Agriculture, Food and Nutrition – Scientific Evidence Center - Deputy Director

Job Title

Agriculture, Food and Nutrition – Scientific Evidence Center - Deputy Director

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Dallas

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Fort Worth, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Texas A&M AgriLife Research is seeking an internationally-renowned scientific leader in evidence assessment of agriculture, food, nutrition, economics and/or health to serve as the Deputy Director for the Texas A&M AgriLife Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Scientific Evidence Center.  This newly created center will be a global leader in providing state-of-the-art scientific synthesis and analyses on pressing issues in achieving the new and expanded expectations of the Agri-Food system to promote human, environmental, and economic health.  Its mission is to become an authoritative source of non-biased information and analysis on the Agri-Food system’s effects on health, the environment, and the economy.  Thus, the center will become a leading voice for scientific evidence on agriculture, environment, natural resources, and nutrition and health for decision-makers – from consumers and producers to policy makers – thereby contributing to solutions for malnutrition and diet-related chronic disease while ensuring heathy environments, economies, and sustainable agriculture.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Scientific Evidence Center will conduct and publish state-of-the-art research synthesis studies of different types (e.g., systematic reviews) important for understanding the impact of agriculture, food and nutrition, and natural resource policies on human, environmental, and economic health, and sustainability.  These reports will be commissioned by U.S. and international policy and public health agencies and will strengthen science-informed decision-making aimed at lowering rates of malnutrition and diet-related chronic disease while ensuring heathy environments, economies, and sustainable agriculture.  The Scientific Evidence Center will also drive the next generation of research synthesis methodologies that are rigorous and transparent, and be a leading convener in gaining global consensus on standards of evidence, as well as promoting and strengthening public trust in science-informed policies and solutions.

Scientific Evidence Center Deputy Director – Position Description

The newly created Texas A&M AgriLife Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Scientific Evidence Center seeks a respected, internationally known scientific leader who, under the general direction of the Texas A&M AgriLife Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Scientific Evidence Center Director, will:

• Manage and oversee a scientific program that provides high-quality, unbiased, and transparent evidence-based scientific reviews and analyses for national and international government, policy, and public health organizations, including (but not limited to):  
  • Serving as a scientific leader with key external constituents in collaborative evidence consortia, public health, policy, and scientific advisory groups to build and maintain the Center’s reputation as a leading global source of unbiased scientific assessments and analyses.
  • With the Center Director, representing the Center to internal Texas A&M AgriLife and university faculty, including attracting faculty for Expert Panel members and facilitating sustainable relationships with broader partners and stakeholders.
  • Overseeing a robust research program to become a leader in developing new methodologies for unbiased, transparent, and objective evidence analysis and synthesis, as well as sought-after educational programs.
  • With the Director, galvanizing AgriLife and Texas A&M University faculty to participate as partners and experts for guiding and authoring evidence reviews, and assure maintenance of a high level of scholarly activity at the Center through publications, presentations, and education programs.
• Oversee the operation of the Texas A&M Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Scientific Evidence Center, including (but not limited to):
  • Developing and implementing policies and best practice guidelines, and ensuring appropriate monitoring and auditing of procedures, for the highest standards for transparency, scientific integrity, and replication, including such areas as conflict of interest reporting, and documenting and reporting of funding sources and relationships.  
  • With the Center Director, planning to align resources with the Center’s mission and strategy, and overseeing the implementation of resource plans.
  • Serves as the Chief Science Officer of the Evidence Center.
  • Recruit and retain world class level scientific staff.
  • Managing the Center’s scientific staff, as well as the research and educational programs.
• Represent the Texas A&M Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Scientific Evidence Center on key national and international scientific committees, building sustainable relationships with the relevant scientific advisors and organizations associated with the Agri-Food-Health system.
• Implement on the Center’s comprehensive, mission-driven scientific and educational program to ensure delivery of key science, research, and educational projects and programs, within key milestones for deadlines and funding requirements. 

Texas A&M AgriLife: As the largest comprehensive agriculture and life sciences program nationally, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies within The Texas A&M University System. Texas A&M AgriLife Research is one of these agencies.  With over 5,000 employees, and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, the environment, and the economy of Texas and the nation through education, research, extension, and service. 

Qualifications: 

Required:

• A terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., etc.) in a relevant field.
• Recognized national leader in scientific evidence assessment in agriculture, environmental sciences, food and nutrition, and/or economics.
• At least 10 years of experience as a scientific leader on research projects and programs, including managing budgets and personnel.
• A proven track record of publishing high-level scientific research, including research synthesis studies (e.g., systematic reviews, meta-analyses), and obtaining research funding from agencies and organizations.
• Strong English written and verbal communications skills.
• Demonstrated excellence in effective strategic planning and implementation of strategic initiatives.

Preferred:

• Experience as an administrative leader at an institution of higher education.
• Broad understanding of, and experience with, the land grant university system.
• Demonstrated ability to establish coalitions and consensus among scientific stakeholders and organizations.

Note to Applicants: Please attach a cover letter, CV and 3 professional references.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/AffirmativeAction/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.