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 brings strong project management skills and a proactive, highly organized approach to leading complex, interdisciplinary initiatives. They are skilled at translating strategic vision into tangible programs-such as steering committee facilitation, seed grant coordination, curriculum development, and cross-institutional events-ensuring alignment with institutional goals from concept through execution. With a builder mindset, they thrive in ambiguity and are comfortable shaping initiatives from the ground up. Strong stakeholder engagement, communication, and cultural sensitivity are essential for fostering collaboration across diverse teams and time zones. The role requires regular on-site presence in Boston (2-3 days per week) and travel to India at least four times per year (minimum two weeks per trip).

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:

• 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
• Demonstrated business development and fundraising experience
• Proven leadership in interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and international environments
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize work products across teams and facilitate interaction and accountability
• Familiarity with international partnerships and operations within academic institutions

• Willingness to be onsite 2-3 days per week in Boston during regular business hours
• Ability to travel to India four times per year, with each trip lasting a minimum of two weeks
• Flexibility to work across global time zones, including occasional early morning or late evening calls to accommodate collaboration with international partners, particularly in India

Preferred Qualifications:

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