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Director, Life Sciences Institute

How to Apply

Johanna Neuman and Lionel Anderson of JM Search have been retained to assist in this recruitment. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and resumes with bespoke letters of intent may be sent to: [email protected] .

Who We Are

In its next Director, the Life Sciences Institute (LSI/the Institute) of the University of Michigan (UM/the University) seeks a scientist of international distinction to position the LSI as the global pioneer for advancing biomedical research and improving human health.

A world-class, independent, and collaborative research institute, the LSI trains scientists and students at all levels, develops innovative technologies and methods, and fosters active collaborations across the University of Michigan research enterprise. It comprises 27 research groups led by faculty with appointments in academic departments. Working across disciplines, LSI engineers, chemists, biochemists, structural biologists, cell biologists, and geneticists push the boundaries of scientific discovery and advance the understanding of the fundamental principles governing dynamic cellular processes. These groups conduct cutting-edge research that integrates innovative chemical biology approaches, advanced microscopy techniques, computational modeling, structural biology, mechanistic biochemistry, and human genetics to study biochemical pathways, mitigate disease, and develop treatments. In the LSI's first two decades, researchers have published over 3000 papers and contributed to the development of 16 approved drugs or clinical candidates.

Responsibilities*

Reporting directly to Provost Laurie K. McCauley, the LSI Director serves as the Institute's chief representative to the wider UM community as well as the University's international ambassador and spokesperson for translational application of the life sciences. Leveraging this platform, the next director will continually shape and drive the frontier in basic science research, while delivering on the following priorities:

+ Develop and implement a strategic vision for the LSI that synergizes with the broader scientific mission of the University of Michigan;

+ Recruit and mentor talented scientists to run independent research programs;

+ Lead an individual, internationally recognized research program;

+ Ensure excellence in research and foster a culture of scientific innovation and collaboration within the LSI;

+ Identify and pursue opportunities made possible by emerging fields and technological advances occurring in biomedical research;

+ Foster collaborations within LSI and across the University of Michigan to make the LSI a dynamic hub of university biomedical research;

+ Engage with national and international scientific communities, representing the University of Michigan and LSI in external forums and partnerships;

+ Develop research priorities in consultation with LSI faculty and manage institute resources;

+ Engage key decision-makers in the government and policy arena, funding agencies (public and private), national associations, donors, and peer research organizations to communicate and amplify LSI's important work;

+ Work closely with scientific and government partners to develop and lead joint research and strategic initiatives;

+ Contribute to the overall scientific and strategic leadership of University of Michigan.

Required Qualifications*

+ Scientific vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and enthusiasm about the future and the importance of basic biomedical research;

+ Scientific excellence and a strong motivation to lead in an open, collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment;

+ Strong scientific track record commensurate with the rank of full professor, including internationally recognized contributions to a research field;

+ Demonstrated ability to lead complex scientific programs, mentor and support diverse teams, and manage personnel within a dynamic research setting -- ideally in an international context;

+ Proven experience in operational and personnel management;

+ Excellent communication skills;

+ Flexibility and adaptability suited to a dynamic and innovative research environment.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .

Additional Information

The University of Michigan, including the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses as well as Michigan Medicine, is an equal opportunity employer that complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. The University is committed to providing an inclusive and respectful environment for faculty, staff, and students, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX Office (ECRT) at 734-763-0235 and [email protected] , and as follows: Sex/Gender Identity/Gender Expression/Sexual Orientation, including sexual misconduct: ECRT Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Director and Title IX Coordinator. Disability: ECRT Disability Director and ADA Coordinator. Race/Color/National Origin/Age/Marital Status/Religion/Height/Weight/Veteran Status: ECRT Civil Rights Director.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

268200

Working Title

Director, Life Sciences Institute

Job Title

DIRECTOR

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Onsite

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Life Sciences Inst

Department

Life Sciences Institute-Admin

Posting Begin/End Date

9/03/2025 - 11/02/2025

Career Interest

Academic/Administrative Ungraded