Director - Plants for Human Health Institute

Posting Information

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\u2019s 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, and collaborates with UNC System schools and Duke University to focus 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. What we offer:

• Medical , Dental , and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans are found within linked resources.

Essential Job Duties

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Plants for Human Health Institute seek a candidate with expertise in discovery and translation of plant and food innovations for disease prevention and organizational administration to serve as the Director of the NC State Plants for Human Health Institute. The candidate should have an academic record of accomplishment qualifying for academic rank as a tenured Professor. The position requires a research program focused on plant-based solutions to advance human health. The director will provide administrative leadership, oversee research and training, and build partnerships and collaborations. The appointment is administration (60%) and research (40%). The director will be supported by a research staff and an administrative staff, with activity located in Kannapolis, NC.

Administrative Leadership responsibilities (60%) include:

• Provide strategic leadership and vision to promote PHHI\u2019s cutting-edge research, training, and extension programs.
• Build and support a dynamic community of world-class researchers, including faculty, staff, postdocs, and students.
• Lead efforts to seek funding for program-project initiatives with Kannapolis-based researchers.
• Ensure financial health and sustainability of PHHI with budget oversight and philanthropic gifts; support scholarships, internships, and housing.
• Establish and maintain broad partnerships with academic institutions, industry, federal/state agencies, foundations, and groups; liaise with internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicate with PHHI Extension and assist with media engagement; support programming with NC State Extension/NC Cooperative Extension and CALS Extension faculty.
• Direct and manage integration of research activities, resource allocation, and facility management to ensure success; identify and maintain infrastructure needs.
• Oversee development of intellectual property from plant-based solutions for human health.
• Apply quality improvement to internal processes and support mechanisms.
• Facilitate strategic addition of faculty positions and coordinate with Department Heads on searches.
• Coordinate PHHI research with departments and units at NC State and NC Research Campus; monitor progress and support faculty research.
• Foster professional development and a culture of community and wellness to support career growth and retention.
• Coordinate and provide leadership for the 2028 transition of PHHI building ownership from Castle and Cooke to NC State.

Research responsibilities (40%) include:

• 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.

NC State is committed to a welcoming environment for all; employees are expected to contribute to a climate of fairness, respect, and inclusion. You Belong Here. Review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about NC State.

Other Responsibilities

• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience: Requires a Ph.D. or equivalent degree. Finalist must have an academic record of accomplishment 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 support; experience developing and securing IP.

Required License(s) or Certification(s): Valid NC Driver\u2019s license or ability to obtain within 60 days of start; Required: Yes for NC Driver's License; Commercial Driver's License: No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date: 01/20/2026
Anticipated Close Date: Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants: Please attach Resume/CV, Cover Letter, References, Research Statement, and a Brief Statement of Administrative Leadership Philosophy and Research Interest (Other Document 1).

Position Details

Position Number:
Position Type: EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Appointment: 12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Mandatory - Medical Emergencies, Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID: - Kannapolis Research

EEO: 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 accommodations in the application process may contact . For general questions, contact Human Resources at or Final candidates are subject to background checks. E-Verify participation is required by Federal law.

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