Career Opportunities

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Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Senior Vice Chancellor and Executive Director

About the Organization

Overview

Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a global leader in nutrition research and metabolic health. Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Pennington Biomedical is a campus of Louisiana State University (LSU) and conducts basic, clinical, and population research. The Center is at the forefront of medical discovery related to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia, and its mission is to discover the triggers of chronic diseases through innovative research that improves human health across the lifespan.

 

LSU’s flagship campus in the state capital of Baton Rouge is Louisiana’s premier public institution. It is a land-, sea-, and space-grant institution enrolling ~39,000 students studying in nearly 200 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and specialist programs. In addition to Pennington Biomedical, there are two health sciences centers – one in Shreveport, the other in New Orleans – offering various levels of degrees in medicine, dentistry, allied health, nursing, public health, and graduate studies.

 

Pennington Biomedical’s world-renowned scientists have made remarkable discoveries that have improved the way Americans exercise, eat, and age and greatly advanced society’s understanding of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases including dementia. Researchers have contributed to nearly every obesity and diabetes drug on the market, developed obesity and lifestyle interventions, and are a leading provider of nutrition science for the U.S. military.

The Center’s 600 employees perform research activities across 752,000 square feet of state-of-the-art laboratories, clinics, conference spaces, and offices located on a tranquil 222-acre urban campus. The Center’s research enterprise includes approximately 65 scientists and > 20 postdoctoral fellows who comprise a network of 44 laboratories supported by lab techs, nurses, dietitians, and support personnel, and 15 highly specialized core service facilities. Research at Pennington Biomedical covers obesity; diabetes; epidemiology & prevention; genomics & molecular genetics; neurobiology; neurodegeneration; nutrient sensing & signaling; cancer; physical activity & health; and developmental biology.

 

The Center is a cornerstone of LSU and its long-term aspirations for breakthrough science and improving human health. To these ends, and to achieve its ambitious goal of cementing a position in the top 50 universities in America, LSU has embarked on a sweeping system-wide effort to align research intensive colleges, schools, centers, and institutes for greater collaboration and impact. Approved by the Board of Supervisors in late 2025, this plan consolidates the leadership of five key LSU institutions – the original Baton Rouge campus, LSU’s two distinct health science centers in New Orleans and Shreveport, the LSU Agricultural Center, and Pennington Biomedical Research Center – under one integrated governance structure with research expenditures amounting to more than $600 million.

 

Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, French for "Red Stick," is the capital city of Louisiana. Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, it represents the best of Louisiana’s vibrant culture. Just minutes from Pennington Biomedical, downtown Baton Rouge is a vibrant city with arts, culture, and sports events that are engaging as they are accessible. 

Baton Rouge is a cultural crossroads between the Cajun heartland of Lafayette (located about 55 miles southwest) and the birthplace of jazz and home of Mardi Gras, New Orleans (located about 80 miles to the southeast). Housing options in Baton Rouge are diverse and include historic neighborhoods like Spanish Town and the Garden District, riverfront apartments and chic, loft-style condos like the Commerce Building, cozy family neighborhoods, and sprawling mansions.

The city counts award-winning public and private school options; more than 900 restaurants; live concerts ranging from home-grown favorites to superstars like Kenny Chesney, James Taylor and Percy Sledge; a variety of museums, including one that houses a 65-million-year-old triceratops skull and a 5,000-year-old mummy; a nationally recognized, award-winning public library system; more than 180 parks across the region; and much more. No matter your age or interest, the Baton Rouge area is a great place to call home.

 

 

LSU seeks a scientist of international prominence to serve as its next Senior Vice Chancellor & Executive Director (SVCED) of Pennington Biomedical Research Center. The SVCED of Pennington Biomedical Research Center serves as the campus' chief administrative and strategic leader for one of the nation’s premier research institutions in nutrition, obesity, and metabolic health.

 

Reporting to LSU Chancellor Jim Dalton and collaborating closely with the Senior Vice Chancellors in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport, the successful candidate will provide overall executive leadership to advance the Center’s scientific mission, strengthen its national and global impact, and support discoveries that improve health across the lifespan.

The SVCED oversees strategic planning, research operations, fiscal stewardship, philanthropy, and external partnerships, while fostering an environment that supports scientific excellence across basic, clinical, and population research programs. The role also champions initiatives that improve the health and well-being of Louisiana’s residents.

 

This position requires a visionary leader with strong administrative experience, a commitment to innovative biomedical research, and the ability to represent LSU and the Center at the state, national, and international levels. This position also requires a leader capable of managing a complex portfolio of federal, state, philanthropic, and commercial funding streams while maintaining personal scientific eminence.

 

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

 

Reports to LSU Chancellor

 

Other key relationships Senior Vice Chancellors in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 

The SVCED is the Center's chief administrative and scientific officer. They are responsible for the institution's strategic, financial, and operational functions. The successful candidate will:

 

§  Provide strategic leadership to advance the Center’s mission in nutrition, obesity, and metabolic health research.

