Director, National Corn to Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) (AP26-004) - Military veterans preferred

Positio Title: Director, National Corn to Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) (AP26-004)

Location: Edwardsville, IL



Apply Before: 00859

Department: Nat Corn Eth Rsch Ctr

FLSA: Determined by Position

Description: Description

To build on a strong foundation of achievement and contribute to the realization of its ambitious institutional goals, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) invites applications for the position of Director, National Corn to Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) (AP26-004). As a premier metropolitan university, SIUE is committed to advancing social and economic mobility while shaping the workforce of the future. Grounded in a comprehensive, broad-based education and enriched by hands-on research opportunities, SIUE equips its students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a global marketplace and positively impact their communities.

Why SIUE?

Employing more than 2,400 faculty and staff members, SIUE is one of the largest employers in the Metropolitan St. Louis area. A study by SIUE School of Business faculty shows the University has a $471 million annual economic impact on the region. Each year, the University's presence generates almost 9,000 additional jobs and more than $250 million in labor income for the area.

NCERC at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is a nationally recognized biotechnology research facility dedicated to the commercialization of biofuels, biochemicals, and bioproducts. As the only facility of its kind in the United States, NCERC offers open-access, pilot-scale fermentation and downstream processing capabilities, providing critical infrastructure and technical expertise to support innovation in renewable energy, industrial biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture.

Located within SIUE's University Park research and technology district, NCERC operates at the intersection of academic research, government partnership, and private industry. Its state-of-the-art facilities include bench- to pilot-scale fermentation systems, analytical laboratories, and a skilled team of scientists, engineers, and technical staff with deep experience in biomass conversion, process optimization, and scale-up.
NCERC plays a vital role in supporting early-stage companies, multinational corporations, and academic researchers in moving biobased technologies from concept to commercialization. The Center also contributes to workforce development and economic growth in the region through training programs and industry partnerships. By facilitating collaboration among innovators across sectors, NCERC advances the development of cleaner, more sustainable technologies that support the U.S. bioeconomy and energy independence.

What You Will Do
Oversee and direct organizational staffing structure of the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center. Lead collaboration and partnership opportunities with industry, academia, government, and trade associations to identify and secure competitive external funding. Oversee funding and financial management to annual budget, generate client revenue, secured competitive grant and contracts. In a leadership capacity, represent and promote the NCERC. Stay abreast of current issues/policy related to the renewable fuels industry. Develop, implement, and oversee all NCERC funding and budgets. Develop strategic plans and processes for continuous improvement.

FLSA: Exempt

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

-Must possess a PhD in chemistry or a closely-related field aligned with critical knowledge in the biofuels or biomanufacturing industry.
-Must have a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, including experience managing staff, directing research teams in plant and lab settings, serving as a chemical analyst, and working closely with industry partners.

Preferred Qualifications:
10+ years of relevant work experience, with at least 2+ years of experience in an administrative managing or director capacity. Extensive experience working with agricultural and other related industry partners, legislative bodies, and state university structures a plus. Evidence of incorporating workforce development initiatives in alignment with industry needs will be beneficial. Strong evidence of working relationships and partnerships in the biofuels industry a significant benefit to this role.

Review of applications will begin on September 1, 2025. This position will remain open until filled.

Supplemental Information

Application Materials and Information:

• To be eligible for the role, ensure that your application includes a complete and detailed employment history that highlights your relevant full-time and part-time work experience, including start and end dates of employment, and at least three professional references.
• You are strongly encouraged to submit a resume and/or cover letter to provide additional context and showcase your qualifications.
• Applicants who feel their credentials and prior experience align with the listed minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply. In the application or within the cover letter and resume clearly describe how your credentials and relevant work experience align with the specified minimum requirements of the position.
• Applications must be submitted by the specified closing date no later than 11:59 p.m. CST.

Pre- Employment Screening: All external candidates who receive a job offer will be required to undergo pre-employment screening for this position. The screening process will encompass a criminal background check and, where applicable, other background checks such as a drug screen, verification of employment and education or licensure/certification, reference checks, and/or checks with relevant government registries. Please note that all job offers are contingent upon successful completion of the required screening process.

Additional Information: This position does not offer work authorization sponsorship. International students at SIUE on F-1 or J-1 visas are not eligible for full-time or part-time civil service positions with permanent status. F-1 and J-1 visa holders must be enrolled full-time and can only apply for temporary part-time roles working 20 hours or less per week during spring and fall semesters, such as student worker positions, assistantships, and civil service extra help roles. SIUE is a state university, and it's important to highlight that benefits from state-sponsored plans may not be accessible to individuals on F1 or J1 visas.

Accommodation: If you are unable to utilize our online application system and need to request an accommodation, please reach out to us at 618-650-2190 or via email at careerinfo@siue.edu .

EEO Statement

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is an equal opportunity employer and thus prohibits discrimination against employees, applicants for employment and students on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran's status.
We value your interest and look forward to reviewing your application. For questions or more information, email: careerinfo@siue.edu.

Benefits: SIUE offers an exceptional array of benefits to all full-time and part-time employees (50% or more receive benefits accrued at the percentage of appointment) including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance;
• University tuition waivers (full-time employees receive 100% waiver of tuition)
• Life insurance;
• SURS retirement plan;
• Supplemental retirement savings plans;
• Paid vacation and sick leave accrual;
• Generous holiday schedule/paid holidays;
• WorkLife programs;
• Employee Assistance Program (mental health and wellness);
• Employee discounts (local and national retailers);
• Flexible Spending Account Program;

For more about our benefits and employee services, visit: https://www.siue.edu/human-resources/benefits


Opening Date: 07/08/2025

Closing Date: 8/10/2025 11:59 PM Central

Address: 1040 Rendleman Hall
Edwardsville, Illinois, 62026

Website: https://www.siue.edu/



Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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