Address
Form of workPosition Announcement
The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska (NU) is seeking applications for a Food, Agriculture, and Environment Security Director (FAES-D). The person in this position will have a joint appointment in NSRI and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). The person filling this position reports to the NSRI Associate Executive Director (AED) for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Allied Programs (CAP) and serves as NSRI’s liaison with the UNL IANR’s Agricultural Research Division (ARD) Dean. The FAES-D will support the development and implementation of strategic planning and coordinate research intended to provide solutions for threats to the nation’s food and agriculture sector and the environment, to include but not limited to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats. The FAES-D will develop a high impact, nationally and internationally recognized FAES program; seek, establish and support effective disciplinary and transdisciplinary teams from across IANR, NSRI, NU system and beyond; connect with centers within NU and with established external collaborative programs; effectively identify research opportunities, and coordinate and leverage external and internal support (e.g., grants and contracts); mentor and advise research teams; participate in scientific meetings and other appropriate professional activities; and translate research-based information into learner-centered products.
The FAES-D will contribute to the integrated (extension, research, and teaching) land-grant mission of IANR, as an effective scholar and citizen, including supporting student recruitment and IANR science literacy, as appropriate.
In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the institute, and/or university level. Participation on collegial activities and serve on committees that work toward improving equity, diversity, inclusion, and a climate-resilient infrastructure is expected.
National Strategic Research Institute Profile:
NSRI is a non-profit IRS 501c(3) supporting organization of the University of Nebraska, established in 2012 to operate one of only 15 Department of Defense (DoD) University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) in the nation. NSRI is engaged in a long-term, strategic partnership with our DoD sponsor, United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). NSRI provides essential research, development and support for USSTRATCOM, other DoD components and federal agencies focused on established research core competencies, including Nuclear Detection and Forensics, Detection of Chemical and Biological Weapons, Active and Passive Defense against Weapons of Mass Destruction, Consequence Management, and Mission Related Research. NSRI receives funding from project sponsors through contracts generated from our sole-source, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract with USSTRATCOM, as well as other direct contract vehicles and grants.
Website: https://nsri.nebraska.edu
The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Profile:
Created by the Nebraska Legislature in 1973, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) is composed of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR), the Agricultural Research Division (ARD), Nebraska Extension, and the ARD and Extension components of three departments in the College of Education and Human Sciences. Teaching is provided through the CASNR, research through the ARD, and extension education through statewide Nebraska Extension.
IANR innovation in research, teaching, and extension education places Nebraska on the leading edge of food production, environmental stewardship, human nutrition, business development, and youth engagement. The Institute’s priorities are the life sciences, from molecular to global systems; sustainable food, fiber, and natural resource systems that support a bio-based economy; economics and Environments for a sustainable future; and human capital development of children, youth, and families. IANR also discharges a global leadership role in enhancing worldwide food and water security, particularly in developing countries.
IANR is led by the UNL Vice Chancellor/University of Nebraska Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Additional information about the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources may be obtained from its website, https://ianr.unl.edu/.
Applicants should note:
This is a full-time 1.0 FTE position based out of NSRI’s office in Lincoln, Nebraska, with day-to-day work location being the University of Nebraska Lincoln, East Campus. Periodic travel may be required to NSRI’s offices in Omaha, other University of Nebraska System Campuses, NSRI Field Offices in Maryland, Virginia and Florida, and other locations where business and/or training is conducted.
Compensation: This is a managerial/professional position that is considered salaried/exempt. Salary will be commensurate with Experience and Contributing Attributes, with $140,000/year as the minimum.
Benefits: NSRI employees receive University of Nebraska-like benefits, per underlying service agreements, to include paid vacation and sick leave; insurance options; and a retirement program. NSRI also currently observes twelve (12) paid holidays each year. Applicants accepting a job offer must pass a background check and a drug test prior to starting in the position.
Benefits: NSRI employees receive University of Nebraska-like benefits, per underlying service agreements, to include paid vacation and sick leave; insurance options; and a retirement program. NSRI also currently observes twelve (12) paid holidays each year. Applicants accepting a job offer must pass a background check and a drug test prior to starting in the position.
Job Responsibilities: Responsibilities listed below are not an exclusive statement of duties & responsibilities. Employees may be required to perform other job-related activities as assigned.
FAES Director key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, accomplishing the following activities:
- Strategic planning support for FAES-related research.
- Identify and leverage key food, agriculture, and Environment research resources (facilities and personnel) across University of Nebraska campuses.
- Create and maintain existing working relationships with University of Nebraska faculty and staff and external collaborators to form strong research teams with the requisite skills to meet customer requirements.
- Create and maintain working relationships with the Department of Defense and other key federal agencies with food, agriculture, and Environment defense needs and requirements to identify research opportunities.
- Coordinate with the NSRI AED-CAP and the ARD-UNL Dean to ensure programs and projects are adequately resourced.
- Propose and coordinate work in support of the DoD Combatant Commands, and other DoD and federal agencies to develop research strategies and plans to fully address customer requirements.
- Conduct program/project management through analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills.
- Review products and reports to ensure they meet customer standards.
- Collaborate with other NSRI Directors to identify synergies between CWMD programs.
- Determine workforce requirements.
- Lead and supervise assigned staff.
- Develop budgets and schedules as required to support program requirements.
- Prepare and present presentations to internal management and to external customers to provide reviews and updates on technical aspects, cost, and schedule.
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Required Qualifications:
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or advanced degree (MS or PhD) in food, agriculture, environment sciences, or related fields.
- Experience working in food, agriculture, and Environment safety, security, and defense or related fields.
- Experience leading, managing, and working with teams.
- Ability to write technical documents and communicate complex subjects to non-technical audiences.
- Willingness to travel as required to execute position responsibilities.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) Security Clearance at the SECRET-level or higher. – see below.
Preferred Experience:
- Experience with zoonotic diseases, animal production diseases, crop production diseases, public health, and One Health considerations.
- Experience as a program/project manager executing contractually-defined projects, managing budgets, leading project personnel, and meeting customer requirements.
- Experience with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) device and drug approval processes.
- Experience with US military concerns associated with zoonotic disease threats, international regulations associated with reportable plant and animal diseases, and troop-feeding during contingency operations.
- Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threat countermeasure research.
- Experience working with defense contractors and federal government contracts.
Security Clearance:
NSRI is a DoD-designated UARC that performs sensitive and sometimes classified research for DoD and other federal government entities. This position requires a DoD Security Clearance at a minimum of the SECRET level. All cleared employees are subject to certain reporting requirements and random drug testing.
Ideal candidates will exhibit the following attributes and personality traits:
- A skilled technical expert in all aspects of the food, agriculture, and Environment Security mission area.
- A self-starter that demonstrates attention to detail.
- Be collaborative and team-oriented with the ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment to seek input from others when necessary.
- Strong communication skills to effectively interact with senior leaders, peers, employees, and external partners.
- Understanding of corporate-level business, operations, and organization.
- Advanced organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple and complex tasks and work effectively in a fast-paced environment, with short deadlines and interruptions.
- Ability to manage sensitive and confidential interactions with sponsors and partners.
- Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills necessary to independently recommend appropriate actions and solutions.
How to Apply:
Application review begins upon the posting of the job and continues until position is filled.
Follow instructions to complete the Applicant Profile and supplemental questions. Along with your application, attach a cover letter, resume, and the names, relationship to you and contact information for at least three professional references.
Direct questions to: (304) 754-6894 or nwoollen@nsri.nebraskaresearch.gov
Questions about the on-line application process should be directed to (402) 554-8304 or humanresources@nebraska.edu.
As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation.
