Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

The Associate Dean/ Associate Director of Research will assist the Dean and Director of Agricultural Research and Extension in the administration, reporting, and review of the WVSU Agricultural and Environmental Research Station research projects.  The Associate Dean/Associate Director of Research supervises the activities of research faculty, technicians and other research staff and students.

The Associate Dean/Associate Director is also responsible for the administrative oversight of the operation and maintenance of the facilities and experimental equipment associated with the WVSU experiment station.  A successful candidate will assist researchers in securing funds for applied research activities and develop and enhance partnerships and collaborations with other institutions, industry, and state and federal agencies.  This may include collaborations with partners such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the West Virginia University Experiment Station.

This is a full-time, 12-month position employed by the West Virginia State University Research and Development Corporation.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Provide leadership for strategic planning and prioritizing of research needs.
• Provide day-to-day leadership of the WVSU Agricultural and Environmental Research Station.
• Coordinate preparation of the five-year plans of work required by the
• 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 groups and constituents, both internal and external.
• Provide leadership to ensure up-to-date information is available to stakeholders, faculty and others through a variety of communications, such as Web presence and publications.
• Ensure Civil Rights Compliance by the experiment station by providing oversight and making recommendations as needed.
• Actively engage with and develop relationships with funding agencies, program managers, industry, commodity groups and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Associate Dean of Extension to promote faculty, student and staff engagement through the development of community and institutional partnerships, strengthening the relationship between the university and the public the University serves.
• Other duties as assigned

 Required and Desired Skills and Traits

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to positively engage with faculty, staff, students, and external constituents
• Demonstrated leadership experience
• Commitment to diversity
• Sound judgment
• Ability to interpret and administer policies
• Ability to communicate technical concepts and ideas to individuals and groups

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position supervises all employees of the Agricultural and Environmental Research Station.

 Competencies

1. Technical Capacity.
2. Personal Effectiveness/Credibility.
3. Collaboration Skills.
4. Communication Proficiency: Oral and written.
5. Extensive software skills are required, as well as Internet research abilities.

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. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

 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.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, due to the nature of the job performed, flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and occasional overnights, may be required.

 Travel

Travel to attend state, regional, and national conferences and workshops is expected.

 Required Education and Experience

An earned Ph.D. from an accredited institution of higher education in the field of biology, agriculture, food science, animal or human science, or other agricultural-related field is required.  A minimum of 10 years of experience as PI of a research program and/or 5 years experience at the Assistant Dean level or higher is required.  Experience in research administration and/or academic program administration (e.g. Department Chair, Associate Dean) preferred.

 Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Demonstrated administrative skills and experience; possess a strong record of obtaining extramural funding as a principal investigator and the ability to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time of appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term is required. Must possess a valid driver’s license in good standing.

 Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 Work Authorization/Security Clearance

This position is designated as security-sensitive. Before an offer of employment is made, a pre-employment background investigation will be completed, which may include a criminal background check, educational, DMV and prior employment.