Director of Pacific Biosciences Research Center (PBRC) (89024)

Title: Director of Research Institute (UHM) Pacific Biosciences Research Center (PBRC)

Position Number: 89024

Hiring Unit: Pacific Biosciences Research Center (PBRC)

Location: University of Hawaii at Manoa

Date Posted: October 7 2025

Closing Date: Continuous recruitment application review begins November 18 2025

Salary Range: SM-3 $162156 to $291885

Additional Salary Info: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

Full Time/Part Time: Full-time

Temporary/Permanent: Permanent

Funding: General funds

INTRODUCTION

The Pacific Biosciences Research Center (PBRC) supports interdisciplinary research and training currently including cellular developmental and molecular biology; evolutionary ecological and conservation biology focused on Hawaiian and Pacific regional terrestrial and marine ecosystems systems; neuro-behavioral and nutritional biology; and Earths microbiome. PBRC also administers research and training in marine sciences at the Kewalo Marine Laboratory and manages core facilities including a microbial genomics laboratory an insectary and an electron/confocal microscopy center housed in a state-of-the-art new 70000 sq. ft. Life Sciences collaboration with a wide range of degree-granting academic units at the University of Hawaii at Manoa PBRC supports training in biosciences for undergraduates graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. PBRC currently manages two National Institutes of Health Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) programs that foster the success of junior faculty from across the campus working on the roles of the environmental microbiome and precision nutrition in human health. The Director is expected to have a rigorous program of externally funded research an outstanding track-record of engagement in graduate and undergraduate education and faculty mentorship exceptional communication and organizational and decision-making skills that would demonstrate their capacity to lead a diverse interdisciplinary academic unit collaboratively with PBRC faculty.

The PBRC Director is a member of the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) Deans executive leadership team and is charged with providing academic and administrative leadership serving as an active supporter and proponent of the missions of the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus and the University of Hawaii system and representing PBRC and the University of Hawaii in life sciences research internationally. The Director also fosters research and training opportunities through their own research endeavors provides the leadership for furthering basic and applied scholarly research finds potential funding sources and identifies new areas of interdisciplinary research consistent with the needs of SOEST and the University mission as a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.

PBRC currently has an annual operating budget of $15M (from both State and extramural sources) and supports 30 faculty 12 postdoctoral researchers 30 graduate students and 25-30 additional employees.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ADMINISTRATION

• Provides comprehensive academic and administrative leadership for PBRC; actively supports the missions and goals of PBRC SOEST the Manoa campus and the University of Hawaii system
• Serves as head facilitator and coordinator of PBRCs academic research training and service programs and is responsible for all administrative matters for PBRC including human resources management space utilization facilities financial management and budget planning and execution.
• Leads collaborative strategic planning with faculty and staff; establishes communicates and achieves short- and long-term goals aligned with SOEST and UHM strategic priorities.
• Develops and maintains excellence in research and training programs through the recruitment and retention of high-quality faculty and staff; fosters positive faculty and staff morale productivity and professional growth by promoting a respectful collaborative high-performance culture.
• Provides transparent consultative leadership that balances the best interests of PBRC with those of SOEST the campus the UH system and the broader community.
• Secures and supports others in securing funding from state federal corporate and private sources; establishes positive proactive relationships with potential donors and sponsors in cooperation with the UH Foundation; and promotes annual giving and philanthropic initiatives that advance PBRCs mission.
• Promotes PBRC by building and maintaining strategic partnerships with local state federal and international organizations and serving as PBRCs representative to external bodies.
• Prepares reports testimony and documents relating to PBRCs research and training in response to legislative State University and/or School inquiries.

RESEARCH AND TRAINING

FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated ability to generate a climate conducive to excellence in research teaching and training.
• Demonstrated fundraising experience with public and private entities.
• Experience in human resource and financial management of large science programs including organizational and management successes.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures of external federal funding agencies.
• Ability to function successfully in an indigenous multi-ethnic multi-cultural environment.

To Apply:

Please click on the Apply button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach required documents. Applicant must submit the following:

• A cover letter summarizing your interest and qualifications for the position including a detailed statement of how you satisfy each of the minimum and desirable qualifications for PBRC Director
• A current curriculum vitae;
• A two-page vision statement describing how you would lead PBRC into the future;
• Names addresses title and contact information of at least four (4) professional references;
• Transcripts showing degree awarded with confidential information (i.e. social security number birth dates) redacted. Copies of official transcripts are acceptable at time of application; however original transcripts will be required upon hire.

An initial review of the applicants will begin on November 18 2025 but the position will remain open until filled.

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For inquiries and nominations:

Contact David Karl at or at

The University of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information visit: is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions criminal history record checks.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawaii may be viewed at: or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.

Accommodation Request: The University of Hawaii complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information please refer to the following link: