Description
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 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.
Requirements
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, consensusdriven 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, longterm vision.
