University of Southern Mississippi

Director of Biomedical Research Network

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Director of Biomedical Research Network.

Position DetailsLocation Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States DivisionVP ResearchPosition TypeAdministrative FacultyEmployment StatusFull TimeGrant FundedNo Pay GradeGeneric Grade

Posting Close DateOpen Until Filled

Description

The University of Southern Mississippi Biomedical Research Network is seeking outstanding applicants for the position of Director coupled with a faculty position at the rank of Full or Associate Professor based on experience and qualifications.

Job Summary

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 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 with diversified funding sources. The position is full-time, 12-month, tenure track, and begins as early as August 2025. 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 Data Science, Instrumentation and Services and Community Engagement and Training. More information at msinbre.org.

The faculty appointment will be within a relevant School and include but are not limited to: Biological and Environmental Sciences, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Polymer Science and Engineering in the College of Arts and Sciences, Health Professions, Leadership and Advance Nursing 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 BRN, 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 submitting progress reports, ensuring scientific, budgetary, and administrative compliance, as well as project renewal.
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 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.

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; 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, publish peer-reviewed literature, contribute across disciplines, and promote the continued growth of research programs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Understands higher education and can use industry/professional terminology fluently.
• Thinks strategically and seeks to align unit services and goals with institutional strategic goals.
• Ability to plan, organize, and execute complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and timelines. Proficiency in project management tools and techniques to ensure successful implementation and completion of tasks in accordance with deadlines.
• Capability to develop and implement strategic plans including the identification of new opportunities for research collaboration, and industry and community engagement.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective relationships with faculty, staff, senior administration, industry partners, and external organizations. Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals and facilitate knowledge exchange.
• Proficiency in analyzing data to identify trends, evaluate program effectiveness, and make data-driven decisions to optimize innovation processes and resource allocation. Ability to interpret research findings and market insights to inform strategic decision-making.
• Strong leadership skills to motivate team members and drive performance towards achieving organizational objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders, including the ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner. Experience in preparing reports, presentations, and proposals for diverse audiences.
• Ability to think creatively, identify opportunities for innovation, and develop strategies to leverage the university's intellectual assets for economic development and societal impact.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, environments, and demands while maintaining a high level of performance. Resilience to overcome challenges and setbacks encountered during the implementation of innovation initiatives and research translation activities.
• Understanding of ethical considerations and legal regulations related to research and adherence to ethical standards and compliance with relevant laws and policies.

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.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Network Coordinator

Administrative Specialist

Logistics and Outreach Specialist

Events and Public Relations Coordinator

Additional positions deemed necessary to support the mission of BRN

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu. 

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.