§  Lead organizational planning, goal setting, and long-term strategic initiatives.

§  Oversee all research operations across basic, clinical, and population science programs.

§  Recruit, mentor, and develop scientific and administrative leaders.

§  Build and expand programs supporting clinical trials and high-quality patient care.

§  Ensure strong fiscal management, including budget oversight and resource allocation.

§  Strengthen internal administrative systems to support scientific excellence and operational efficiency.

§  Oversee compliance with regulatory, ethical, and accreditation standards.

§  Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, and engagement across the Center’s workforce.

§  Represent the Center within the LSU System and collaborate closely with University leadership.

§  Cultivate external partnerships with federal agencies, industry, foundations, and community stakeholders.

§  Drive philanthropic strategy and support fundraising efforts to expand research capacity.

§  Advocate for the Center at the state, national, and international levels to enhance visibility and impact.

§  Communicate research achievements to policymakers, donors, media, and the public.

§  Collaborate with the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation to advance philanthropic support for the Center.

§  Support programs that improve health outcomes for Louisiana residents and advance public health priorities.

 

Candidate Profile

LSU seeks a leader with outstanding scholarly credentials and executive acumen who holds an M.D., Ph.D., or M.D./Ph.D. with a record of accomplishment commensurate with appointment as a full Professor with tenure.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

Scientific Distinction

A distinguished record of publication and funding in nutrition, metabolism, chronic disease, or related biomedical fields. The candidate’s record should garner immediate respect from faculty.

Executive Track Record

Significant experience in research administration (Center Director, Department Chair, or Institute leader) with proven success in managing profit and loss (P&L), strategic planning, and complex organizational structures.

Funding Acumen

Demonstrated success in securing and managing large-scale NIH grants (e.g. R01, P01, P30, U54) in addition to diverse funding sources (e.g. industry contracts, military/DOD funding)

Translational Mindset

A clear understanding of the translational pathway, from basic discovery (molecular mechanisms) to clinical trials, population implementation, and patient care.

Political & Diplomatic Skill

The ability to navigate public sector governance, advocate for state funding, and build consensus among local, state, federal, and university officials and stakeholders.

Strong Leadership & Communication Style

The ability to lead with high emotional intelligence in flat, consensus‑driven cultures; build trust, morale, and psychological safety; and pair collaborative leadership with the resilience and strategic backbone to make tough decisions and execute a clear, long‑term vision.

CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

Acting Strategically

The successful candidate will possess a proven track record of building programs or centers of the highest aspiration, achievement, and reputation by recruiting world-class talent, developing a long-term strategy, acquiring short- and long-term support, and creating highly functional operational and financial infrastructure and processes. They will also have the proven ability to align people and structures to sustain and expand an institutional model that successfully advances highly regarded basic and translational programs.

Research Excellence

The successful candidate must have the standing, skills, and passion necessary to enhance the Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s strong position as one of the preeminent research centers  by encouraging promising avenues of research, translation, and clinical trials, overseeing the expansion of staff and programs, and representing the Center in local, national, and international forums.

Collaborating and Influencing

The successful candidate will be instrumental  in promoting a culture of innovation, collaboration, and engagement across the Center’s workforce, representing   the Center within the LSU System and collaborating  closely with university leadership. It will also be imperative to c ultivate external partnerships and  drive philanthropic strategy and fundraising efforts to expand research capacity. 

 

OTHER PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

§  Credible to working scientists

§  Comfortable with donors and a variety of other external stakeholders

§  Capable of sustained engagement across a demanding travel and meeting schedule

§  Respect for the culture and history of both Louisiana and Pennington Biomedical.

 

THE search process

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center has partnered with Spencer Stuart, a national executive search firm, to identify and evaluate exceptional candidates for the Senior Vice Chancellor & Executive Director position. The search is active and will continue until this pivotal role is filled.

 

To submit an application, express interest, or nominate a qualified candidate who embodies the qualities outlined above, please send a message to [email protected].

 

Candidates should include a current CV and a cover letter specifically addressing their relevant qualifications, vision for the Center, and how they would approach the position's key opportunities and challenges.

 

Additional Position Information

Background Check: An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits: LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more.

LSU is an equal opportunity employer and serves as a model employer for individuals with disabilities.

