Director of Research Institute, Pacific Biosciences Research Center (PBRC)-U. Hawaii at Manoa

Overview

Join to apply for the Director of Research Institute, Pacific Biosciences Research Center (PBRC) at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. The PBRC supports interdisciplinary research and training across cellular, developmental, molecular biology; evolutionary, ecological, and conservation biology focusing on Hawaiian and Pacific regional ecosystems; neuro-behavioral and nutritional biology; and Earth’s microbiome. PBRC 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 in a new ~70,000 sq. ft. Life Sciences building. PBRC collaborates with various degree-granting units at UH Mānoa to train undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. PBRC currently manages two NIH COBRE programs that support junior faculty across campus working on environmental microbiome and precision nutrition in human health. The Director is expected to lead with a rigorous externally funded research program, an outstanding track record in graduate and undergraduate education and faculty mentorship, exceptional communication and organizational abilities, and strong decision-making skills to lead a diverse, interdisciplinary unit."

The PBRC Director is a member of the SOEST Dean’s executive leadership team and provides academic and administrative leadership, supports PBRC’s missions, represents PBRC and UH in life sciences research internationally, and fosters research and training opportunities through the Director’s own research endeavors. The Director advances basic and applied scholarly research, identifies funding sources, and grows interdisciplinary research aligned with SOEST and the University’s mission as a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning. PBRC has an annual operating budget of approximately $15M and supports 30 faculty, 12 postdoctoral researchers, 30 graduate students, and 25–30 additional staff and students.

Responsibilities

• Administration – Provide comprehensive academic and administrative leadership for PBRC; support the missions of PBRC, SOEST, the Manoa campus, and the UH system; lead PBRC’s academic, research, training, and service programs; oversee human resources, space utilization, facilities, financial management, and budget planning and execution; lead strategic planning with faculty and staff; recruit and retain high-quality faculty and staff; promote a respectful, collaborative, high-performance culture; secure and support funding from state, federal, corporate, and private sources; develop donor relationships and support philanthropic initiatives; promote PBRC through strategic partnerships and external representation; prepare reports and documents in response to inquiries.
• Research and Training – Establish and lead cutting-edge research programs; coordinate PBRC’s research and training activities; provide leadership in interdisciplinary initiatives; mentor faculty and support junior faculty in development and tenure processes; advance community-engaged scholarship and collaborations; promote inclusive undergraduate and graduate training across PBRC programs and facilities.
• Facilities and Operations – Oversee PBRC’s core facilities ensuring access, sustainability, safety, and continuous improvement; ensure compliance with research and safety policies; plan facilities, instrumentation, and space; coordinate with University offices on capital improvements and infrastructure; perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD in the biological sciences or related STEM field relevant to PBRC. Distinguished international reputation in research evidenced by a portfolio of scholarship and achievement at the rank of Full Professor or comparable experience; demonstrated leadership experience at department chair or equivalent; proven record of competitive extramural funding; commitment to collaboration and effective working relationships with administrators, faculty, students, and state and federal officials.

Desirable Qualifications

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

To Apply

Application materials are accepted online at https : / / www.schooljobs.com / careers / hawaiiedu / jobs / 5105274 / director-of-pacific-biosciences-research-center-pbrc-89024. Required materials : cover letter detailing interest and qualifications including how you meet minimum and desirable qualifications; current curriculum vitae; a two-page vision statement for PBRC; contact information for at least four professional references; redacted transcripts. Official transcripts may be requested later. Initial review of applications will begin November 18, 2025; the position remains open until filled. If you have not applied previously using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.

For inquiries and nominations, contact David Karl at 808-956-8964 or dkarl@hawaii.edu.

EEO, Clery Act, ADA

The University of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. Employment is contingent on eligibility verification under the Immigration Reform and Control Act. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure Act statistics can be viewed at the UH Title IX / Campus Security pages. The University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring accommodation should contact the EEO coordinator. See https : / / www.hawaii.edu / offices / eeo / accommodation-request / for more information.

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