Director, Interdisciplinary Center for Nutrition Science and Medicine

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Nutrition Science and Medicine (INCSM, pronounced IN-SUM) is a pioneering collaboration between Tufts University, Boston, and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, India. Established in June 2025, ICNSM is committed to addressing the global nutrition crisis through education, research, and innovation. By integrating nutrition science, medicine, public health, and policy to develop innovative, culturally grounded solutions that improve health outcomes in India, the United States, and globally.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an innovative, interdisciplinary team addressing global health through culturally responsive solutions in nutrition science and medicine.
• Collaborate with leading researchers and institutions across two continents.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate is a highly organized and proactive project manager with a proven ability to lead complex, interdisciplinary initiatives in academic or global settings. They are adept at synthesizing vision and institutional capabilities into new programs and functions, guiding efforts from design through delivery. With a builder mindset, they thrive in ambiguity and are comfortable shaping initiatives from the ground up. This individual excels at stakeholder engagement, cultivating positive relationships to promote effective collaboration across diverse teams and time zones. Strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability to evolving priorities and working styles are essential, along with a willingness to be onsite 2-3 days per week to foster relationships and maintain momentum.

This is a limited-term position through December 31, 2027, with potential for extension based on performance, needs, and available funding.

Reporting to Dr. Economos, Dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, and working closely with the ICNSM steering committee, the Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for all Centre activities. This position requires a dynamic, highly organized leader with experience managing complex, international academic initiatives. The Director will oversee administrative, financial, and communication functions and serve as a liaison between Tufts and IISc. The position requires close collaboration with stakeholders at both institutions, managing budgets and timelines, and coordinating across research, education, partnerships, development, and outreach efforts. The Director must be willing to travel to India at least four times per year (minimum two weeks per trip).
Responsibilities include:

• Strategic leadership: Developing and implementing ICNSM's strategic vision, ensuring activities are aligned with its mission and goals, and raising the Centre's profile.

• Operational oversight: Ensuring the smooth functioning of the institute's operations, including facilities, human resources, and administrative processes.

• Team management and development: Providing leadership, mentorship, and performance management to research staff, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.

• Stakeholder engagement: Building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including funders, partners, and the broader research community.

• Financial management and sustainability: Managing budgets, securing funding through grants and other avenues, and ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.

Application Instructions: To receive full consideration, applicants should apply online and include: 1.) A resume and 2.) A cover letter highlighting qualifications and relevant accomplishments, with specific attention to experience managing relationships with international stakeholders.

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and experience typically acquired through completion of an advanced degree (e.g., MS, MPH, MBA, or PhD) in Public Health, Nutrition Science, Medicine, or a related field
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in senior project management, preferably in an academic or research setting
• Business development experience
• Fundraising experience
• Demonstrated leadership in interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and international environments
• Strong organizational, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Familiarity with international partnerships and operations at academic institutions

Travel Requirement:

• Willingness to travel to India four times a year, with each trip lasting at least two weeks

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional or lived experience in India
• Experience in establishing and scaling new academic or research initiatives