Shailaja Panjwani

Consultant

 

Assisted by:

Anna Alaverdian

Office telephone:

E-mail address:

 

Office telephone:

E-mail address:

203-975-4705

spanjwani@spencerstuart.com

 

203-326-3794

aalaverdian@spencerstuart.com

 

Flip Jaeger

Consultant

 

Assisted by:

Laura West

Office telephone:

E-mail address:

 

Office telephone:

E-mail address:

202-274-8303

[email protected]

 

212-894-3840

[email protected]

 

Ashton Lange

Associate

Office telephone:

E-mail address:

617-897-3330

[email protected]

 

 

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Open-Rank, Tenure-Track Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, Molecular Aging Research

Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Department of Biomedical Sciences
The Institute for Molecular Medicine and Aging (IMMA)
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio

The Institute for Molecular Medicine and Aging (IMMA) and the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (HCOM) invite applications for a tenure-track faculty position (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor) in the field of molecular aging research. This position is part of a strategic effort to expand Ohio University’s growing research enterprise in healthy aging.

Position Description

We seek a research-intensive tenure track faculty whose research program addresses fundamental or translational questions in molecular aging. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging
• Metabolic and inflammatory regulation of age-related diseases (such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, dementia, cancer, et al.)
• System-specific aging (e.g., bone, endocrine, immune, nervous system, cardiovascular system)
• Systems biology, omics, or regenerative approaches to aging
• Compound discovery to treat aging co-morbidities

Applicants with federally-funded research programs and strong records of publication are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates at the mid-career or senior level who can contribute to and help shape the scientific vision of IMMA will receive priority consideration; however, exceptional early-career investigators are also encouraged to apply. Leadership opportunities within the institute are available to qualified candidates.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Establish and maintain a vigorous extramurally funded research program
• Participate in the growth and leadership of IMMA
• Drive innovation and discovery that advance the institute’s mission and foster translational impact
• Engage in the protection and development of intellectual property arising from research discoveries
• Collaborate with existing IMMA, OMNI (Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute), and DI (Diabetes Institute) investigators Appointment and Resources
• 9-month, tenure-track appointment in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Final workload distribution is negotiable but will approximate 80% Research, 10% Teaching, and 10% Service.
• Competitive start-up package and dedicated laboratory space in the new biomedical research building (opening 2026; temporary facilities available until move-in)

Pay Rate & Benefits

• Salary will be commensurate with education and experience, while also considering internal equity.
• Retirement Match: The university offers an excellent retirement plan with an institutional match of up to 14%.
• Benefits: medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life, paid holidays, sick leave, retirement, a 12-week parental leave program, adoption reimbursement, flextime and flexplace policies, counseling and mental health care, access to professional development programs and more.
• Tuition Waiver and Support: A tuition waiver of up to 100% for self and dependents.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D., D.O., or equivalent degree in a relevant biomedical field
• Research focus related to aging biology, metabolism, age-associated diseases, and/or drug discovery

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated record of and potential for sustained extramural funding
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications in molecular aging or geroscience
• Evidence of leadership, mentorship, and program development

Application Instructions

Please complete the online application at https://www.ohiouniversityjobs.com/postings/55492

Applicants should be prepared to submit the following:

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Cover letter describing research interests and career goals
3. Statement of research accomplishments and future plans (2 pages)
4. Contact information for three references

Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, please apply by December 11, 2025.

For questions about the position, please contact: Kendall Brown-Clovis ([email protected])

Search committee: Shouan Zhu, John Kopchick, Darlene Berryman, Cory Baumann, Erin Murphy, and Ramiro Malgor

About the Institute for Molecular Medicine and Aging (IMMA)

The newly reframed Institute for Molecular Medicine and Aging (IMMA) was formerly known as the Edison Biotechnology Institute (EBI). Founded in 1984, EBI was one of the earliest state-supported biotechnology research centers in Ohio and quickly became a leader in the region’s biomedical innovation ecosystem. EBI’s faculty and collaborators have made seminal contributions to understanding the molecular and hormonal regulation of growth, metabolism, cancer, and aging, and its discoveries have led to patented technologies and therapeutic developments with global impact. For example, EBI scientists discovered a growth hormone receptor antagonist that led to the development of Pegvisomant (Somavert), a life-changing therapy for patients with acromegaly now used worldwide. Extension of this work established the GH/IGF-1 signaling pathway as a key regulator of
lifespan and metabolic health. These landmark discoveries continue to shape modern aging and endocrine research, providing the scientific foundation for ongoing innovation within the Institute for Molecular Medicine and Aging (IMMA). IMMA advances mechanistic and translational research on the molecular basis of aging and its impact on healthspan and disease susceptibility. IMMA brings together scientists studying metabolism, inflammation, fibrosis, senescence, regeneration, neurobiology with a focus on dementia, cancer, and osteoarthritis to uncover how molecular and cellular pathways drive aging processes across organ systems. Another significant portion of IMMA is the discovery of new compounds that, hopefully, will evolve into FDA approved therapeutics for morbidities associated with the above-mentioned study areas.

Learn more at: https://www.ohio.edu/medicine/institute-molecular-medicine-aging

About BMS

The selected candidate will join a diverse group of faculty in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, https://www.ohio.edu/medicine/about/departments/biomedical