Director, Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
 
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) seeks a new Director to lead the Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior (CB3), an interdisciplinary, University-wide research center that engages a broad spectrum of investigators working in the areas of neuroscience, behavior and health. Nebraska seeks a leader with a nationally recognized research program, who can harness the potential of CB3 through visionary integration across research groups in the Center, and by leveraging unique physical facilities and opportunities for research growth.
 
Much of the research conducted across CB3 research teams aligns with at least one of three areas of scientific emphasis: biological and psychological mechanisms of behavior and well-being; brain development and change throughout the lifespan; and neurological disease, disorder, injury, and subsequent recovery, including current labs actively studying sports-related concussion, stroke, and swallowing and communication disorders. CB3 is housed within 30,000 square feet of research space in Memorial Stadium on the UNL City Campus. Due to proximity, this location affords a unique collaboration with Nebraska Athletics, including Athletic Medicine and the Nebraska Athletic Performance Laboratory. The facility’s centerpiece is a Skyra 3 Tesla Siemens scanner equipped with an MR-compatible 256-electrode high-density EEG system, an eye tracker, and psychophysiology equipment. The Center also features several specialized laboratories for NIRS, behavioral genetics, GALILEO somatosensory and motor control, neuromagnetics, eye tracking, psychophysiology, high-density EEG/ERP, and salivary bioscience. Partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center affords access to additional equipment, such as MEG, to populations with a large variety of neurological diseases, and to registries yielding access to electronic medical databases.
 
Reporting to the UNL Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development, the Director will lead the development and expansion of the Center vision and strategically shape its growth. The Director will capitalize on the outstanding Center faculty and facilities, while displaying the vision, energy, commitment, and organizational/administrative skills to take the Center to the next level. The Director will work collaboratively with colleges, academic departments, research centers, and other partners across UNL, as well as with the other University of Nebraska campuses, to advance research in neuroscience and behavior across multiple disciplines. The Director will build large-scale interdisciplinary teams to pursue extramural research funding, as well as developing additional sources of funding from public and private sources. The Director will create and sustain an inclusive and equitable environment in which faculty, staff and students can excel and grow professionally and personally, and advance Center initiatives in diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Director will provide administrative and budgetary oversight for CB3.
 
In addition to leading the Center, responsibilities include maintaining an active program of externally funded research. Opportunities to teach in the tenure home department can also be pursued. The UNL tenure home of the successful applicant will depend upon candidate interest and background. Rank for this position is Associate to Full Professor. Faculty affiliation with the University of Nebraska Medical Center is possible.
 
Qualifications
 
To be considered, candidates must possess the following qualifications:
Ph.D. or M.D. or equivalent in neuroscience or related discipline, or in another field with significant experience conducting neuroscience research.
Established and visible research program with a track record of external grant funding.
A track record of advancing equity, inclusion, and diversity.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to develop and maintain constructive and professional relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
 
The following qualifications are preferred:
Leadership experience in an organization that seeks and receives research grant funding.
Experience leading interdisciplinary teams, including evidence of thinking broadly and developing research and programmatic activities that engage experts across disciplines.
Documented experience mentoring early career faculty.
Experience proposing and receiving funding from a variety of external sponsors (e.g., federal agencies, state agencies, industry, philanthropy, foundations).
Expertise in a broad range of human subjects research in neuroscience and behavior.
Experience overseeing a shared/core research facility.
Documented experience with outreach that can be leveraged to publicize and promote Center efforts and findings.
 
A comprehensive description of the Director position can be found at https://go.unl.edu/cb3director.
 
To ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted by January 9, 2023; review will begin January 10, 2023. The search committee will continue to receive applications until the position is filled.
 
Applicants should go to https://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_220206. Click “Apply for this Job,” complete the information form, and attach the following documents: a) a letter of interest that highlights your qualifications for the position, explains your interest and motivation, and describes your initial vision and anticipated contributions leading CB3; b) a research statement that describes your program of research and future directions; c) a statement of your approach to and experience with advancing equity, inclusion, and diversity, as well as your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2 pages maximum); d) a detailed curriculum vitae; and e) the names of 3-5 professional references. References will be requested only of candidates who make the short list. Please combine the statements (items b and c) into a single document for upload.
 
Questions can be directed to:
 
Dr. Jen Nelson, Search Committee Chair
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research
[log in to unmask]
402-472-0321
 
UNL offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience.
 
The University of Nebraska is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work and learning environment free from discrimination and harassment. UNL is dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. 
 
As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.