The Opportunity
Rice University invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the Betty and Jacob Friedman Holistic Garden and Lecturer in BioSciences located in Houston, Texas, with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2027. We are seeking an entrepreneurial, operationally minded leader to direct the daily site operations, educational program, strategic vision, and community integration of this dynamic academic urban farm.
This role requires a dynamic "academic entrepreneur" who possesses advanced horticultural knowledge, physical site management capabilities, charismatic teaching skills, and collaborative, start-up-style business acumen. Operating at the intersection of practical horticulture, academic instruction, and interdisciplinary outreach, the Director will manage daily urban farm activities, budget allocation, organic crop production, and site infrastructure—including a greenhouse, solar array, rainwater collection, apiary, and composting systems. They will lead and mentor a team comprising a full-time Post-Graduate Fellow/Manager and student workers. As Lecturer in BioSciences, the Director will design and deliver popular undergraduate coursework in horticulture, sustainable agriculture, and related practitioner fields each semester.
Crucially, the Director will establish a strategic vision for generating revenue through produce sales, public workshops, and plant sales, while expanding volunteer initiatives, alumni and donor engagement, and community food system outreach. Beyond campus, the Director will serve as a strategic bridge builder—forging high-impact research, clinical health, and public partnerships across Rice University and the neighboring Texas Medical Center in areas such as garden therapy, public health, and patient wellness.
Required Qualifications
Candidates must have a master’s degree in Public Horticulture, Sustainable Agriculture, or a related practitioner field; or a Ph.D. in Horticulture or a related discipline by the start date. They must have a proven track record in site operations, budget oversight, crop management, volunteer coordination, and inspirational educational instruction.
Procedure for Candidacy
To apply, please submit the following materials online https://apply.interfolio.com/193817: (1) cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) experience and vision statement covering operational leadership, crop management, and staff supervision (2 pages max); (4) statement of teaching philosophy (1 page max); and (5) contact information for three references. The experience and vision statement and statement of teaching philosophy may also include plans for fostering an equitable and inclusive learning environment and a gardening team. Applications that are received by November 16, 2026 will receive full consideration, but we will continue reviewing applications until positions are filled. For additional information, please visit our website here or contact Dominique Oumar (dominique.oumar@rice.edu), Director of Administrative Operations of the Wiess School of Natural Sciences.
About Rice
Rice University is a private, coeducational, nonsectarian university that aspires to path-breaking research, unsurpassed teaching, and contributions to the betterment of our world. Rice fulfills this mission by cultivating a diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders across the spectrum of human endeavor. In our candidate pools, we seek to attract greater representation of women, scholars of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who have historically been underrepresented in the health sciences; accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff varied in background and thought; and maintain an environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our community.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.
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