Director – Plant and Animal Agrosecurity Research Facility

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Job Title:

Director – Plant and Animal Agrosecurity Research Facility

Department:

FAES | Research and Graduate Education Administration

The Plant and Animal Agrosecurity Research (PAAR) Facility is a state-of-the-art biocontainment building designed to support critical research on infectious diseases that threaten both plant and animal health. As mandated by federal law, PAAR enables work with high-risk organisms classified under Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3 and BSL-3 Ag)—pathogens, including select agents, that could cause serious harm to agriculture and the economy if released.

PAAR is the only facility in Ohio and one of only a handful in the United States with a dual mission to conduct both plant and animal research at the BSL-3 and BSL-3 Ag levels. While there are several other U.S. facilities that are designated for BSL-3 Ag animal research, PAAR stands out for its integrated approach.

PAAR strengthens internationally recognized research programs in infectious diseases at The Ohio State University. It plays a vital role in protecting Ohio’s $90+ billion agricultural industry—the state’s largest economic sector, by enabling:

• Development of advanced diagnostic tools
• Creation of new treatments and vaccines
• Proactive responses to emerging threats from diseases and pests

The facility also enhances the ability of OSU to attract top-tier faculty, competitive research grants, and industry partnerships.

Recent collaborative work within PAAR has included CFAES, the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, USDA and other external partners to address highly pathogenic avian influence and African Swine Fever.

This role provides leadership in agricultural facility administration, including planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to support research objectives for PAAR.  The Director will oversee the operational management of the PAAR facility ensuring efficient use of resources, proper maintenance of infrastructure, and coordination of agricultural research activities within and outside containment areas, ensure decontamination between experiments, develop and implement facility-wide compliance policies and operational strategies to meet regulatory requirements including IACUC, IBC, AAALAC, and select agent regulations. To perform these duties, the Director will be expected to provide leadership and strategic direction to PAAR staff and affiliated research teams, ensuring alignment with college-level objectives and long-term operational goals;  facilitate work with faculty investigators and attending veterinarians to support successful projects and ensure compliance; ensure safe practices of PAAR users and staff; conduct risk assessments in collaboration with the PAAR Oversight and Compliance Committee (POCC) and Environmental Health and Safety to troubleshoot activities or issues; conduct advisor group and user group meetings on a regular basis or as needed; and report compliance and facility issues to the appropriate authorities. The Director will shape and influence institutional strategies by collaborating with university agricultural leadership, commodity organizations, and external partners to align PAAR operations with broader agricultural priorities.

Additional duties include serving as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the PAAR facility. The ARO must be prepared to take the place of the Responsible Official (RO) in their absence. This includes compliance with all select a