Director - Plants for Human Health Institute
NC State University, Kannapolis, NC, United States
Director - Plants for Human Health Institute
The Plants for Human Health Institute’s mission is to provide a global center for discovery and health benefits. The continuum of plant genetics to crop breeding strategies, to foods and food processing, and ultimately to diet and health is a complex path. PHHI leverages world‑leading expertise in nutrition, food, and plant sciences to discover and deliver innovative plant‑based strategies for advancing human health. PHHI is unique in that it supports an in‑house outreach component, a group of NC State Extension personnel that works with institute faculty and Cooperative Extension agents and specialists statewide to deliver educational resources to enrich the lives and economy of North Carolinians.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at NC State supports the Plants for Human Health Institute with faculty from the departments of horticultural science; food, bioprocessing and nutrition sciences; plant and microbial biology; animal science; and molecular and structural biochemistry. This transdisciplinary interaction strengthens the efforts of individual faculty.
PHHI is part of the NC Research Campus in Kannapolis, NC, (112 miles west of NC State’s main campus in Raleigh) that comprises eight dedicated research centers from seven UNC System schools and Duke University. Each university research center brings unique expertise within the transdisciplinary research community, with the overarching focus on health, nutrition, and biosciences innovation.
Administrative Leadership Responsibilities (60%)
Provide strategic leadership and vision to promote and advance PHHI’s cutting‑edge research, training, and extension programs.
Foster the PHHI’s national and international profile and national/international visibility by continuing to build and support a dynamic community of world‑class researchers, including faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and students.
Lead efforts to seek funding opportunities in support of significant program‑project initiatives and other major research efforts that will involve collaboration with Kannapolis‑based researchers (internal and external to the PHHI).
Ensure financial health and sustainability of the PHHI by providing executive management/oversight of the yearly PHHI state and federal budget allocations and philanthropic gifts. Build Institute support through mechanisms such as scholarships for graduate students, internship programs and local university‑managed housing.
Continue to establish and maintain broad partnerships and collaborations with academic institutions, industry, federal and state agencies, foundations, and commodity/industry groups. Serve as a key liaison to ensure effective communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Communicate effectively with PHHI Extension, assist with media engagement opportunities and support programming efforts in collaboration with PHHI faculty and staff, NC State Extension/NC Cooperative Extension and CALS Extension faculty.
Direct and manage the integration of research activities, resource allocation, and facility management to ensure success of the overall operation and effectiveness of the PHHI. Identify and maintain infrastructure and services that monitor, promote and improve the Institute’s research, with anticipation of future needs.
Oversee the development of intellectual property through the creation of new plant‑based solutions for human health.
Conduct self‑assessments and apply quality improvement principles to continually improve the effectiveness of the Institute’s internal processes and support mechanisms.
Facilitate the strategic addition of faculty positions while coordinating with appropriate Department Heads on the search and selection committees.
Coordinate the research activities of the PHHI with collaborative departments and units at NCSU and NCRC; this will include monitoring the progress of research programs and assisting the faculty in improving the success of their research projects.
Foster professional development and support social events that build a culture of community and wellness, ultimately supporting career growth and employee retention.
Coordinate and provide leadership for the 2028 transition of the PHHI building ownership from Castle and Cooke to NC State.
Research Responsibilities (40%)
Establish and maintain a cutting‑edge research program focused on plant‑based nutrition discovery and innovation for advancing human health.
Develop and expand funding opportunities and partnerships to support research efforts.
Provide rigorous training opportunities for student trainees and research staff.
Other Responsibilities
Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.
Minimum Education and Experience
Requires a Ph.D., an equivalent degree.
Finalist must have an academic record of accomplishment that would qualify them for academic rank as a tenured Professor.
Other Required Qualifications
Excellent written and oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to publish research in respected peer‑reviewed journals.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience leading a productive research program/center/institute.
Experience securing extramural support for research activities.
Experience developing and securing IP.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
Valid NC Driver’s license or the ability to obtain within 60 days of start.
Required Documents
Resume/CV
Cover Letter
Contact Information for References
Research Statement
Other Document (1)
Optional Documents
Optional Documents Available upon Request
Equal Opportunity Employment NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
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The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at NC State supports the Plants for Human Health Institute with faculty from the departments of horticultural science; food, bioprocessing and nutrition sciences; plant and microbial biology; animal science; and molecular and structural biochemistry. This transdisciplinary interaction strengthens the efforts of individual faculty.
PHHI is part of the NC Research Campus in Kannapolis, NC, (112 miles west of NC State’s main campus in Raleigh) that comprises eight dedicated research centers from seven UNC System schools and Duke University. Each university research center brings unique expertise within the transdisciplinary research community, with the overarching focus on health, nutrition, and biosciences innovation.
Administrative Leadership Responsibilities (60%)
Provide strategic leadership and vision to promote and advance PHHI’s cutting‑edge research, training, and extension programs.
Foster the PHHI’s national and international profile and national/international visibility by continuing to build and support a dynamic community of world‑class researchers, including faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and students.
Lead efforts to seek funding opportunities in support of significant program‑project initiatives and other major research efforts that will involve collaboration with Kannapolis‑based researchers (internal and external to the PHHI).
Ensure financial health and sustainability of the PHHI by providing executive management/oversight of the yearly PHHI state and federal budget allocations and philanthropic gifts. Build Institute support through mechanisms such as scholarships for graduate students, internship programs and local university‑managed housing.
Continue to establish and maintain broad partnerships and collaborations with academic institutions, industry, federal and state agencies, foundations, and commodity/industry groups. Serve as a key liaison to ensure effective communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Communicate effectively with PHHI Extension, assist with media engagement opportunities and support programming efforts in collaboration with PHHI faculty and staff, NC State Extension/NC Cooperative Extension and CALS Extension faculty.
Direct and manage the integration of research activities, resource allocation, and facility management to ensure success of the overall operation and effectiveness of the PHHI. Identify and maintain infrastructure and services that monitor, promote and improve the Institute’s research, with anticipation of future needs.
Oversee the development of intellectual property through the creation of new plant‑based solutions for human health.
Conduct self‑assessments and apply quality improvement principles to continually improve the effectiveness of the Institute’s internal processes and support mechanisms.
Facilitate the strategic addition of faculty positions while coordinating with appropriate Department Heads on the search and selection committees.
Coordinate the research activities of the PHHI with collaborative departments and units at NCSU and NCRC; this will include monitoring the progress of research programs and assisting the faculty in improving the success of their research projects.
Foster professional development and support social events that build a culture of community and wellness, ultimately supporting career growth and employee retention.
Coordinate and provide leadership for the 2028 transition of the PHHI building ownership from Castle and Cooke to NC State.
Research Responsibilities (40%)
Establish and maintain a cutting‑edge research program focused on plant‑based nutrition discovery and innovation for advancing human health.
Develop and expand funding opportunities and partnerships to support research efforts.
Provide rigorous training opportunities for student trainees and research staff.
Other Responsibilities
Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.
Minimum Education and Experience
Requires a Ph.D., an equivalent degree.
Finalist must have an academic record of accomplishment that would qualify them for academic rank as a tenured Professor.
Other Required Qualifications
Excellent written and oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to publish research in respected peer‑reviewed journals.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience leading a productive research program/center/institute.
Experience securing extramural support for research activities.
Experience developing and securing IP.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
Valid NC Driver’s license or the ability to obtain within 60 days of start.
Required Documents
Resume/CV
Cover Letter
Contact Information for References
Research Statement
Other Document (1)
Optional Documents
Optional Documents Available upon Request
Equal Opportunity Employment NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
#J-18808-Ljbffr