Research at BRITE is focused on translational research encompassing biomanufacturing and drug discovery. The Institute owns a 475,000 compound library which is the largest academic collection in the USA. BRITE serves approximately 200 students annually who are majoring in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the undergraduate or graduate level. BRITE serves as the major research arm of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The Division of Academic Affairs is seeking a Director for the Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE) to provide overall leadership and supervision of the unit. BRITE is one of NCCU’s major research institutes. The Director reports to the Associate Provost /Dean for Research and Sponsored Programs.

The qualified candidate will have a demonstrated record of leading translational research in drug discovery to advance leads and candidate drugs; demonstrated record of organizational management, including the ability to set high, but reachable goals, define priorities, manage individual performances, and infuse the team with a sense of purpose and urgency. Academic experience and a successful record of obtaining external funding and a minimum of 5 years of managerial experience working in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry is required; Ability to attract and lead federal/state and private funding, implementation of center grants, educational grants, or academic development grants is desired; ability to implement processes necessary to accomplish objectives, organize people and resources and measure progress; demonstrated industry experience with a record of effective project leadership and an in-depth understanding of drug discovery and development from target to clinical trials; demonstrated track record of innovation and development; excellent publication and patent record and experience in giving presentations at various conferences and meetings; ability to initiate and manage internal and external collaborations; engage key opinion leaders; demonstrated strong interpersonal, leadership and collaboration skills to work in a team-oriented, matrix environment and the ability to work through conflicts; outstanding verbal and written communication skills; high ethical standards and a passion for research, teaching, student learning, and student success.

The Director is expected to have an earned Ph.D. (or M.D. or PharmD) in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology or a related field and an in-depth understanding of the pharmaceutical industry or an organization similar to BRITE. It is expected that the incumbent will qualify for tenure as a full professor.

N/A

North Carolina Central University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

Major Duties and Responsibilities: Lead a team of 25 scientists (34 total staff) engaged in drug discovery and related translational research activities in various therapeutic areas such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and broad-spectrum antivirals and training undergraduate and graduate students; manage the yearly State budget with the support from the Associate Director and State budget finance staff; foster growth of the research operation to increase research funding.

Director will manage the research performance and development of individual faculty and staff members; work collaboratively with the Director of NCCU’s Biomedical/Biotechnology Research institute (BBRI) and Deans of academic units to form synergies and foster sustainable research collaborations; support, in collaboration with the Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences, recruitment of new students, awarding of BRITE scholarships, student mentoring, student career development, internship development, student leadership development and outreach activities for K-12.

Director will work jointly with the Division of Institutional Advancement, the North Carolina Central University Foundation, and the BRITE Director of Development on fundraising activities to secure philanthropic gifts and donations to support BRITE programs; represent BRITE at NC BioImpact, a state initiative for workforce development, NC Biotech Center, and other pharma organizations; establish and manage collaborations within NCCU and outside the University and contribute to assessment of external business alliances and out-licensing opportunities for technologies developed at BRITE; participate in workforce development activities by representing the BRITE program, which includes serving on boards, promoting funding opportunities for the program, etc.; participate in teaching and mentoring; interact with federal, state and local officials to promote the program.