The Office of the Vice President for Research is pleased to announce a search for the Executive Director of The Hormel Institute based in Austin, Minnesota. This leadership opportunity will provide strategic vision and implementation for The Hormel Institute while leading efforts to promote collaboration across the University of Minnesota and with its key partners. This leader will be charged with overseeing and building on a robust cancer research program at The Hormel Institute and will enhance and diversify the Institute’s revenue stream with philanthropic and extramural research support. The Executive Director will represent the Institute in a variety of settings, both internal and external to the University, serving as its principal spokesperson.
The search committee, chaired by Rollie Gentzler, treasurer of The Hormel Foundation, is leading this effort. Updates for this search will be announced here.
View the full position profile: Executive Director, The Hormel Institute.
Finalists Announced
John DiGiovanni
On January 16, Vice President for Research Christopher J. Cramer announced that the search committee completed initial interviews and recommended a finalist: John DiGiovanni, Ph.D. of University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is a professor in the Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology in the College of Pharmacy with adjunct appointments in the Departments of Pediatrics (Dell Medical School) and Nutritional Science (College of Natural Sciences). He holds the Coulter R. Sublett Endowed Chair in Pharmacy and is also director of the Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology and associate director for Basic Research in the LiveSTRONG Cancer Institutes at UT Austin. Dr. DiGiovanni is scheduled to visit Minnesota to meet with multiple constituencies and participate in a second interview with key stakeholders in Austin on Thursday, February 6 and the Twin Cities campus on Friday, February 7.
Robert R. Clarke
On November 7, Vice President for Research Christopher J. Cramer announced that the search committee completed initial interviews and recommended a finalist: Robert R. Clarke, Ph.D., D.Sc. of Georgetown University is a professor in the Department of Oncology and co-leader of the Breast Cancer Program at the Georgetown-Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Clarke met with multiple constituencies and participated in a second interview with key stakeholders at Austin and the Twin Cities Campus in November 2019.
The Hormel Institute
The Hormel Institute, a biomedical research center of the University of Minnesota, was established in 1942 in Austin, MN, and contributes to the development of new prevention and treatment therapies for cancer and other chronic diseases. Its mission is to conduct research and provide education in the biological sciences with applications in medicine and agriculture. The Institute’s research success resulted in a second major expansion of its research facilities and includes an additional new state-of-the-art laboratory building that opened in January 2016, offering its research scientists complete access to state-of-the-art cutting edge equipment.
The Hormel Institute
The Hormel Institute Annual Report - 2018
FAQs: The Hormel Institute
The University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota was founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world. The University's mission, carried out on multiple campuses and throughout the state, is threefold: Research and Discovery; Teaching and Learning; Outreach and Public Service.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in advancing the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Learn more about diversity at the University of Minnesota.
About Austin, Minnesota
Austin is a great place to call home. A vibrant and diverse community with a strong international presence, Austin celebrates its rich agricultural heritage while cultivating global connections in the 21st century.
- Home to a Fortune 500 company and leading cancer research center
- Access to an innovative community college and award-winning schools
- Health care provided by the world-renowned Mayo Clinic Health System
- Low unemployment rates, regularly below the state and national averages
- Voted in 2015 as one of the "Top 10 Affordable Small Towns Where You'd Actually Want to Live" by Realtor.com with close proximity to Rochester, Minnesota, and less than one hundred miles from the major metropolitan areas of Minneapolis/St. Paul
- Recreational opportunities abound with 28 parks, nearly 40 miles of accessible bike trails, a new state-of-the-art recreation center, two golf courses, many outdoor sports fields, plus more
- Incentives to start a business or build your dream home in Austin by taking advantage of the many different packages offered through local government
Learn more about Austin: Discover Austin, MN
How to Apply
Applicants should apply through the UMN Jobs website:
External Applicants: View and Apply
Internal Applicants: View and Apply
Applications will be reviewed starting early-September and will be accepted until the position is filled, with a priority deadline of 09/30/19.
For More Information
For more information about the search process, please contact Minda Anderson: [email protected]
For more information about the position, please contact Rollie Gentzler: [email protected]
Search Committee Members
Rollie Gentzler, Chair
Treasurer, The Hormel Foundation
Yibin Deng
Professor, Hormel Institute
Sergio Gradilone
Professor, Hormel Institute
Stephen Hecht
Professor, Masonic Cancer Center
Kim Klukas
Animal Care Supervisor, Hormel Institute
Michael Oakes
Associate Vice President for Research
Jen Westendorf
Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology