Position Description:
The Center for the Management, Utilization and Protection of Water Resources (known as the Water Center) at Tennessee Tech University is conducting a search for its Director position. The candidate sought will provide long-term vision and leadership for the Center’s research mission, oversee scholarly, educational and outreach activities, direct Center laboratory services, and manage the Center staff and budget. The Director will also be responsible for establishing a sustained research plan and associated roadmap for the Water Center. This is a 12-month salaried position (not dependent on external funds) with no instructional/teaching expectations. The selected candidate will be expected to work in close collaboration with the Center research area leads, associated faculty, and staff to expand existing collaborations, create new industry/federal/state/academic partnerships and grow the sponsored research program portfolio. They will establish collaborations among the faculty to pursue sponsored and scholastic research opportunities and develop and implement strategies to sustain and grow future Center research.
The Water Center (https://www.tntech.edu/watercenter) was established in 1984 as a response to regional and national concern about environmental and water-resource related issues. Faculty and students throughout campus work with the Water Center to address issues associated with increasing public demands on water resources, watershed management, hydrology, water quality, aquatic ecology, fisheries, biodiversity, and water and wastewater treatment. The Center also houses a state certified environmental water quality lab.
The selected individual will report to the University’s Vice President of Research and Economic Development.
Essential Functions
- Provide leadership to maintain and strengthen the Center’s research program and laboratory services, and to guide its strategic planning and direction
- Perform administrative duties related to the Center’s research and development projects, manage the budget, and supervise and evaluate the performance of Center staff
- Assist or work in collaboration with faculty members, students, other Centers, University Departments and University Office of Research in developing externally-funded projects
- Develop, implement, and sustain the Center’s strategic alliances and partnerships with relevant research organizations, universities and governmental agencies
- Lead a productive externally funded research program within their research expertise
- Facilitate and maintain the Center’s advisory board
- Represent the Center and Tennessee Tech University to the public, key stakeholders, academic and industry partners, and state and federal entities.
Minimum Qualifications
The Center Director will have an earned doctorate from an accredited institution in civil and environmental or chemical engineering, environmental sciences, biology or a related area. Five years of experience managing or leading a research program in academia or industry in aquatic biology/ecology, hydrology, water quality, water/wastewater treatment and sustainability or other water-related field is required. Recognized scholarly achievements as measured by high-impact peer reviewed journal publications, and a proven track record of externally-funded research is also required.
Preferred Qualifications
Proven ability to assemble successful research teams and commitment to working collaboratively with people from different disciplines, including biology, engineering, chemistry and earth sciences, and can advance the current Center research focus areas. Ability to direct and grow a multifaceted water laboratory that serves the local and regional community, as well as University faculty and students. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, administrators of the University and external constituents. Participation and leadership in professional societies.
Instructions to Applicants
Interested individuals will be required to apply online at https://jobs.tntech.edu and send a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae, statement of interest that describes the applicant’s vision for the Water Center and addresses the required and preferred qualifications, statement of research, up to three representative journal articles (co-)authored by the applicant, and names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of five references. Any email inquiries and further questions about the position should be sent to Dr. Tania Datta, Search Committee Chair at tdatta@tntech.edu.
Tennessee Tech University is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex, disability, age (40 and over), status as a protected veteran, genetic information or any other category protected by federal or state law. Inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies should be directed to equity@tntech.edu.