Director, Northeast Rice Research & Extension Center

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Closing Date:

Type of Position:

Faculty - Non-TenureNo

Job Type:

RegularYes

Institution Name:

Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees.  The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture.  The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration.  As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. 

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.  To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

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Department:

Adminhttps://aaes.uada.edu/research-locations/northeast-rice-research-and-extension-center/

Summary of Job Duties:

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture seeks an energetic and visionary leader to serve as Director of the Northeast Rice Research & Extension Center (NERREC), located near Jonesboro, Arkansas. The Director will lead a multidisciplinary team of approximately five research and extension faculty and 30 full time and hourly support staff.

The Director is responsible for guiding, fostering, and advancing strong, collaborative research and Extension programs addressing applied and basic research needs relevant to Arkansas and the mid-South rice industry. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive leadership in planning, integration, and implementation of all research and Extension activities conducted at NERREC.

Key responsibilities include:
• Administrative and fiscal leadership for NERREC personnel, programs, and physical resources.
• Program planning, faculty development, and pursuit of extramural funding.
• Coordination with other university programs, professional organizations, governmental agencies, and agricultural industry groups.
• Active engagement with industry stakeholders, including but not limited to the Arkansas Rice Research & Promotion Board, Rice Technical Working Group, Arkansas Farm Bureau, USA Rice, and Arkansas Rice Federation.
• Establishing research and Extension priorities related to rice production, processing, and marketing.
• Providing overall leadership for planning and execution of the annual NE Rice Field Day.

More information about NERREC is available at:
https://aaes.uada.edu/research-locations/northeast-rice-research-and-extension-center/

This is a full time, twelve-month, non-tenure track appointment. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Earned Ph.D. in Agriculture or a closely related discipline.

• Outstanding record of professional accomplishments that merit appointment at the rank of Professor.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and persuasively with both scientific and stakeholder audiences.

• Evidence of administrative leadership skills and the ability to guide a dynamic research and Extension program.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and communicate with diverse clientele.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the Land-Grant University System, including research, Extension, or both.

• Experience conducting field research at research stations or Research & Extension Centers.

• Demonstrated success managing fiscal, human, and infrastructure resources.

• Proven ability to attract and manage extramural funding.

• Experience leading or coordinating multidisciplinary research teams.

• Excellence in written and oral communication.

 

Additional Information:

Applicants should submit:

1. Letter of interest describing relevant experience and vision for the role.

2. Curriculum vitae.

3. Names and contact information for five references who may be asked to provide letters of reference.

4. A one‑page statement addressing:

• (1) Professional goals
• (2) Key challenges facing row‑crop agriculture and the mid‑South rice industry
• (3) Approaches to addressing these challenges, including the applicant’s philosophy of administrative leadership

The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Screening of applicants is expected to begin in August.

Commensurate with education and experienceCover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of five Professional References (name, email, business title), Other (see special instructions for details)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

A one-page statement addressing:
o (1) Professional goals
o (2) Key challenges facing row crop agriculture and the mid-South rice industry
o (3) Approaches to addressing these challenges, including the applicant’s philosophy of administrative leadershipDr. Jean-François Meullenet
Senior Associate Vice President for Agriculture-Research and Director of the AAES
jfmeull@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment.  The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check.  Required checks are identified in the position listing.  A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position.  Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law. 

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

N/A

Frequent Physical Activity:

Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting, Talking

Occasional Physical Activity:

Kneeling, Lifting, Reaching

Benefits Eligible:

Yes