Director, NC Food Innovation Lab

North Carolina State University, United States

Updated: about 14 hours ago
Location: Raleigh, NORTH CAROLINA
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Information


Posting Number PG193416EP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title Director, NC Food Innovation Lab
Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with Experience
Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM
Job Location Kannapolis, NC
Department NC Food Innovation Lab
About the Department
The North Carolina Food Processing Innovation Center (PIC) is a new initiative within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) designed to serve as an accelerator for plant-based food product research and development with the goal of assisting and enhancing North Carolina’s new generation of food and agricultural entrepreneurs, industries and research scientists. In collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), the North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC), the NCSU Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences the NC Department of Commerce and other partners, a new pilot plant facility is being constructed that will provide North Carolina food and agribusiness with a centralized hub to access next generation technologies for transformation of plant raw materials into value added ingredients and consumer products. This world-class facility is scheduled to be completed in 2018 and located on the NCRC in Kannapolis, NC (30 miles from uptown Charlotte, NC). Approximately 15,000 sqft of space within the Core Laboratory of the NCRC will have dedicated office and meeting space, product development and laboratory space and two pilot plants including a dedicated GMP facility for manufacturing of plant-based food ingredients and products. The strategic location on the NCRC campus will provide opportunities for engagement with leading faculty and research staff located with the NCSU Plants for Human Health Institute and other NCRC partners as well as existing and future corporate partners and start-up opportunities.
Essential Job Duties
This position will be the Director of the NC Food Innovation Lab (NCFIL) at North Carolina State University reporting to the Executive Director and the Associate Dean and Director, NC Agricultural Research Service. Primary duties as Director will include, but are not limited to:
Administration (70%):
  • Collaborate with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services(NCDA&CS), the North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC), The NCSU Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, The Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI), and the NC Department of Commerce to continue to enrich North Carolina food and agribusinesses with a centralized hub to access next-generation technologies for transformation of plant raw materials into value-added ingredients and consumer products.
  • Maintain cGMP status and FDA Food Manufacturing License in coordination with the Operations Manager and Food Safety Manager
  • Be the key representative in communicating important decisions to stakeholders and the public.
  • Foster a success-oriented, accountable culture within the NCFIL team members.
  • Represent NCFIL with clients, potential investors, and business partners.
  • Facilitate negotiations between potential users of NCFIL as well as IP and liaison with those partners and NC State offices.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with contract manufacturing facilities in the State and national that support the mission and vision of NCFIL. In
    some cases, with individual corporate members, foster closer working
    relationships to bring more funding and prominence to NCSU.
  • Development of key relationships between domestic and international Universities with key interests of NCFIL and facilitate collaboration in the
    mission and vision of NCFIL.
  • Strong protein chemistry and product applications background through academic training and on-job experience. Coordinate activities between
    the Center of Excellence for Sustainable Protein and NCFIL.
  • Anticipate and rectify problems that could impact the NCFIL’s performance and achievement of strategic goals.
  • Build and maintain a positive culture through strong, inspirational leadership.
  • Conduct interviews, make final hiring decisions, develop work plans and conduct performance appraisals for permanent employees within the unit.


Personnel (15%):
  • Actively coach and develop the entire NCFIL team to ensure they are delivering against the key metrics (strategic and financial)
  • Identify methods to improve quality, efficiency, and productivity of all NCFIL activities. Provide timely, accurate reports to university administrators and NC
    Department of Agriculture on the progress of NCFIL.
  • Motivate and lead a high-performance team.
  • Provide mentoring to prepare other staff members for future management roles and develop work plans that meet the needs of NCFIL as well as the
    employees’ goals.
  • Make strategic and financial decisions that determine NCFIL trajectory meets its mission and vision.

Research (5%):
  • Provide leadership and information to less experienced NCFIL staff on research and development. Identify and pursue funding that allows for publication of data that can be made public.

Leadership & Engagement (10%):
  • Coordinate with the NCFIL Executive Director in the engagement of food entrepreneurs and networks within the state and National food industry researchers with the purpose of generating activities aligned with NCFIL’s overall goal of stimulating food manufacturing economy within the State of NC. This includes close collaboration with NCSU Extension programs and NCDA&CS.

This position is located in Kannapolis, NC.
Other Responsibilities

Qualifications


Minimum Education and Experience
Require post-baccalaureate credentials in in Food Science, Nutrition Science, Plant Sciences, Chemistry/Biochemistry or related field or a bachelor’s degree plus alternative or equivalent professional training and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.
Other Required Qualifications
  • Evidence of senior leadership and supervisory experience with technical/professional staff.
  • Experience in direction of research and development, product and process development, outreach and engagement programs.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 10 years of professional experience with a proven background in food and agricultural industry and/or research role.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
n/a
Valid NC Driver's License required No
Commercial Driver's License required No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions


Job Open Date 05/23/2024
Anticipated Close Date Open until filled.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references.
Please make sure that the information entered on the application matches what is on your resume.

Position Details


Position Number 00110841
Position Type EHRA Non-Faculty
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
Department ID 110309 - NC Food Innovation Lab
AA/EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or [email protected] .
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.

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