Director of Pacific Biosciences Research Center (PBRC) (89024) presso University of Hawaii, HI
University of Hawaii, HI · Honolulu, Stati Uniti d'America · Onsite
- Senior
- Ufficio in Honolulu
About the Department
Title: Director of Research Institute (UHM), Pacific Biosciences Research Center (PBRC)
Position Number: 89024
Hiring Unit: Pacific Biosciences Research Center (PBRC)
Location: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Date Posted: October 7, 2025
Closing Date: Continuous recruitment – application review begins November 18, 2025
Salary Range: SM-3, $162,156 to $291,885
Additional Salary Info: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
Full Time/Part Time: Full-time
Temporary/Permanent: Permanent
Funding: General funds
INTRODUCTION
The Pacific Biosciences Research Center (PBRC) supports interdisciplinary research and training, currently including cellular, developmental, and molecular biology; evolutionary, ecological, and conservation biology focused on Hawaiian and Pacific regional terrestrial and marine ecosystems systems; 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 new ~70,000 sq. ft. Life Sciences building. In collaboration with a wide range of degree-granting academic units at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, PBRC supports training in biosciences for undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. PBRC currently manages two National Institutes of Health Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) programs that foster the success of junior faculty from across the campus working on the roles of the environmental microbiome and precision nutrition in human health. The Director is expected to have a rigorous program of externally funded research, an outstanding track-record of engagement in graduate and undergraduate education and faculty mentorship, exceptional communication, and organizational, and decision-making skills that would demonstrate their capacity to lead a diverse interdisciplinary academic unit collaboratively with PBRC faculty.
The PBRC Director is a member of the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) Dean's executive leadership team and is charged with providing academic and administrative leadership, serving as an active supporter and proponent of the missions of the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus and the University of Hawaii system, and representing PBRC and the University of Hawaii in life sciences research internationally. The Director also fosters research and training opportunities through their own research endeavors, provides the leadership for furthering basic and applied scholarly research, finds potential funding sources, and identifies new areas of interdisciplinary research consistent with the needs of SOEST and the University mission as a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.
PBRC currently has an annual operating budget of $15M (from both State and extramural sources) and supports 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; actively supports the missions and goals of PBRC, SOEST, the Manoa campus, and the University of Hawai‘i system
- Serves as head facilitator and coordinator of PBRC’s academic, research, training, and service programs, and is 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 strategic priorities.
- Develops and maintains excellence in research and training programs through the recruitment and retention of high-quality faculty and staff; fosters positive faculty and staff morale, productivity, and professional growth by promoting a respectful, collaborative, high-performance culture.
- Provides transparent, consultative leadership that balances the best interests of PBRC 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; establishes positive, proactive relationships with potential donors and sponsors in cooperation with the UH Foundation; and promotes annual giving and philanthropic initiatives that advance PBRC’s mission.
- Promotes PBRC by building and maintaining strategic partnerships with local, state, federal, and international organizations, and serving as PBRC’s representative to external bodies.
- Prepares reports, testimony, and documents relating to PBRC’s research and training in response to legislative, State, University, and/or School inquiries.
RESEARCH AND TRAINING
- Establishes and engages in cutting-edge research programs in their area of expertise. Serves as the lead facilitator and coordinator of the research and training programs of PBRC.
- Provides innovative and entrepreneurial leadership in the formulation, development, and implementation of interdisciplinary research initiatives; supports and mentors faculty in their research endeavors; and supports junior faculty in professional development and tenure processes.
- Advances community-engaged scholarship and collaborations that contribute to Hawai‘i’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, ensures equitable access, sustainability, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Ensures compliance with applicable 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 related STEM discipline relevant to PBRC.
- Distinguished, international reputation in research as evidenced by a portfolio of scholarship and achievement at the rank of Full Professor or a demonstrated record of comparable professional experience or equivalent at time of appointment.
- Demonstrated success at the level of Department Chair or comparable scientific leadership.
- Demonstrated record of competitive extramural research funding.
- Demonstrated commitment to developing meaningful collaborations and effective working relationships with administrators, faculty, students, and state and federal officials.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated ability to generate a climate conducive to excellence in research, teaching, and training.
- Demonstrated fundraising experience with public and private entities.
- Experience in human resource and financial management of large science programs, including organizational and management successes.
- Knowledge of policies and procedures of external federal funding agencies.
- Ability to function successfully in an indigenous, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural environment.
To Apply:
Please click on the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach required documents. Applicant must submit the following:
- A cover letter summarizing your interest and qualifications for the position, including a detailed statement of how you satisfy each of the minimum and desirable qualifications for PBRC Director
- A current curriculum vitae;
- A two-page vision statement describing how you would lead PBRC into the future;
- Names, addresses, title and contact information of at least four (4) professional references;
- Transcripts showing degree awarded with confidential information (i.e., social security number, birth dates) redacted. Copies of official transcripts are acceptable at time of application; however, original transcripts will be required upon hire.
An initial review of the 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 808-956-8964 or at [email protected]
Position Duties
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: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/
