Georgia Southern University

Founding Director of the Center for Biomedical Research and Innovation

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Georgia Southern University in its search for Founding Director of the Center for Biomedical Research and Innovation (CBRI).

For full consideration, please apply by October 18.

This is a remarkable time for an innovative and visionary leader to join Georgia Southern University in this pivotal role as the Founding Director of the proposed Center for Biomedical Research and Innovation (CBRI). In this role, the Director will shape and grow CBRI’s national and international research profile as they lead the Center’s scientists in research on the world’s most prevalent and serious health problems. In alignment with the University’s Research Excellence Strategic Plan, the successful candidate will forge meaningful partnerships aimed at fostering a culture of collaboration and multidisciplinary approaches to propel the Center toward high-impact biomedical research excellence.

Primarily housed on the Armstrong campus (Savannah), the Center will be the central point of engagement for research collaboration between the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) medical school, future dental school and biomedical researchers at Georgia Southern. The Director will be responsible for establishing policies, procedures and infrastructure for the CBRI and translating research to the public. With a strategic mission focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of human diseases and ailments through biomedical research, the Center Director will develop cluster areas that encourage collaboration and multi-PI research teams, encompassing various potential research focus areas:

• Cancer
• Cardiovascular
• Immunology
• Molecular Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
• Infectious Diseases
• Genomics & Genetics
• Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

This position reports to the Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics (COSM) and should possess a robust track record in research and leadership within a field relevant to the Center.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide a coherent vision for collaborative biomedical research through effective leadership that embraces the full range of disciplines represented by CBRI.
• Establish the research, policy, and human infrastructure for the effective management of the Center.
• Lead a nationally recognized externally funded research program in their own area of expertise while also fostering research and collaborations with other center faculty affiliates across a wide range of contemporary biomedical fields of study
• Develop CBRI's national and international profile.
• Develop mutually beneficial R&D partnerships with industry, government, and private partners.
• Foster and support high quality research and scholarly activities within CBRI by ensuring a stimulating, collegial, and well-managed environment.
• Attract, lead, retain and develop faculty and staff who will promote academic and research excellence within CBRI and will contribute to the successful development of CBRI, COSM, and the University.
• Manage resources effectively to ensure CBRI is self-sustainable after a period of 5 years.
• Engage a range of internal and external stakeholders to COSM and the University to collaboratively identify research opportunities and partnerships.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A terminal degree, Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. or other science or health-related terminal degrees (i.e., Pharm.D., D.V.M., D.D.S., D.M.D., D.P.H.).
• Extensive research experience in biomedical sciences, biology, biochemistry or related field working in an academic, industrial, or government research setting.
• At least 5-10 years of experience leading successful cross-disciplinary research teams, as evidenced nationally and, preferably, internationally.
• Experience, or at least the firm understanding, in the range of scientific disciplines and areas represented by CBRI's mission.
• Acute understanding of the priorities, operation, and strategies of securing externally funded grants and contracts to support research.
• Proven capacity to successfully mentor and develop early-career researchers.
• History of successful and effective staff management and professional development.
• Proven capacity to successfully train and develop early-career researchers.
• A strong track record of external funding in the range of scientific disciplines and areas represented by CBRI’s mission.

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D.
• Strong academic record and eligibility for the rank of Professor in an appropriate academic department at Georgia Southern University.
• Extensive research experience at a research-intensive university.
• Successful and sustained record of achieving high levels of research-based funding as a Principal Investigator.
• Existing externally funded research in areas of science represented by CBRI and the desire to maintain funding while serving in the Director position.
• Experience developing and leading successful partnerships with any or all the following external partners: peer universities, healthcare organizations, corporations, governmental agencies, community-based organizations, and concerned individuals.
• A record of pursuing and supporting technology transfer and licensing, and economic development activities.

Brief Overview of how Georgia Southern is poised to grow Biomedical Science Research

Georgia Southern University stands poised for growth and opportunity. With the grand opening of the Hyundai Metaplant in January 2025 and the expansion of the third largest and fastest-growing seaport in the United States, our university finds itself at the nexus of economic vitality and intellectual advancement. As a result, the state of Georgia has identified our area as a strategic epicenter for economic expansion and development.

Pathway to R1 Research University Status: In alignment with the state's vision for economic growth and academic excellence, Georgia Southern University aspires to attain R1 research university status. This ambitious goal underscores our commitment to participate and help lead Southeast Georgia in discovery, innovation, and economic growth.

Expanding Healthcare Education: Collaborating with the Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Southern is embarking on a transformative journey to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals in our region. The launch of a medical school on our Savannah campus, with an inaugural cohort (of 40 students) commencing in fall 2024. In addition, the state of Georgia has allocated $178 million for the establishment of a dental school on our Savannah campus. This investment underscores our state's commitment to excellence in healthcare education, research, and practice.

