The research group manager coordinates and manages programs, interactions, and collaborations with other scientists across the Institute, the UMN System and the collection of NRRI partners and collaborators. The manager also leads, assists, or collaborates in efforts to obtain sponsored research funding, industrial sponsorships and/or internal research funding for projects. Manager must be highly skilled and recognized in multiple aspects of their area of research including experimental design, data management, report writing and peer-reviewed publication. The manager integrates work across the Institute to solve complex problems concerning resource constraints to technical setbacks. Receives minimal guidance from leadership and consistently works to ensure achievement of NRRI Core Values and strategic goals.
- The Forest & Land Research Group Manager must have demonstrated research expertise and accomplishments in one or more relevant technical areas including silviculture, forest ecology, wildlife studies, hydrology, soil science, forest modeling and/or plant breeding. The manager must establish and maintain a funded, vibrant research program and continue to develop his/her research acumen through active participation in professional organizations/societies, presentation of papers and talks and report preparation and publishing in peer reviewed publications. The manager must demonstrate leadership acumen, strategic planning, project management, excellent verbal and written communication and must model behavior consistent with NRRI Core Values. The manager will integrate their work and that of the group with that of other Institute research groups to achieve organizational goals through interdisciplinary research. The manager will take an active role in developing research networks both within and outside of NRRI to expand the capability and impact of the Institute. The incumbent is expected to participate in external professional activities such as reviewing proposals and manuscripts, serving on advisory committees, review panels, editorial boards, and the like, and remain current in their area of expertise and contribute as a technical expert to others across the Institute and University of Minnesota System. (60%)
- The Forest and Land Research Manager is responsible for research group and individual contributor objective-setting and performance. The Manager utilizes Institute project management practices to ensure the effective planning, execution and oversight of unique projects and programs. This includes maintaining high standards for safety, quality, research rigor and peer review in all research group activities and collaborations. The Manager routinely engages with employees to understand and document performance against objectives, plan for achievement of goals, identify solutions to problems and communicate status transparently to leadership and stakeholders. Promotes, recruits and assigns/re-assigns staff as appropriate to achieve goals. The Manager ensures resources and technical capabilities are aligned with project requirements, including working with NRRI leadership and staff to provide proper training and execution oversight. Adequate time is spent developing and maintaining a professional team dynamic. (30%)
- The Forest and Land Research Manager collaborates with NRRI leadership to define annual budgets and technical needs for their group. The Manager is responsible for managing budgets and group resources throughout the year, ensuring transparency, and understanding of group finance status and performance. The Manager leads the group in the development of a dynamic and strategic funding portfolio. (10%)
- The Research Group Manager helps create and represents the strategy and capabilities of both the Institute and the research group to internal and external partners, collaborators, and stakeholders. Works to develop and maintain strategic external relationships with partners and collaborators. May be assigned to technical or governance committees as defined by leadership and the needs of the institute. (10%)
Required Qualifications:
- BA/BS with at least 8 years’ experience in the field of Silviculture, forest ecology, wildlife studies, hydrology, soil science, forest modeling and/or plant breeding or Advanced degree (MS/PhD) with at least 6 years’ experience in field of expertise.
- At least five years’ experience supervising applied or traditional academic researchers and multidisciplinary research teams; must include objective setting, performance appraisal, project management, personnel development, and strategic planning.
- Successful track record of attracting and maintaining external research funding from Federal, State, and private sources.
- Demonstrated record of publishing in peer-reviewed publications and trade journals.
- Demonstrated record of public speaking and outreach.
- Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Prior experience working in diverse teams, being able to collaborate respectfully with staff of various educational and cultural backgrounds and ability to appropriately navigate complex team dynamics.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated excellent oral communications skills.
- Experience working with and in multidisciplinary teams.
- Evidence of other professional activities including participation in external professional activities including manuscript reviews/ editorial duties, advisory committees, review panels, and other professional activities associated with the discipline.
- Experience recruiting, mentoring, and managing a diverse workforce.
To Apply
Please visit the UMN employment listing and search for: 343595