New

Director - Plants for Human Health Institute

North Carolina State University

Commensurate with Experience

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Kannapolis

Jan 20, 2026

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194420EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Director - Plants for Human Health Institute
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with Experience
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Job Location	Kannapolis. NC
Department	Kannapolis Research
About the Department	The Plants for Human Health Institute's mission is to provide a global center for discovery and health benefits. The continuum of plant genetics to crop breeding strategies, to foods and food processing, and ultimately to diet and health is a complex path. PHHI leverages world-leading expertise in nutrition, food, and plant sciences to discover and deliver innovative plant-based strategies for advancing human health. PHHI is unique in that it supports an in-house outreach component, a group of NC State Extension personnel that works with institute faculty and Cooperative Extension agents and specialists statewide to deliver educational resources to enrich the lives and economy of North Carolinians. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences ( CALS) at NC State supports the Plants for Human Health Institute with faculty from the departments of horticultural science; food, bioprocessing and nutrition sciences; plant and microbial biology; animal science; and molecular and structural biochemistry. This transdisciplinary interaction strengthens the efforts of individual faculty. PHHI is part of the NC Research Campus in Kannapolis, NC, (112 miles west of NC State's main campus in Raleigh) that comprises eight dedicated research centers from seven UNC System schools and Duke University. Each university research center brings unique expertise within the transdisciplinary research community, with the overarching focus on health, nutrition, and biosciences innovation.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits	As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. What we offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision Flexible Spending Account Retirement Programs Disability Plans Life Insurance Accident Plan Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs 12 Holidays Each Year Tuition and Academic Assistance And so much more! Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties	The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Plants for Human Health Institute ( PHHI) seeks a candidate with specific expertise in discovery and translation of plant and food innovations for disease prevention and organizational administration who will serve as the Director of the NC State Plants for Human Health Institute and provide leadership to uphold PHHI as the premier global center for the discovery and translation of the links between plants, disease prevention, and health maintenance. The candidate should have an academic record of accomplishment that would qualify them for academic rank as a tenured Professor. The position also requires a research program focused on the discovery and delivery of innovative plant-based solutions to advance human health. This individual will be an established, world-renowned academic in the area of plant-based nutrition discovery and innovation for advancing human health, and whose primary responsibilities will be in the areas of administrative leadership, research, and training, while establishing a broad set of partnerships and collaborations, both within and beyond the university. The successful candidate will be expected to set and support bold, innovative research goals as well as lead a world-class Plants for Human Health Institute aimed at advancing and applying plant-based solutions for human health. We seek a scientist and administrative leader who is prominent and well-recognized in the area of plant-based nutrition innovations for human health, with demonstrated management and integrative leadership skills. The position is critical to College departmental research, leadership, and training missions; the formal appointment is administration (60%) and research (40%). The eminent scientist and effective administrator, in their role as director of the PHHI, will be supported by a research staff that will assist in research activities and by an administrative staff to support PHHI operations. The PHHI Director's research program will be located within the state-of-the-art NC State Plants for Human Health Building located on the N.C. Research Campus in Kannapolis, North Carolina. Administrative Leadership responsibilities as PHHI Director (60%) include: Provide strategic leadership and vision to promote and advance PHHI's cutting-edge research, training, and extension programs. Foster the PHHI's national and international profile and national/international visibility by continuing to build and support a dynamic community of world-class researchers, including faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and students. Lead efforts to seek funding opportunities in support of significant program-project initiatives and other major research efforts that will involve collaboration with Kannapolis-based researchers (internal and external to the PHHI). Ensure financial health and sustainability of the PHHI by providing executive management/oversight of the yearly PHHI state and federal budget allocations and philanthropic gifts. Build Institute support through mechanisms such as scholarships for graduate students, internship programs and local university-managed housing. Continue to establish and maintain broad partnerships and collaborations with academic institutions, industry, federal and state agencies, foundations, and commodity/industry groups. Serve as a key liaison to ensure effective communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Communicate effectively with PHHI Extension, assist with media engagement opportunities and support programming efforts in collaboration with PHHI faculty and staff, NC State Extension/NC Cooperative Extension and CALS Extension faculty. Direct and manage the integration of research activities, resource allocation, and facility management to ensure success of the overall operation and effectiveness of the PHHI. Identify and maintain infrastructure and services that monitor, promote and improve the Institute's research, with anticipation of future needs. Oversee the development of intellectual property through the creation of new plant-based solutions for human health. Conduct self-assessments and apply quality improvement principles to continually improve the effectiveness of the Institute's internal processes and support mechanisms. Facilitate the strategic addition of faculty positions while coordinating with appropriate Department Heads on the search and selection committees. Coordinate the research activities of the PHHI with collaborative departments and units at NCSU and NCRC; this will include monitoring the progress of research programs and assisting the faculty in improving the success of their research projects. Foster professional development and support social events that build a culture of community and wellness, ultimately supporting career growth and employee retention. Coordinate and provide leadership for the 2028 transition of the PHHI building ownership from Castle and Cooke to NC State. Research responsibilities (40%) include: Establish and maintain a cutting-edge research program focused on plant-based nutrition discovery and innovation for advancing human health. Develop and expand funding opportunities and partnerships to support research efforts. Provide rigorous training opportunities for student trainees and research staff. NC State is a community of individuals from varied backgrounds and demographic categories; it encourages, accepts, and values a variety of people and ideas; it seeks to promote an environment where fairness, respect, and understanding represent the norm in the campus climate; and it seeks to prepare entrepreneurs who are effective citizens of a global community. As such, you are expected to contribute to an environment that is welcoming of all groups. You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition (https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
Other Responsibilities	Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Requires a Ph. D., an equivalent degree. Finalist must have an academic record of accomplishment that would qualify them for academic rank as a tenured Professor.
Other Required Qualifications	Excellent written and oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to publish research in respected peer-reviewed journals.
Preferred Qualifications	Experience leading a productive research program/center/institute Experience securing extramural support for research activities Experience developing and securing IP
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	Valid NC Driver's license or the ability to obtain with 60 days of start.
Valid NC Driver's License required	Yes
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	01/20/2026
Anticipated Close Date	Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please attach the following documents: Resume/CV Cover Letter Contact Information for References Research Statement Brief Statement of Administrative Leadership Philosophy and Research Interest (Other Document 1)

Position Details

Position Number	00100279
Position Type	EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.0
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Mandatory - Medical Emergencies, Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID	110308 - Kannapolis Research
EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.