Director, Turkana Basin Institute

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Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, New York

The Turkana Basin Institute (TBI) and Stony Brook University (SBU) seek an experienced leader and accomplished scientist who will continue to grow TBI’s research infrastructure, ensure its continued pre-eminence in the paleosciences, and the further expansion of its broad regional education activities. Leveraging its partnership with Kenyan officials and communities, along with philanthropic funding, SBU has supported TBI in becoming an internationally recognized research and educational field station. TBI is a core element of Stony Brook University’s international footprint, and the next Director will have the opportunity to lead an institute rich in history and scientific accomplishments.

Founded in 2005 by Richard Leakey, TBI is located in the Turkana Basin of Kenya, the ideal location for conducting research in the paleosciences and early human history more broadly. The Turkana Basin region is a source of unprecedented paleontological and archaeological evidence for all major stages of human evolution and cultural change. From its early beginnings, TBI has sought to build infrastructure to support year-round field research. As part of establishing permanent infrastructure for research, TBI has collaborated closely with local communities and county officials, and nearby universities to train and develop the next generation of African scholars and researchers, and build local capacity in other meaningful ways. The TBI facilities at Ileret and Turkwel are the main locations that house its laboratories, support facilities, and classrooms. TBI's field programs, including the Origins Field School, provide on-site experiences for undergraduate and graduate students interested in the paleosciences, human-environment relationships, and sustainable development in the global south.

Reporting to the Provost of Stony Brook University, the Director serves as TBI’s chief administrative officer, scientific thought leader, lead fundraiser, and relationship manager. The Director oversees all of TBI’s activities across its various locations and works closely with the CEO of TBI Kenya to ensure that onsite operations and infrastructure run smoothly. The success of the next Director will be determined by their ability to build and enhance TBI’s research and education programs; fundraise; maintain strong collaborations with Stony Brook University and Kenyan stakeholders; and mentor and develop the next generation of African paleoscience researchers. The Director should bring strong scientific credentials; experience with field work in international settings; the ability to communicate scientific research to broad audiences; and the acumen to work with a diverse array of stakeholders in the U.S. and abroad.

Stony Brook University has retained the search firm Isaacson, Miller to assist with this recruitment. Instructions for applying, nominating, and/or inquiring about the position can be found at

Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of inclusive learning, and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes, under federal or state laws.