IDI Faculty Director Search

1. Rank: Full Professor
2. Required Terminal Degree: PhD
3. Candidates must be internal (i.e., hold a primary faculty appointment and have their principal research and academic activities physically based at The Ohio State University).
4. Actively engaged in the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) through participation in programs, initiatives, or leadership activities.
5. Leadership experience, including programmatic development.
6. Interdisciplinary research accomplishments as reflected through publications, funding, and outreach.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to:

• Lead the IDI by strategically and collaboratively executing initiatives and programs that embrace interdisciplinary research and the One Health framework, elevate the institute’s national and international profile, and advance large‑scale funding efforts, nontraditional revenue development, commercialization/entrepreneurship, AI‑enabled initiatives, and philanthropic engagement.
• Function effectively within a shared‑leadership structure centered on strong, on-going collaboration with the IDI Executive Committee (senior‑level faculty and staff leadership) and engage IDI thematic program and cross‑cutting initiative leaders to support their programmatic priorities equitably and align them with the broader mission of the institute.
• Communicate effectively across varied audiences by clearly articulating the IDI’s mission, goals, and structure, and by translating complex infectious‑disease science into clear, accurate, and accessible messages that advance understanding and support for the institute among IDI members, university leaders, external partners, and the public.
• Foster a supportive, and opportunity‑rich environment for students and learners at all levels to cultivate the next generation of infectious diseases scientists, clinicians, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders, and to strengthen workforce development pathways that prepare them for impactful careers.
• Bridge basic, translational, and clinical science across IDI’s thematic programs and cross‑cutting initiatives while broadening the institute’s interdisciplinary network by engaging disciplines and units not traditionally represented in infectious diseases, fostering a cohesive research and clinical ecosystem that spans the full spectrum of methods, applications, and academic domains across Ohio State.
• Grow and diversify IDI’s revenues through large‑scale research funding, industry partnerships, commercialization, and other nontraditional funding avenues by leading as a practical visionary who inspires interdisciplinary innovation and entrepreneurial exploration, translating creative ideas into SMART‑aligned, resource‑aware strategies that leverage the strengths of the IDI community to drive sustainable revenue growth in alignment with the Enterprise for Research, Innovation, and Knowledge (ERIK) and university priorities.
• Advance operational excellence and continuous improvement by championing strategic doing—a practical, action‑focused, learning‑by‑doing framework—ensuring IDI aligns its ambitions with finite resources while maintaining responsible stewardship (i.e., operating within allotted budget), effective execution, and policy compliance.
• Steward IDI Genomics and Microbiology Services Lab (IDI‑GEMS) as a signature IDI resource and key branding asset—advancing its sequencing, bioinformatics/microbiome platform (in partnership with the Center of Microbiome Science), tick‑borne pathogen testing (i.e., Buckeye Tick Test), and Bacillus Genetic Stock Center services—by ensuring cost‑neutral operations, expanding innovative, fee-for-service capabilities that support the infectious diseases research community, and collaborating with other university earnings units to position IDI‑GEMS as a model, integrated research services platform that strengthens interdisciplinary science, public health impact, commercialization, and the global visibility of IDI and Ohio State.
• Participate in efforts to explore a unified university approach to high‑containment research, ensuring the sustainable and strategically aligned use of shared facilities (e.g., BSL‑3, BSL‑3 Ag, PAAR) in partnership with the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences; ERIK; other campus units; and university leadership

Enterprise for Research Innovation and Knowledge

The Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) at The Ohio State University is a dynamic, forward-thinking organization dedicated to pushing the boundaries of discovery and innovation. ERIK positions Ohio State to expand curiosity-driven research and creative expression, further develop our research community of faculty, staff, and students, and grow the innovation ecosystem to address big challenges and improve communities locally and globally. We are seeking passionate individuals who are committed to making a meaningful impact through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. To learn more about the ERIK mission and work, please visit https://erik.osu.edu/.