|
Center for Bioproducts and Bioenergy Director and Battelle Distinguished Professor (VACANT)
Description of Position
Washington State University created the Center for Bioproducts and Bioenergy (CBB) in 2006 and is seeking a world class scientist/leader to advance the research efforts of the University in partnership with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and others in the development of new products, and establish the Center as a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence. Additional partners include the, Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the Washington State Department of Ecology (WDOE). Located on the WSU Tri-Cities campus, CBB will facilitate a new research initiative in the conversion of agricultural waste into viable products such as plastics, solvents and fibers. With a mission to conduct a full range of research from basic through technology transfer, the CBB is the centerpiece of efforts to be a national leader in establishing a model bioeconomy.
The Director will hold the Battelle Distinguished Professorship and be appointed as a professor with tenure in the appropriate academic department at Washington State University.
For day-to-day oversight and advocacy, the Director will report to the Chancellor of WSU Tri-Cities who also chairs the CBB Leadership Council. The Leadership Council, which is composed of the appropriate academic deans and PNNL representatives, will provide advice to the Director regarding the Center’s mission, goals and scope of work.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director will be responsible for leading the development and activities of the Center by: developing short and long term mission and goals; designing and implementing strategies to realize the mission and meet goals; acquiring significant funding to support Center programmatic activities; coordinating joint PNNL-WSU research; delivering quality research products; communicating with diverse internal and external customers and constituencies, including state and federal agencies, and private industry; promoting Center work locally, statewide, nationally and internationally; recruiting nationally recognized scientists in partnership with PNNL to develop the mission and work of the Bioproducts, Science and Engineering Laboratory (BSEL); building a national and international reputation in bioproducts and bioenergy research; developing a strong interdisciplinary team of scientists with expertise in bioproducts/bioenergy; establishing and implementing cutting edge research agendas; coordinating related academic programming; hiring staff; and managing the Center’s budget.
Required Qualifications:
- PhD in bioproducts-related field such as life sciences/bio-technology, chemical engineering/bio-processing, or chemistry/organic chemistry/catalysis;
- Strong national reputation as a leading scientist in bioproducts/bioenergy;
- Demonstrated success in building and leading diverse group of multidisciplinary teams in the development and execution of research agendas, particularly in emerging fields and new strategic initiatives;
- Demonstrated success in developing industrial partnerships that enable market-based outcomes;
- Experience working with relevant funding and policy agencies;
- Eligible for appointment as a tenured full professor;
- Significant record of peer-reviewed publications, presentations, intellectual property development, technology transfer, and/or other technical products;
- Record of acquisition of significant competitive research funding and successful management of large programs (> $5 million/year).
Desired Qualifications:
- Membership in the National Academy of Sciences or similar organization;
- Understanding of and commitment to successful partnerships of a major research land grant university with federal entities, state agencies, and other research universities;
- Administrative experience at a research university;
- Experience in developing and/or administering graduate programs, especially at the PhD level.
- Success as a faculty member at a research university;
- Record of successful graduate student mentorship.
Employment/Salary:
Anticipated start date is September, 2007. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Process:
Application review date begins May 18, 2007. Applicants should submit a letter of application addressing the qualification criteria, current (comprehensive) vita and contact information of three professional references to: Julie Nelson, Clerical Manager Search 4696, WSU TC, 2710 University Drive, Richland, WA 99354, janelson@tricity.wsu.edu. Applications may be sent electronically to: janelson@tricity.wsu.edu .
Miscellaneous
About WSU
Washington State University (WSU) is a comprehensive land-grant research institution with campuses in Pullman, Spokane, the Tri-Cities (Richland, Pasco and Kennewick) and Vancouver. Washington State University Tri-Cities, located along the Columbia River in Richland, Wash., is a WSU regional campus that serves graduate and upper division students in areas including science, engineering, business, education, digital technology and culture, English, viticulture and enology, and nursing. WSU Tri-Cities will expand in August 2007 to offer lower division courses and four-year degrees.
About PNNL
PNNL is one of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) ten national laboratories, managed by DOE's Office of Science. PNNL also performs research for other DOE offices as well as government agencies, universities, and industry to deliver breakthrough science and technology to meet today's key national needs. PNNL currently has approximately 4,214 staff members and a business volume of $725 million. Battelle has operated PNNL for DOE and its predecessors since 1965. A unique feature of Battelle's contract with DOE allows our staff to work for private industry. To learn more about PNNL, see our Delivering Science and Solutions brochure.
About BSEL
The Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory (BSEL) will open in Fall 2007 on the Washington State University Tri-Cities campus in Richland, Wash. The $24 million, 57,000-square-foot research and teaching laboratory is a partnership between WSU and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory operated by Battelle. BSEL features the Biorefinery and the Combinatorial Catalysis research lab, plus a variety of laboratories and classrooms. The facility establishes the Tri-Cities as a center for world-class bio-based product research and development, creates a magnet for prominent scientists, and helps the Northwest agriculture industry be more competitive.
For more details, see www.pnl.gov/biobased/bsel.stm .
To see the construction progress, go to the web cam at www.tricity.wsu.edu/bsel/
About Tri-Cities
www.visittri-cities.com
The “Tri-Cities” is the Richland-Kennewick-Pasco metropolitan statistical area with a population of 226,000. Located just hours from Seattle, WA and Portland, OR, the area is embraced by the beauty of a desert landscape and connected by the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima rivers. The Tri-Cities offers a multitude of recreational, cultural, and historical activities and is a great place to visit and live. We’re known for our sunny weather, access to outdoor recreation, highly educated scientific community, world-class wines, and overall quality of life. Click on the link above to learn more about the various communities.
Other Links:
Washington State Department of Agriculture: http://www.agr.wa.gov/
Washington State Department of Ecology: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.
WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Washington State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521(v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509.-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.
Click here for a PDF file of job description
To see the construction progress, go to the web cam at www.tricity.wsu.edu/bsel/ |