Vice Chancellor for Research

Job Description Summary

The Vice Chancellor for Research is responsible for assisting the Southern University Agricultural Research & Extension Center (SUAREC or SU Ag Center) Chancellor-Dean in promoting and expanding the research mission of SUAREC and the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences (CAHES) by increasing and supporting the scholarly activities of faculty and students, developing strategic partnerships with other institutions of higher education, government, and industry while promoting shared responsibility, compliance, and research integrity. Specifically, the Vice Chancellor for Research will assist faculty members in their research endeavors, encourage interdisciplinary activities across the campus, and provide support in the development of new programs and initiatives.  In addition, the Vice Chancellor for Research will work with Southern University System (SUS) officials, state officials, and federal officials to ensure that the research being conducted is done so in a compliant and responsible manner.  

Also, the Vice Chancellor for Research is responsible for research administration, operations, and supervision of the SUAREC Research Station and accompanying farms, along with its staff, research activities, and projects. The Vice Chancellor for Research is also responsible for the administrative oversight of the operations and maintenance of research facilities and experimental equipment associated with the research sites.  The successful candidate will assist researchers in securing funds for applied and basic research activities, develop and enhance partnerships, as well as collaborate with other institutions, industries, and state and federal agencies (e.g., United States Department of Agriculture [USDA], the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Louisiana State University (LSU) Agricultural Center. 

The Vice Chancellor for Research is a full-time, 12-month position, and reports directly to the Chancellor-Dean.

Specific Duties: The Vice Chancellor for Research will provide dynamic leadership for articulating and implementing a shared vision for research and will be a leader in addressing the state, regional, and national issues of compelling interest to the research community.  More specifically, these responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Promote and expand the research mission of the SUAREC by increasing and supporting the scholarly activities of faculty, students, and partners/collaborators.
• Provide leadership for strategic planning and prioritizing of research needs.
• Provide guidance and leadership to faculty through collaborations, the development of professional enhancement programs, and assistance in seeking and obtaining extramural funding.
• Provide the day-to-day leadership of the SUAREC Experiment Research Station and other research sites.
• Develop and maintain an electronic repository of research activities and projects of the faculty, staff, students, and collaborators.
• Coordinate the preparation of the five-year plans of work required by the USDA and the Evans-Allen Program, as required for SUAREC.
• Prepare annual reports of progress on research projects.
• Communicate funding opportunities and deadlines to faculty in an effective manner.
• Provide data and reports related to research programs and efforts to various internal and external groups and constituents.
• Provide leadership to ensure up-to-date information is available to stakeholders, faculty, and others through a variety of communications, such as the research page on SUAREC’s website and publications.
• Ensure that Responsible Conduct for Research Compliance (RCRC), Civil Rights Compliance, and other compliance mandates are met by the University by providing oversight and making recommendations as needed.
• Maintain a viable and accountable Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
• Maintain a strong accountability leadership oversight in livestock record keeping.
• Actively engage with and develop relationships with funding agencies, program managers, industries, commodity groups, and other stakeholders.

• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Must have an earned Ph.D. in an agricultural field from an accredited institution such as agricultural business, agricultural economics, animal sciences, plant and soil sciences, food sciences, or human sciences is preferred.  A minimum of 10 years of experience as an administrator is required with at least five (5) years experience leading a research unit. The successful candidate will have strong written and oral communication skills and experience working with diverse clientele and organizations.  The successful candidate must have a strong track record of interacting with farm groups and the ability to transverse the State of Louisiana interacting with farm stakeholders and groups regularly. 

A strong record of achievement in the areas of publications, especially referred publications, strong research project management, possesses a strong record of obtaining extramural funding as a principal investigator, demonstrated administrative skills and/or experiences, demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to interpret and administer policies, excellent interpersonal communication and effective organizational skills, and the ability to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed time of the job is required.

Demonstrable experiences in interacting with faculty, staff, students, and external constituents. Ability to work with a culturally, racially, and gender-diverse work team.  Must possess excellent written and verbal communications skills and the ability to communicate technical concepts, ideas to individuals, and groups.  Familiarity with internet and web-based applications is desirable.

Supervisory Responsibilities: The individual selected will supervise the areas of the Research Station, land-grant research labs, and research buildings of the SUAREC.

Other Qualifications: Must be able to attend meetings and other work-related events and activities, travel to attend state, regional, and national conferences or workshops as appropriate.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is frequently required to stand and walk.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus.

Salary Range: $150,000 to $190,000

Application Deadline: December 2024 or open until filled.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

How to Apply: Send a letter of application, curriculum vita, and three (3) references, and completed Southern University Employment Application to:

Dr. C. Reuben Walker 

Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center

P.O. Box 10010

Baton Rouge, LA 70813

Email: calvin_walker@suagcenter.com

The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.