Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

Texas A&M AgriLife is seeking an internationally renowned scientific leader in evidence assessment of agriculture, food, nutrition, economics and/or health to serve as the Deputy Director for the Texas A&M AgriLife Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Scientific Evidence Center. This newly created center will be a global leader in retrieving, synthesizing, and evaluating the totality of scientific evidence related to agriculture, natural resources, and food systems, including the impact of changes in the food system on economic, environmental, and human health. Its mission is to advance and improve scientific methods, knowledge, and practices, and gain global consensus for evaluating the effects of the Agri-Food system on economic, environmental, and human health. The center will become a leading source for objective scientific evidence on agriculture, environment, natural resources, and nutrition and health for decision-makers thereby contributing to science-informed solutions for addressing malnutrition and diet-related chronic disease in a way that considers the environment and economy.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Scientific Evidence Center will conduct and publish state-of-the-art research synthesis studies of different types (e.g., systematic reviews) important for understanding the impact of agriculture, food and nutrition, and natural resource policies on human, environmental, and economic health, and sustainability. These reports will be commissioned by U.S. and international policy and public health agencies and will strengthen science-informed decision-making aimed at lowering rates of malnutrition and diet-related chronic disease while ensuring heathy environments, economies, and sustainable agriculture. The Scientific Evidence Center will also drive the next generation of research synthesis methodologies that are rigorous and transparent, and be a leading convener in gaining global consensus on standards of evidence, as well as promoting and strengthening public trust in science-informed policies and solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The newly created Texas A&M AgriLife Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Scientific Evidence Center seeks a respected, internationally known scientific leader in evidence review and synthesis who, under the general direction of the Texas A&M AgriLife Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Scientific Evidence Center Director, will:

Manage and oversee a scientific program that provides high-quality, objective, and transparent evidence-based scientific reviews and analyses for national and international government, policy, and public health organizations. This will include, but is not limited to:

Serving as a scientific leader in evidence review and synthesis with key external constituents in collaborative evidence consortia, public health, policy, and scientific advisory groups to build and maintain the Center’s reputation as a leading global source of objective scientific assessments and analyses.
Overseeing evidence review programs to ensure the completion of high-quality, objective evidence reviews.
Overseeing a robust research program to become a leader in developing new methodologies for objective, transparent, and objective evidence analysis and synthesis, as well as sought-after educational programs.
With the Center Director, representing the Center to internal Texas A&M AgriLife and university faculty, including attracting faculty for Expert Panel members and facilitating robust relationships with broader partners and stakeholders.
With the Director, galvanize AgriLife and Texas A&M University faculty to participate as partners and experts for guiding and authoring evidence reviews, and assuring maintenance of a high level of scholarly activity at the Center through publications, presentations, and education programs.


Oversee the operation of the Texas A&M Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Scientific Evidence Center, including (but not limited to):

Serving as the Chief Science Officer of the Evidence Center.
Developing and implementing policies and best practice guidelines for evidence review and synthesis, and ensuring appropriate monitoring and auditing of procedures, for the highest standards for transparency, scientific integrity, and replication, including such areas as conflict-of-interest reporting, and documenting and reporting of funding sources and relationships.
Recruiting and retaining world class level scientific staff to conduct evidence reviews.
Managing the Center’s scientific staff, as well as directing the research and educational programs.
With the Center Director, planning to align resources with the Center’s mission and strategy, and overseeing the implementation of resource plans.
Other duties as required
​Represent the Texas A&M Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Scientific Evidence Center on key national and international scientific committees, building sustainable relationships with the relevant scientific advisors and organizations associated with the Agri-Food-Health system.

Implement on the Center’s comprehensive, mission-driven scientific and educational program to ensure delivery of key science, research, and educational projects and programs, within key milestones for deadlines and funding requirements.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree or higher in related field and eight (8) years of related experience

Preferred Education and Experience:

Terminal degree (ie: PhD, MD, etc.) in a related field and ten (10) or more years of related experience as a scientific leader on research projects and programs, with emphasis on projects related to evidence synthesis and review, and including managing budgets and personnel. Experience as an administrative leader at an institution of higher education.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong English written and verbal communications skills.
Demonstrated excellence in effective strategic planning and implementation of strategic initiatives.
Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Recognized national leader in scientific evidence assessment in agriculture, environmental sciences, food and nutrition, and/or economics.
A proven track record of obtaining research funding from agencies and organizations and publishing high-level scientific research, which must include research synthesis studies (e.g., systematic reviews, meta-analyses).
Experience leading evidence review and synthesis in agricultural economics and/or environment.
Broad understanding of, and experience with, the land grant university system.
Demonstrated ability to establish coalitions and consensus among scientific stakeholders and organizations.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.