Program Director

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 Dean’s 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.

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/

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.

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.

Worksite: Manhattan, Kansas (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:

• Must be authorized to work in the United States on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

• International travel is required.

How to Apply: Please visit the link below to submit your application:

https://careers.k-state.edu/jobs/climate-resilient-cereals-innovation-lab-director-manhattan-kansas-united-states#applynow

You will need to submit the following documents:

1. Letter of interest

2. Resume

3. Phone numbers & email address for three professional references

Screening of Applications Begins: April 21st. For best consideration, please apply by April 30, 2025. The 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.

Background Screening Statement: In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.