The Ohio State University's Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center (BPCRC) is seeking a visionary scholar to serve as its next director to provide strategic leadership, foster research excellence, and strengthen the center's role as a global leader in polar, alpine, and climate science.
Requirements
- A Ph.D. in Geography, Earth Sciences, or any field relevant to Earth and planetary system science, polar studies, and climate science.
- an internationally recognized record of research excellence in a field relevant to Earth and planetary system science, polar studies, climate science, or related disciplines.
- strong leadership skills, including the ability to manage research teams, budgets, and staff;
- mentor faculty, students, and early-career researchers.
- Experience with building and sustaining interdisciplinary partnerships and collaborative initiatives will be highly valued.
Responsibilities
- provide both intellectual and administrative leadership to enhance the Byrd Center’s national and international reputation;
- strengthen existing research programs while developing new initiatives that address urgent challenges in polar science, climate variability, and Earth and planetary system processes;
- cultivate and sustain strong relationships with major funding agencies (e.g., NSF, NASA, NOAA, ONR, DOE, USDA) while pursuing new sources of support, including philanthropic and industry partnerships;
- lead and expand the center’s outreach and engagement efforts at local, state, national, and international levels to ensure that Byrd Center science informs policy, education, and public understanding of climate change;
- maintain a vigorous, high-profile research program—demonstrated through impactful publications, successful grant acquisition, awards, etc.—that contributes to the center’s scholarly excellence and global impact;
- foster and uphold the Byrd Center’s collaborative research environment.
Other
- Candidates must be eligible for appointment at the rank of professor.
- Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2025.
- Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 1–2-page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity.
- Attachment 2: CV (Curriculum Vitae): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications.
- Attachment 3: Research and Leadership Statement: A statement summarizing your past research accomplishments, current work, and future research plans as the BPCRC director, as well as your leadership philosophy, experience, and vision for the future of the BPCRC as director.
- Attachment 5: Names and contact information for three references.
