University of Nebraska System

Position Information

Working Title
Food, Agriculture, and Environment Security Director (NSRI)

Position Number

Job Description Summary
The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska (NU) is seeking applications for a Food, Agriculture, and Environment Security Director (FAES-D). The person in this position will have a joint appointment in NSRI and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). The person filling this position reports to the NSRI Associate Executive Director (AED) for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Allied Programs (CAP) and serves as NSRI’s liaison with the UNL IANR’s Agricultural Research Division (ARD) Dean. The FAES-D will support the development and implementation of strategic planning and coordinate research intended to provide solutions for threats to the nation’s food and agriculture sector and the environment, to include but not limited to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats. The FAES-D will develop a high impact, nationally and internationally recognized FAES program; seek, establish and support effective disciplinary and transdisciplinary teams from across IANR, NSRI, NU system and beyond; connect with centers within NU and with established external collaborative programs; effectively identify research opportunities, and coordinate and leverage external and internal support (e.g., grants and contracts); mentor and advise research teams; participate in scientific meetings and other appropriate professional activities; and translate research-based information into learner-centered products.
The FAES-D will contribute to the integrated (extension, research, and teaching) land-grant mission of IANR, as an effective scholar and citizen, including supporting student recruitment and IANR science literacy, as appropriate.
In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the institute, and/or university level. Participation on collegial activities and serve on committees that work toward improving equity, diversity, inclusion, and a climate-resilient infrastructure is expected.

National Strategic Research Institute Profile:
NSRI is a non-profit IRS 501c(3) supporting organization of the University of Nebraska, established in 2012 to operate one of only 15 Department of Defense (DoD) University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) in the nation. NSRI is engaged in a long-term, strategic partnership with our DoD sponsor, United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). NSRI provides essential research, development and support for USSTRATCOM, other DoD components and federal agencies focused on established research core competencies, including Nuclear Detection and Forensics, Detection of Chemical and Biological Weapons, Active and Passive Defense against Weapons of Mass Destruction, Consequence Management, and Mission Related Research. NSRI receives funding from project sponsors through contracts generated from our sole-source, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract with USSTRATCOM, as well as other direct contract vehicles and grants.
Website: https://nsri.nebraska.edu

Applicants should note:
This is a full-time 1.0 FTE position based out of NSRI’s office in Lincoln, Nebraska, with day-to-day work location being the University of Nebraska Lincoln, East Campus. Periodic travel may be required to NSRI’s offices in Omaha, other University of Nebraska System Campuses, NSRI Field Offices in Maryland, Virginia and Florida, and other locations where business and/or training is conducted.
Compensation: This is a managerial/professional position that is considered salaried/exempt. Salary will be commensurate with Experience and Contributing Attributes, with $140,000/year as the minimum.

Benefits: NSRI employees receive University of Nebraska-like benefits, per underlying service agreements, to include paid vacation and sick leave; insurance options; and a retirement program. NSRI also currently observes twelve (12) paid holidays each year. Applicants accepting a job offer must pass a background check and a drug test prior to starting in the position.

Position Details
Click here to view the full job description, and to apply.

Position Announcement

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or advanced degree (MS or PhD) in food, agriculture, environment sciences, or related fields.
Experience working in food, agriculture, and environment safety, security, and defense or related fields.
Experience leading, managing, and working with teams.
Ability to write technical documents and communicate complex subjects to non-technical audiences.
Willingness to travel as required to execute position responsibilities.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) Security Clearance at the SECRET-level or higher. – see below.

Preferred Experience:

Experience with zoonotic diseases, animal production diseases, crop production diseases, public health, and One Health considerations.
Experience as a program/project manager executing contractually-defined projects, managing budgets, leading project personnel, and meeting customer requirements.
Experience with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) device and drug approval processes.
Experience with US military concerns associated with zoonotic disease threats, international regulations associated with reportable plant and animal diseases, and troop-feeding during contingency operations.
Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threat countermeasure research.
Experience working with defense contractors and federal government contracts.

Security Clearance:
NSRI is a DoD-designated UARC that performs sensitive and sometimes classified research for DoD and other federal government entities. This position requires a DoD Security Clearance at a minimum of the SECRET level. All cleared employees are subject to certain reporting requirements and random drug testing.
Ideal candidates will exhibit the following attributes and personality traits:

A skilled technical expert in all aspects of the food, agriculture, and environment security mission area.
A self-starter that demonstrates attention to detail.
Be collaborative and team-oriented with the ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment to seek input from others when necessary.
Strong communication skills to effectively interact with senior leaders, peers, employees, and external partners.
Understanding of corporate-level business, operations, and organization.
Advanced organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple and complex tasks and work effectively in a fast-paced environment, with short deadlines and interruptions.
Ability to manage sensitive and confidential interactions with sponsors and partners.
Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills necessary to independently recommend appropriate actions and solutions.

Additional Information

Work Location
Lincoln

Work Schedule
Full-time

Pay Basis

Benefits Eligible
Yes

Benefits Percentile
1A 100% Ben (12mo)

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number
2012599P

Number of Vacancies
1

Open Date
05/30/2023

Close Date

May Close at Any Time Open Until Filled
Yes

Review of Applications Date

Special Instructions to Applicant
Compensation: This is a managerial/professional position that is considered salaried/exempt. Salary will be commensurate with Experience and Contributing Attributes, with $140,000/year as the minimum.
Applications processed through the on-line job posting at https://nsri.nebraska.edu/careers
Follow instructions to complete the Applicant Profile and supplemental questions. Along with your application, attach a cover letter, resume, and the names, relationship to you and contact information for at least three professional references.

Direct questions to: (304) 754-6894 or nwoollen@nsri.nebraskaresearch.gov

Questions about the on-line application process should be directed to (402) 554-8304.

As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation.