Director of the Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases

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Director – Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases  

About Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases: The Director of the Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases will serve as the administrative leader of the unit IIAD, which is a globally recognized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an emeritus Center of Excellence (COE), and World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) Collaborating Centre (CC) in Biological Threat Reduction, that is dedicated to advancing animal health, food security, and public health through innovative research, education, and collaboration. Founded in 2001, IIAD has established itself as a leader in the field, working closely with government agencies, international organizations, academic institutions, and industry partners to address the complex challenges posed by infectious animal diseases.

The Institute currently focuses on five priority areas on advancing evidence-based research and innovation, strengthening engagement and partnerships, ensuring sustainable solutions, expanding assessment and consultation services, and building long-term capacity. With emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, dashboard tools, epidemiological analysis, economic assessment, and enhanced monitoring and evaluation, IIAD aims to improve preparedness, detection, response, and sustainability related to infectious disease threats in agriculture. The institute will continue to cultivate strong local, state, national, and global partnerships, including collaborations across Texas A&M Universities System (TAMUS), government agencies, industry organizations, and international animal health entities, while diversifying funding sources and planning for leadership continuity. IIAD will also enhance its role in assessments, consultations, grant development, vulnerability analysis, and foreign animal disease preparedness, while sustaining and expanding education, credentialing, mentorship, and national short-course programs. Collectively, these priorities position IIAD to strengthen animal health systems, support agricultural resilience, and deliver innovative, sustainable solutions for current and emerging biosecurity challenges.

Mission: Create collaborative and innovative solutions to promote the resiliency of human, animal, and environmental health systems through the development and implementation of proportionate and effective mitigation actions in the management of infectious animal and zoonotic diseases.

Vision: To be a preeminent global provider of infectious animal disease research and solutions.

Appointment and Location: The Director of the Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases will have a 12-month appointment at College Station, Texas.

Administrative Relationships: This position will report jointly to the Director of Texas A&M AgriLife Research and to the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. This position will be supported with input by an Advisory Committee of external and internal stakeholders. The Advisory Committee will be composed of leading industry professionals and collaborators, private individuals and companies, foundations, internal affiliate experts, and national or international institutions. Additionally, designated Fellows will provide strategic guidance on priorities and program development to advance the Institute’s goals, identify emerging agricultural challenges using a One Health approach and recommend responses, foster partnerships and collaboration, advise on programs and funding opportunities, promote stakeholder communication, and advocate for the Institute’s initiatives.

General Job Description: The Director of the Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases will lead the Institute, which focuses on facilitating, communicating, and supporting collaboration between IIAD personnel, faculty, staff, leadership, and stakeholders.

The Director will engage key stakeholders across all necessary disciplines and associations to address existing and emerging infectious animal disease needs. The Director will maintain and build state, national, and international connections to help shape research and education to

strengthen animal health systems, support agricultural resilience, and deliver innovative, sustainable solutions for current and emerging biosecurity challenges.

Position Description and Responsibilities: The Director will:

• develop a vision for the continued role of the Institute and the TAMUS in the dynamic environment of infectious animal diseases;

• provide collaborative and programmatic support to faculty, staff, and students to enhance research and extension missions;

• manage human and fiscal resources, including team building and leading a proposal development program that elevates efforts throughout the TAMUS;

• provide leadership for continued acquisition of internal and external resources needed to build teams and support activities for planned outcomes;

• represent the Institute to state, federal, and international agencies, private organizations, partners, collaborators, key industry groups, and international organizations;

• liaise with the administration of TAMUS to plan initiatives, convey research and extension information, and pursue fundraising opportunities that will benefit the Institute far into the future;

• work closely with and implement outreach and professional technical oversight to IIAD portfolios including serving as principal investigator for institute-related projects;

• provide technical expertise to IIAD animal health-related projects and programs;

• use knowledge of animal agriculture industry functions and current agricultural issues;

• provide technical expertise to projects focused on animal health, emergency management, epidemiology, international capacity building, and industry extension;

• act as a trainer for curriculum development and implementation of IIAD field training programs regarding national and international outreach when needed; and

• perform other duties as assigned.

Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases Director Qualifications

Required Education/Experience: The successful candidate should be a well-recognized leader in veterinary medicine and/or public health, with a documented record of distinction with 10 years of experience in the veterinary industry or related experience; and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and/or terminal degree in an associated field.

• Documented expertise in the field of veterinary medicine and/or public health, with a record of contributions in research, education, and/or industry.

• Demonstrated ability to engage with stakeholder groups, identify critical issues, and then act on those needs through research, extension, and/or industry activities that bring resolution to problems.

• Demonstrated success in building, supporting, and leading interdisciplinary veterinary programs and teams.

• Proven track record in leading and growing projects and programs that collectively achieve an organization’s mission.

• Experience in managing human and fiscal resources.

Preferred Education/Experience:

• 10 years of experience in the veterinary industry or related experience.

• Nationally and/or internationally recognized expertise in veterinary medicine, with a documented record of distinction in research, grant writing, education, and/or industry.

• Track record of using research and education to solve problems and convey practical solutions to stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience navigating conflicting interests to achieve accepted practices among groups (e.g., stakeholders; trade associations; county, councils of government; boards; state and/or federal agencies; non-governmental organizations, etc.).

• Experience with veterinary epidemiology.

• Experience with veterinary regulatory medicine and programs.

• Experience with international veterinary medicine, transboundary diseases, and capacity building.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent English oral, written, and electronic communication skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, administration, and stakeholders.

• Ability to manage multidisciplinary and interagency teams, while assuring communication flows among groups and members.

• Ability to utilize leadership skills to inspire faculty and staff, manage teams, and invest in individual success of faculty and staff members.

• Knowledge of fundraising, where development ideas advance the goals of the Institute.

• Ability to coordinate with broad-based partners and stakeholders to address animal health challenges statewide, nationally, and internationally.

• Ability to work with and appear before legislative, regulatory, and stakeholder bodies as a trusted source of expert knowledge.

How to Apply

An application should contain: 

• A cover letter

• A statement of experience and administrative vision for the position (2-page limit), and

• A current resume or curriculum vitae including contact information for three references.

Review of applications will begin August 26, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.  The proposed start date is Fall 2026.

Questions?

Address inquiries to Search Committee Chair:

Mr. Craig Huffhines, Director, Institute for Equines Sciences

craig.huffhines@ag.tamu.edu

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/Veterans/Disability Employer.