Nominations and applications are sought for the position of Director, Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB), in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM).

The successful candidate will have a broad, forward-looking view of marine biology, a proven ability to secure research and development funds, and the skills and experience needed to lead an institute that encompasses a wide range of research, education, and service activities. The new Director will possess a blend of entrepreneurial vision, research development and leadership skills. She/he should be sensitive to, and willing to engage with, the culturally complex communities of Hawai‘i. The HIMB Director is expected to foster close interactions with other SOEST units, the University of Hawaiʻi System, and the local community.

Nominees and applicants must have a doctoral degree and a distinguished, internationally established reputation in research, skill at establishing community partnerships and donor relations, and a successful history of obtaining programmatic support. Collaborative experience with international institutions, especially in Pacific Rim countries, is desirable. Candidates must also have familiarity with the administration of a research institute or large research program. The Director will oversee a broad range of facilities and programs that lie outside the purview of a conventional academic department, including housing, dive operations, a boat fleet, extensive outreach and community relations, hosting official visitors, summer courses and programs, a protected coral reef reserve, responses to severe weather, as well as the management of construction and infrastructure maintainence.

The mission of HIMB is to be a global hub for cutting-edge science and technology aimed at understanding and conserving tropical marine and coastal ecosystems. The Institute’s principal facilities and operations are located on Coconut Island (Moku o Lo‘e), a 29-acre island surrounded by a coral reef in Kāne‘ohe Bay on the windward side of the island of O‘ahu, about 24 km from the UHM campus. The general research, education, and service programs at HIMB currently encompass basic and applied aspects of tropical marine biology, coral reef ecology, and marine science education including areas of emphasis in the following five sub-disciplines: 1) coral reef biophysical and biogeographical research; 2) coral reef physiology, ecology, evolution, and biodiversity; 3) fisheries research; 4) population-, spatial- and behavioral ecology of marine megafauna; and 5) K-20 marine education and community outreach. The Institute is in the process of a $40 million renovation of its facilities to accommodate growing research and education programs, and in support of approximately 70 employees, including 23 research faculty.

HIMB has a deep engagement with, and committment to, its neighborhood partners such as the Windward Community College, the Koʻolaupoku Hawaiian Civic Club, Koʻolau Foundation, Paepae O Heʻeia, Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi, and the Kāneʻohe and Kahaluʻu Neighborhood Boards. In collaboration with many of these partners, HIMB is leading the recently designated Heʻeia National Estuarine Research Reserve, approximately 1,400 acres of estuary and coastal wetland in Kāneʻohe Bay, including Moku o Lo‘e.

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is a land-, sea-, space and sun-grant institution with an enrollment of approximately 20,000 graduate and undergraduate students. In addition to its own faculty and staff, HIMB sponsors affiliated faculty from other University of Hawai‘i campuses, scientists from federal and state agencies, short-term visiting scientists, and adjunct faculty. The Institute’s Director reports directly to the Dean of SOEST, the largest school within the University of Hawai‘i System.

• Download a PDF of the HIMB organizational chart: https://www.himb.hawaii.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/HIMB-Org-Chart.pdf
• Download a PDF of the HIMB Director position description: https://www.himb.hawaii.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/PD-for-distribution.pdf

This recruitment will be ongoing until the position is filled.
Review of applications began March 22, 2019.

Cover letter, including a curriculum vitae, a vision statement, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least four professional references should be submitted online at NeoGov: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/hawaiiedu/jobs/2364598/director-of-himb. Questions about NeoGov should be directed to Steffiny Nelson, steffiny@hawaii.edu, 808-236-7450

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply. Nominations and inquiries will also be accepted and should be sent directly to the Chair of the Search Committee.
Chair, HIMB Director Search Committee
2525 Correa Rd., HIG 238
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Honolulu, HI 96822
808-956-7031
lerner@hawaii.edu