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) (https://www.cals.iastate.edu/) at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa seeks a Professor and Director for the Seed (https://www.agron.iastate.edu/) 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:
+ University information Iowa State University (iastate.edu), and Employment Opportunities | Iowa State University (iastate.edu) (https://www.jobs.iastate.edu/)
+ Region information About the State of Iowa | Iowa.gov Resources for Iowans (https://www.iowa.gov/about) , Make Your Move to Iowa | This Is Iowa (https://www.thisisiowa.com/) and About Ames | City of Ames, IA (https://www.cityofames.org/about-ames)
Proposed Start Date:July 1, 2025
Number of Months Employed Per Year:09 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1. Cover letter/statement that describes experience and forward-looking outlook related to the indicated responsibilities and qualifications
2. Full Curriculum Vitae
3. Contact information for five professional references (at least one from outside the applicants’ current organization). References will not be contacted without permission from the applicant.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled with review of applications beginning on January 19, 2025.
For questions about the position please contact the search committee chair Dr. Steven Harris (stevenh1@iastate.edu; 515-294-2149).
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.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
Original Posting Date: October 25, 2024
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:R15803
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming, global, and culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university’s Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
