research, natural resources, environmental sciences, or a related field.
• Experience leading large, complex organizations, multidisciplinary teams, and research portfolios.
• Experience overseeing significant financial, human, and physical resources, including budgets, research infrastructure, and sponsored research activities.
• Demonstrated success building partnerships with government agencies, industry, commodity organizations, foundations, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and strategic leadership skills.
• Must have an earned doctorate and a distinguished record of scholarly achievement sufficient to merit appointment as a tenured professor within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University.
• Criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews are conducted.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated success securing public and private investments in research and innovation.
• Experience advancing interdisciplinary research initiatives and collaborations across organizational boundaries.
• Deep appreciation for the land-grant mission and the role of research in addressing societal challenges and improving lives.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic priorities related to agriculture, food systems, natural resources, environmental sustainability, animal and plant health, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated commitment to mentoring, leadership development, and fostering an environment that supports innovation and collaboration.
• Experience serving as a visible advocate for research organizations at the state, national, or international level.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for AgBioResearch and advance its mission in support of Michigan State University's research, outreach, and land-grant commitments.
• Lead research administration, evaluation, planning, infrastructure development, and resource management across a complex statewide research enterprise.
• Develop and implement strategies to secure and diversify federal, state, industry, philanthropic, and other funding sources.
• Advocate for AgBioResearch with policymakers, industry leaders, commodity groups, funding agencies, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Foster collaboration among colleges, departments, research centers, MSU Extension, and external partners to enhance interdisciplinary research and innovation.
• Guide strategic investments in research facilities, laboratories, greenhouses, farms, forestry facilities, and other research infrastructure to ensure long-term competitiveness.
• Support faculty success, research excellence, and the development of future research leaders.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, transparency, accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Represent AgBioResearch and Michigan State University at the state, national, and international levels.

Benefits

• Consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree