Description

The Director of the Biomedical Research Network (BRN) will provide energetic, collaborative, and visionary leadership, administrative guidance, and advocacy for the mission of the BRN in the areas of research, mentoring, and community engagement.  The BRN collaborates at multiple levels, across The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) campuses, state, community, and other academic, government, and not-for-profit organizations to promote and expand biomedical research through innovation and develop a skilled workforce. The Director will also lead the Mississippi IDEA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (MSINBRE), which is supported by funds from the National Institutes of Health and the Office of the Vice President for Research to build biomedical research capacity throughout the state network, supporting Primarily Undergraduate Institutions/Emerging Research Institutions (PUI/ERI) faculty research, mentoring, student research participation, and infrastructure. In addition to cultivating and advancing their own research, the Director is expected to lead, promote, and/or participate in collaborative research securing diversified funding sources. The position is full-time (12-month), tenure track, and begins as early as January 2026. The salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

The Biomedical Research Network (BRN) is a new unit established under the Vice President for Research to promote and develop opportunities for transdisciplinary collaboration in biomedical sciences that enhance the rate of discovery and technological advances, that lead to the development of new preventions, therapies, and cures for human and veterinary health.  Strategic research areas include basic and translational research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of disease, immunology, genetics, cancer, biophysics, polymer/biological engineering for biomaterials, devices, and therapeutics, health disparities research, applied behavioral and social sciences, and other relevant areas.

The Mississippi IDEA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (MS INBRE) is a network of colleges, universities, and community partners, designed to build biomedical research infrastructure in Mississippi. MSINBRE aims to improve research capabilities by providing access to instrumentation, analysis services, outreach, funding, and workforce training and development opportunities.  In addition to an Administrative Core, MSINBRE has programmatic Cores in PUI/ERI Developmental Research, Data Science, Instrumentation and Services, and Community Engagement and Training.  More information at msinbre.org.

The faculty appointment will be within a relevant School including: Biological and Environmental Sciences, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Polymer Science and Engineering in the College of Arts and Sciences, Health Professions, and Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice in the College of Nursing and Health Professions. More information at https://www.usm.edu/university/colleges-schools.php .

Primary Duties and Responsibilities  

1. Lead the operation and development of the Biomedical Research Network, setting the vision and strategic direction for research activities.
2. Lead and manage MS INBRE in accordance with the goals and objectives of the grant award, including but not limited to fiscal management, scientific direction, compliance, performance reviews, submitting progress reports, renewal/supplemental grant applications, and collaborating with the network partners and funding agencies.
3. Collaborate with faculty, researchers, industry, community organizations, state, federal, academic, and not-for-profit entities from various disciplines to promote and develop research initiatives and implement plans that support research capacity building and workforce development in biomedical research.
4. Oversee the planning and implementation of research programs and projects to grow research and ensure alignment with institutional goals.
5. Seek and secure external funding through various sources to support biomedical research and growth of the network.
6. Support the Vice President for Research and Office of Research in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with partner organizations, as well as, state, federal, industry, and community organizations as they relate to growing the network and biomedical research. This includes representing the BRN and MSINBRE in academic, professional, and public forums.
7. Perform other duties as assigned.

Guidance for cover letter:
Your cover letter should explicitly address how your experience and qualifications align with the minimum and preferred qualifications, as well as the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined in the position description. In particular, please describe:

1. Leadership and Administrative Experience: Specific examples of your administrative leadership roles, including supervision of employees, budget oversight, and program or center management.
   Academic and Research Background: Highlight your scholarly achievements, including your record of peer-reviewed publications and evidence of sustained research productivity.
2. Mentoring Experience: Provide examples of how you have mentored faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and/or students, including outcomes of those mentoring relationships.
3. Research Funding and Grantsmanship: Highlight your track record of securing and managing externally funded research projects, especially federally funded initiatives, and your approach to developing competitive proposals.
4. Collaboration and Team Science: Experience leading or participating in multi-, inter-, or trans-disciplinary research teams, particularly those involving multiple institutions or stakeholders.
5. Professional Service and Outreach: Contributions to national and/or international professional service, leadership roles in professional societies, and community or industry engagement relevant to biomedical research.
6. Vision for INBRE Leadership: Your approach to building research capacity in Mississippi’s biomedical research community, including your plans for mentoring, fostering collaborations, and aligning with the goals of the IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence program.

Applicants are encouraged to be specific and provide measurable outcomes or examples wherever possible.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
An earned Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in a relevant discipline in biomedical-  life- health- biochemical-biophysical sciences, or biomaterial-, tissue- or biomedical- biochemical, or biophysical engineering or a closely related field; evidence of administrative leadership experience including supervision of employees; evidence of a distinguished and sustained scholarly record that would qualify the applicant at the rank of at least associate professor; evidence of strong mentoring experience; evidence of significant national and/or international professional service; evidence of potential to develop/maintain a strong, externally funded research program among a variety of sponsors, publish peer-reviewed literature, contribute across disciplines, and promote the continued growth of research programs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep understanding of biomedical research methodologies, emerging trends, and regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with NIH and other federal funding mechanisms, especially the IDeA program and INBRE requirements.
• Knowledge of research infrastructure development, capacitybuilding strategies, and faculty mentoring in academic settings.
• Understanding of compliance issues, including research integrity, human subjects protections, animal welfare, export controls, and data security.
• Working knowledge of budget management, grants administration, and federal reporting requirements.
• Understanding of higher education governance, organizational structures, and can use industry/professional terminology fluently.
• Grant writing and competitive proposal development, with a track record of securing federal funding.
• Program management skills to coordinate multisite research, training, and outreach activities across institutions.
• Data analysis and reporting skills, including use of research performance metrics for program evaluation.
• Communication skills should include written, verbal, and presentation for broad audiences such as NIH program officers, state legislators, faculty, community college instructors, community health organizations, students, and the public.
• Leadership and team-building skills to manage faculty, staff, and trainees.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills to navigate institutional dynamics and facilitate collaborative agreements.
• Strategic planning skills to grow biomedical research capacity statewide.
• Meet eligibility criteria to serve as principal investigator for NIH INBRE program with ultimate responsibility for scientific direction, fiscal stewardship, and compliance.
• Ability to inspire and sustain collaborative relationships among faculty across multiple institutions.
• Manage large, complex budgets and ensure timely and accurate reporting to funding agencies.
• Balance scientific leadership with administrative demands and deadlines.
• Adapt to changing federal funding priorities and compliance requirements.
• Represent the program effectively at the state, regional, and national levels.
• Mentor junior faculty and students, with a commitment to cultivating talent in the biomedical sciences.
• Local, statewide, regional and national travel is required, including both day trips and overnight stays.
• Candidates must have access to reliable transportation and be able to travel independently to fulfill job responsibilities.

 
Preferred Qualifications
Experience establishing and/or leading an academic or research center. Experience in leading and managing multi-, inter-, and/or trans- disciplinary research teams. Five years of biomedical research experience and three years of administrative leadership experience, including supervision of employees.