Position Title: Professor and Director for the Seed Science Center
Appointment Type: Faculty
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa seeks a Professor and Director for the Seed Science Center. Nominations and applications are sought for a visionary leader with demonstrated capacity to lead the Center in its mission to improve the production, quality, marketing, utilization, and regulatory environment of seed through research, testing, education, outreach, and global programs.
The Seed Science Center is a globally recognized hub of excellence in seed testing, research, education, systems, and international programs. It is a leader in developing science to inform policy to benefit the world seed trade. The Center is home to the Seed Lab, one of the largest public testing laboratories in the U.S. that has provided accurate and professional seed testing services to growers and the seed industry for more than 130 years. It receives an average of 31,000 seed samples of crops, flowers, vegetables, and tree species each year that are tested for health, purity, germination, and traits. The Center is designated as the Administrative Unit for the National Seed Health Service by USDA APHIS. Staff and faculty affiliated with the Center conduct cutting-edge research in seed pathology, physiology, and conditioning. The Center supports the online Seed Technology and Business graduate program, which is unique in combining seed science and technology with business management courses in a rigorous, integrated curriculum. In addition, the Center provides training for seed industry professionals, researchers, students and policymakers from across the globe through workshops offered online or onsite. The Center has a strong global presence and provides expertise on seed laws, regulations, and policies that facilitate the movement and trade of seeds.
The Director will report to the Dean of the College of Agriculture Life Sciences, with an academic home in one of the departments in the college. The responsibilities of the position include overall management of the personnel, funding and fiscal resources, and operations of the Center. The Director will be expected to advance the Center’s programs in diagnostic technology and testing development, research and outreach endeavors by building interdisciplinary collaborations, teaching and training capacities. Engagement with a variety of stakeholders in the public and private sector, and with regulatory agencies will be required. The Director will be expected to provide visionary leadership and define strategic goals that will secure the continued success of the Center.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in a field related to seed science or plant sciences
- Scholarly activities that qualify for the rank of Professor with tenure in one of the academic departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Demonstrated experience in the academics, science, business and/or technology associated with the Center
Preferred Qualifications:
To show demonstrated evidence for and leadership in:
- research productivity as evidenced in publications, extramural grants and professional presentations
- budget/fiscal management of an academic unit or substantial program;
- personnel management, including recruitment, advancement and retention of staff;
- advancing research enterprises and collaborations;
- advancing outreach and service programs;
- working with external stakeholders, including public and private sector organizations.
Position details:
Initial Director appointment is for five years with formal review during year four. This appointment serves at the pleasure of the Dean, in an at-will position. The position will be filled as a 9-month appointment with summer salary while serving as Director. This position has expected percentages of 80% administration and 20% in a combination of teaching, research, outreach and service. The positon has representational duties and requires occasional overnight and international travel. Proposed start date July 1, 2025 (negotiable).
Additional Information:
Proposed Start Date: July 1, 2025
Number of Months Employed Per Year: 09 Month Work Period
Time Type: Full time
Application
Please click HERE to learn more and to apply online.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled with review of applications beginning on January 19, 2025.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
Job Requisition Number: R15803
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