Seizing Opportunities in Biomedical Research: By leveraging our strategic location, advanced facilities, and interdisciplinary expertise, we are excited to unlock new frontiers in biomedical science, drive economic growth, and enhance the well-being of our community.  As a result, we are looking for a director who can build upon the expertise of our current faculty and to grow the center by recruiting/hiring new faculty to targeted areas of expertise.  In addition, develop partnerships with industry, academic institutions, and local hospitals.

About the Institution 

Georgia Southern University is an R2 public university in the state of Georgia and is the fifth-largest institution in the University System of Georgia. Serving over 26,000 students, Georgia Southern University’s 10 colleges, schools and departments offer 132 different degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels. These programs are offered on the University’s beautiful campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and through online instruction. Whether a recent high school graduate, a military-affiliated student or an adult learner seeking to advance a career, Georgia Southern has a place to call home for everyone, ranking nationally in the Top 100 degree producers for diverse students. Georgia Southern University ranks in the Top 10 Most Affordable Cities for Students in Georgia (University Magazine 2023), and was named a “Military-Friendly” school for six years in a row and a Gold School for 2023-2024 by Viqtory Media. For additional recognitions, visit Points of Pride.

Since 1906, the University’s hallmark has been a culture of engagement that bridges theory with practice, extends the learning environment beyond the classroom and promotes student growth and life success. Central to the University’s mission is the faculty’s dedication to excellence in teaching and the development of a fertile learning environment exemplified by a free exchange of ideas, high academic expectations and individual responsibility for academic achievement. Faculty, staff, and students embrace core values of collaboration, academic excellence, discovery and innovation, integrity, openness and inclusion, and sustainability.

About the College

The College of Science and Mathematics (COSM) is one of 10 colleges that comprise Georgia Southern University. COSM strives for excellence and innovation in undergraduate and graduate research, teaching practice and service to our community. With an emphasis on high-impact and inclusive teaching strategies, our highly respected faculty foster learning in the classroom and beyond by promoting student engagement and offering innovative research opportunities to students.

The College offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs on the Armstrong (Savannah) and Statesboro campuses through the Departments of Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics, , Mathematical Sciences, Military Science, The School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability a as well as the Institute for Coastal Plain Science.

The College boasts state-of-the-art teaching and research labs, including geospatial technology labs, an aquatics lab, microscopy suites, mass spectrometry suites and additional instrumentation necessary to support our faculty members’ diverse research interests and facilitate their numerous collaborations. The College recently created the COSM Core Research Laboratory (CCRL) to enhance our research capabilities. Additionally, the College houses animal care spaces, greenhouses, herbaria and an insectary where insects can be raised and studied. The College is also home to three large research collections (Herpetology, Entomology, and Botany). Our biochemistry and chemistry degrees are accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS-certified) and the biochemistry degree is also certified by ASBMB.

Living in the Area 

Visiting one of Georgia Southern University's campuses offers a unique opportunity to experience the diverse educational environments and vibrant communities that each location has to offer. The Statesboro Campus provides a traditional collegiate atmosphere with beautiful green spaces and state-of-the-art facilities. The Armstrong Campus in Savannah, located in the heart of the historic city, offers a dynamic urban setting, while the Hinesville Campus serves as a convenient option for military-affiliated students.

With a population of 150,000, Savannah is the oldest city in the state of Georgia, enjoying history and architecture dating back over 200 years. Savannah’s Spanish moss-draped buildings, thriving arts scene, warm summers and mild winters have drawn tens of thousands to the Hostess City and the wider metropolitan area over the last two decades. It is Georgia's fifth-largest city and the Savannah metropolitan area, Georgia's third largest, had a 2020 population of over 400,000.

Nestled on the salt marshes of coastal Georgia, the state’s oldest city continues to attract new residents with its low cost of living and historic charm. The cost of living in Savannah is 10% lower than the national average. However, what sets Savannah apart the most is the fact that housing in the area is 23% lower than the national average. Additionally, the Savannah metropolitan area has seen a population explosion in recent years, bolstered by Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.’s headquarters, and the new Hyundai Motors Metaplant located just outside of the growing city. The $5.5 billion manufacturing facility plans to employ 9,000+ workers creating an ideal environment for career growth and professional development.

To Apply?

For full consideration, please apply by October 18.

To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjyvtrzs

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications. 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to: GeorgiaSouthernCBRI@acesrch.com.

Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominees’ name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.

Georgia Southern University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources: (912) 478-6947.