Job Details

Overview

The Pacific Biosciences Research Center (PBRC) supports interdisciplinary research and training across cellular, developmental, and molecular biology; evolutionary, ecological, and conservation biology focused on Hawaiian and Pacific regional terrestrial and marine ecosystems; neuro-behavioral and nutritional biology; and Earth's microbiome. PBRC also administers research and training in marine sciences at the Kewalo Marine Laboratory, and manages core facilities including a microbial genomics laboratory, an insectary, and an electron/confocal microscopy center housed in a state-of-the-art ~70,000 sq. ft. Life Sciences building. PBRC collaborates with a wide range of degree-granting academic units at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to support training in biosciences for undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. PBRC manages two National Institutes of Health Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) programs that foster the success of junior faculty across the campus working on environmental microbiome and precision nutrition in human health. The Director is expected to maintain a rigorous program of externally funded research, an outstanding track record of engagement in graduate and undergraduate education and faculty mentorship, and exceptional communication, organizational, and decision-making skills that demonstrate the capacity to lead a diverse interdisciplinary unit collaboratively with PBRC faculty.

The PBRC Director is a member of the SOEST Dean's executive leadership team and provides academic and administrative leadership, supports the missions of the University of Hawai'i at Manoa and the UH system, and represents PBRC and the University in life sciences research internationally. The Director also pursues research and training opportunities through their own work, leads the advancement of basic and applied scholarly research, identifies potential funding sources, and discovers new interdisciplinary research areas aligned with SOEST and the University mission as a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.

PBRC has an annual operating budget of approximately $15M (state and extramural sources) and supports about 30 faculty, 12 postdoctoral researchers, 30 graduate students, and 25–30 additional employees.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ADMINISTRATION

• Provides comprehensive academic and administrative leadership for PBRC; supports the missions and goals of PBRC, SOEST, the Manoa campus, and the UH system.
• Serves as head facilitator and coordinator of PBRC's academic, research, training, and service programs; responsible for all administrative matters for PBRC, including human resources management, space utilization, facilities, financial management, and budget planning and execution.
• Leads collaborative strategic planning with faculty and staff; establishes, communicates, and achieves short- and long-term goals aligned with SOEST and UHM priorities.
• Develops and maintains excellence in research and training through recruitment and retention of high-quality faculty and staff; promotes a respectful, collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Provides transparent, consultative leadership balancing PBRC needs with those of SOEST, the campus, the UH system, and the broader community.
• Secures and supports others in securing funding from state, federal, corporate, and private sources; builds relationships with potential donors and sponsors with the UH Foundation; promotes annual giving and philanthropy to advance PBRC's mission.
• Promotes PBRC through strategic partnerships with local, state, federal, and international organizations; represents PBRC to external bodies.
• Prepares reports, testimony, and documents on PBRC's research and training in response to legislative, State, University, and/or School inquiries.

RESEARCH AND TRAINING

• Establishes and leads cutting-edge research programs in their area of expertise; acts as lead facilitator and coordinator of PBRC's research and training programs.
• Provides innovative leadership in interdisciplinary initiatives; supports and mentors faculty in research and helps junior faculty with professional development and tenure processes.
• Advances community-engaged scholarship and collaborations that benefit Hawaiʻi's communities.
• Promotes and supports inclusive undergraduate and graduate training activities across PBRC programs and facilities.

FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS

• Provides administrative oversight for PBRC's core research-support facilities, ensuring equitable access, sustainability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Ensures compliance with policies and regulations for research, laboratory safety, and occupational/environmental health and safety.
• Leads planning and prioritization for facilities, instrumentation, and space; coordinates with University offices on capital improvement and infrastructure projects affecting PBRC operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Doctorate in the biological sciences or a related STEM discipline; distinguished international reputation in research as evidenced by a portfolio of scholarship and achievement at the rank of Full Professor or equivalent; demonstrated leadership experience at the level of Department Chair or similar scientific leadership; proven record of competitive extramural research funding; demonstrated commitment to developing meaningful collaborations with administrators, faculty, students, and state and federal officials.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to foster a climate of excellence in research, teaching, and training; fundraising experience with public and private entities; experience in human resource and financial management of large science programs; knowledge of policies of external federal funding agencies; ability to work effectively in an indigenous, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural environment.

To Apply:

Application materials are accepted online at the following URL:

Please click on the Apply button to complete an application and attach required documents, including: a cover letter addressing interest and qualifications, a current CV, a two-page vision statement, four professional references with contact information, and transcripts (redacted). Original transcripts will be required upon hire.

An initial review of applicants will begin on November 18, 2025, but the position will remain open until filled.

Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.

For inquiries and nominations: Contact David Karl at 808-###-#### or ...@hawaii.edu

EEO, Clery Act, ADA

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit:

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements, reference checks, and, for certain positions, criminal history checks. In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act, campus crime statistics may be viewed at: a paper copy is available upon request. Accommodation requests under the ADA can be made by contacting the EEO coordinator; determination is on a case-by-case basis. For further information, visit: