Search committee for Fralin Life Sciences executive director announced

28 Apr 2022

Research technician Laila Kirkpatrick (left) and professor Dana Hawley examine a house finch to determine how susceptible it is to a common bacterial pathogen, conjunctivitis. Hawley is an affiliated faculty member of the Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens and the Global Change Center; both housed in the Fralin Life Sciences Institute. Photo by Jim Stroup for Virginia Tech. — Research Technician Laila Kirkpatrick (at left) and Professor Dana Hawley examine a house finch to determine how susceptible it is to a common bacterial pathogen, conjunctivitis. Hawley is an affiliated faculty member of the Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens and the Global Change Center; both housed in the Fralin Life Sciences Institute. Photo by Jim Stroup for Virginia Tech.

A national search has been launched to recruit the next executive director of the Fralin Life Sciences Institute.

Reporting to Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation Dan Sui, the executive director will have the opportunity to shape the institute’s strategic direction by establishing priorities and leveraging existing strengths and resources, including its talented faculty and cutting-edge facilities.

The Fralin Life Sciences Institute at Virginia Tech, one of the university’s seven research institutes, is an instrument of strategic university investment committed to enhancing the quality, quantity, and competitiveness of life sciences research, education, and outreach across the university and the world. Faculty actively participate in institute-sponsored activities, including participation in institute-funded centers and focus areas, and use core facilities housed and supported by the institute.

The new executive director will replace Matt Hulver, who is serving as vice president for research at Arizona State University. XJ Meng, University Distinguished Professor at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and professor of internal medicine at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, is serving as interim.

Karen Roberto, University Distinguished Professor and executive director of Virginia Tech’s Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment, chairs the search committee.

Search committee members are:

Daniela Cimini, professor of biological sciences, College of Science.
Zac Doerzaph, executive director, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.
Kiyah Duffey, director of strategic innovations, Fralin Life Sciences Institute.
Michael Fox, professor and director of the school of neuroscience, College of Science.
Kylene Kehn-Hall, professor of virology and associate director of the Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute.
Linsey Marr, Charles P. Lunsford Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering.
Kevin McGuire, professor of forest resources and environmental conservation, College of Natural Resources.
John Morris, professor of chemistry and associate dean for research, College of Science.
Guillaume Pilot, associate professor in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and director of the Translational Plant Sciences Center, Fralin Life Sciences Institute.
David Schabdach, associate vice president and university veterinarian, Research and Innovation.
Jonathan Auguste, assistant professor of entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Barbara Wise, assistant director of research operations, Fralin Life Sciences Institute.

The Division of Human Resources’ Talent Acquisition team will assist with the search. For confidential inquiries or to nominate an individual for this position, contact Sandra Burks or Jeff Cumberland.

The position description, application process, and search updates are available in PageUp.