Genetics and Genomics Initiative (GGI) Director

Genetics and Genomics Initiative (GGI) Director
NC State University
Raleigh, NC
Summer 2020

The Opportunity
North Carolina State University is seeking applicants for the Directorship of our Genetics and Genomics Initiative (GGI). With strong support at the university and college levels, this new initiative has brought together a collaborative research community with expertise that spans the breadth of genetics and genomics. Our 150+ affiliated GGI faculty are members of seven of the university’s twelve colleges. They conduct experimental and theoretical genetics and genomics research that spans multiple dimensions, from chemical to organismal scales. Their research organisms include a diversity of microbes, plants and animals. Specific projects range from those aimed at expanding basic knowledge to others that address health, agriculture, and environmental issues.

The goal of the GGI is to bring together the diverse strengths of our faculty programs into synergistic combinations that will push the boundaries of our understanding of the evolution and functions of genes and genomes, and enable us to responsibly address recalcitrant problems of societal importance. Initial GGI activities include Research Interest Groups, a GGI Seminar Series, a research symposium, an annual retreat, and most importantly, our innovative Genetics and Genomics Scholars program. This one-year, project-based umbrella graduate program integrates foundational training in genetics and genomics with big data analysis and professional development.

The Role
The GGI Director will be responsible for building on the GGI’s highly successful initial programs and activities in order to develop an umbrella program that is internationally recognized for cutting edge, interdisciplinary research and training. As such, the director will focus on understanding the strengths of specific GGI faculty programs and will provide leadership in fostering synergistic connections among GGI-affiliated programs (and with other programs across the university and beyond). Specific attention will be devoted to mentoring new faculty and ensuring the growth and excellence of the GGI’s graduate program. Given the university-wide reach of the GGI, the director will build connections between college and university level administrators.

Additionally, the director will enable or initiate the development of multi-investigator research and graduate training grant proposals. The director will also be expected to maintain a productive research program.

Inclusivity and diversity are critical to the success of the University. The selected candidate will be expected to foster an environment that is supportive and welcoming of all groups.

Required Skills
This position requires Ph.D. level training in Genetics and/or Genomics. The successful candidate will be an established research scientist in the field of genetics and/or genomics, with an excellent record in publishing and external funding.

Preferred Qualifications
In addition to specific research credentials, the candidate will also possess the following attributes:

• A scholarly appreciation for the connections among all areas of basic and applied genetics and genomics research.
• Leadership of interdisciplinary multi-investigator grants and/or graduate training grants is desirable.
• The director will have a vision for leveraging NC State’s unique strengths in making discoveries at the cutting edge of the field of genetics and genomics.
• At the core of the GGI is graduate and postdoctoral training. Therefore, candidates for the position should have a history of excellent mentoring and the use of innovative teaching methods.
• A commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusivity is essential as is a transparent leadership style that builds intellectual excitement and academic community bonds.
• We are advertising at the Professor level but an exceptional Associate Professor or equivalent may also qualify.

How to Apply
Inquiries and nominations are invited and may be directed to NC State Executive Search Services at executivesearch@ncsu.edu.

Confidential review of applications will begin in August and will continue until the position is filled. Candidates should provide a long-form curriculum vita, cover letter, and the names and contact information of three references. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. These materials may be submitted online at https://jobs.ncsu.edu/ (position #00100073).

NC State provides equal opportunity and affirmative action efforts, and the university prohibits all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation that are based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, gender identity, genetic information sexual orientation or veteran status.