Climate Resilient Cereals Innovation Lab Director

Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture seeks a highly qualified Program Director to lead the U.S. Government funded Climate Resilient Cereals Innovation Lab (CRCIL). This role involves overseeing program staff within the Deans office and...

  • 519637
  • Manhattan
  • Ag Deans Office & Dir AES
  • Academic / Faculty - 12 month
  • Opening on: Apr 16 2025
  • On-site

About This Role

Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture seeks a highly qualified Non-Tenure track Program Director to lead the U.S. Government funded Climate Resilient Cereals Innovation Lab (CRCIL). This role involves overseeing staff within the Deans office and managing international research collaborations aimed at enhancing climate-resilient cereal breeding systems. The Director will be responsible for driving CRCIL's mission in alignment with U.S. Government Foreign Assistance. In addition to leading scientific research, the Director will oversee capacity-building initiatives, resource mobilization, and stakeholder coordination to further CRCIL's objectives.

Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Ensure CRCIL’s research and engagement outcomes align with its mission.
  • Serve as a principal contact for the program.
  • Represent CRCIL publicly to the U.S. Government, research communities, and stakeholders.
  • Oversee program planning, activity coordination, reporting, and evaluation.
  • Facilitate cross-learning and collaboration between internal and external partners.
  • Manage the integration of Associate Awards and buy-ins into the existing Innovation Lab.

About Us

In September 2023, Kansas State University was awarded the Management Entity (ME) for CRCIL. CRCIL’s mission is to advance climate-resilient cereal breeding systems in several countries, leveraging cutting-edge agricultural science to address local needs and preferences. Research focuses on enhancing germplasm for sorghum, millet, wheat, and rice in target countries: Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Senegal. Key areas of scientific inquiry include allele discovery, validation, and integration into elite breeding materials. For further information, visit https://www.k-state.edu/crcil/

Worksite Option

This position is on-site.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in a field relevant to international cereal crops research and technical change.
  • 10 years of technical expertise in international agricultural research.
  • Proven experience managing research partnerships across international, national, and local levels.
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate multidisciplinary considerations into research.
  • Strong organizational, data management, and program evaluation skills.
  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills in English.
  • Proficiency in MS Office and related software.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced research and outreach environment and provide innovative problem-solving.
  • Commitment to fostering good teamwork and work environment.
  • Experience working across multiple international environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 15 years of technical expertise in international agricultural research.
  • Experience in grant proposal writing.
  • Over 10 years of leadership experience managing interdisciplinary projects.
  • Working proficiency in French or another relevant language.

Other Requirements:

  • International travel is required.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  1. Letter of interest
  2. Resume or CV
  3. Phone numbers & email address for three professional references

For questions, contact Nina Lilja, Associate Dean for Agricultural Programs, nlilja@ksu.edu

Screening of Applications Begins

Screening of applications begins April 21st. For best consideration, please apply by April 30, 2025. Position will remain open until filled.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

Commensurate with experience, education, and training.

ACADEMIC RANK: Rank will be commensurate with credentials and experience. (Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor, Research Professor). This position is not eligible for tenure.

 

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Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

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