Director - Plants for Human Health Institute

Overview

Posting Number: PG EP

Internal Recruitment : No

Working Title: Director - Plants for Human Health Institute

Anticipated Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm

Job Location: Kannapolis, NC

Department : Kannapolis Research

About the Department

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 multiple departments. PHHI is part of the NC Research Campus in Kannapolis, NC, that comprises eight dedicated research centers from seven UNC System schools and Duke University, focused on health, nutrition, and biosciences innovation.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. We offer medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, retirement programs, disability plans, life insurance, accident plan, paid time off and other leave, 12 holidays each year, tuition and academic assistance, and other benefits. Attain work-life balance with childcare benefits, wellness and recreation memberships, and wellness programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. The Perks and Benefit eligibility are based on Part-Time or Full-Time status and can be found within linked resources.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Note: You belong here and NC State encourages you to review the Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

Essential Job Duties

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Plants for Human Health Institute seeks a candidate with expertise in discovery and translation of plant and food innovations for disease prevention and organizational administration who will serve as the Director of the NC State Plants for Human Health Institute and provide leadership to uphold PHHI as the premier global center for discovery and translation of links between plants, disease prevention, and health maintenance. The candidate should have an academic record of accomplishment that would qualify for academic rank as a tenured Professor. The position also requires a research program focused on the discovery and delivery of innovative plant-based solutions to advance human health.

This individual will be an established, world-renowned academic in the area of plant-based nutrition discovery and innovation for advancing human health, with primary responsibilities in administration, research, and training, while establishing partnerships and collaborations within and beyond the university. The successful candidate will set and support bold research goals and lead a world-class institute focused on plant-based solutions for human health. The position is 60% administrative leadership and 40% research. The director will be supported by a research staff and an administrative staff, and the PHHI research program will be located at the NC State Plants for Human Health Building on the NC Research Campus in Kannapolis, NC.

Administrative Leadership responsibilities (60%)

• Provide strategic leadership and vision to promote and advance PHHI’s research, training, and extension programs.
• Foster PHHI’s national and international profile by building a community of researchers, faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and students.
• Lead efforts to seek funding opportunities in support of major research initiatives involving Kannapolis-based researchers.
• Ensure financial health and sustainability by providing executive management of the PHHI budget and gifts; build institute support through scholarships, internships, and housing.
• Establish and maintain partnerships and collaborations with academic institutions, industry, federal and state agencies, foundations, and industry groups; liaise with stakeholders.
• Communicate with PHHI Extension and assist with media engagement and programming in collaboration with NC State Extension and CALS Extension faculty.
• Direct and manage integration of research activities, resource allocation, and facility management to ensure success of PHHI operations; identify infrastructure needs.
• Oversee development of intellectual property from plant-based solutions for human health.
• Conduct self-assessments and apply quality improvement principles to improve internal processes.
• Facilitate strategic addition of faculty positions and coordinate with Department Heads on searches.
• Coordinate PHHI research with departments at NC State and NC Research Campus; monitor progress and assist faculty in improving research success.
• Foster professional development and support events that build community and wellness, supporting career growth and retention.
• Coordinate leadership for the 2028 transition of 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 Statements

NC State is a community of diverse individuals and values an environment of fairness and respect. You are expected to contribute to an environment welcoming of all groups. You belong here. Review our Employee Value Proposition to learn more about NC State.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Requires a Ph.D. or equivalent degree.
• Finalist must have an academic record qualifying for academic rank as a tenured Professor.

Other Required Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading a productive research program/center/institute
• Experience securing extramural funding for research activities
• Experience developing and securing intellectual property

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

• Valid NC Driver’s license or the ability to obtain within 60 days of start.

Job Details

Valid NC Driver's License required: Yes

Commercial Driver's License required: No

Job Open Date: 01/20/2026

Anticipated Close Date: Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please attach the following documents:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for References
• Research Statement
• Brief Statement of Administrative Leadership Philosophy and Research Interest (Other Document 1)

Position Number:

Position Type: EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equal to 1.0 FTE : 1.0

Appointment: 12 Month Recurring

Compliance

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Mandatory - Medical Emergencies, Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID: - Kannapolis Research

EEO Statement

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 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at or Final candidates are subject to criminal and 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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