North Dakota State University invites applications and nominations for the position of VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACTIVITY. Review of candidate materials will begin February 15, 2013. It is anticipated that the new Vice President for Research and Creative Activity will begin service during the summer of 2013.
North Dakota State University has over the past two decades undergone a dramatic change in terms of the breadth and scope of its scholarly, instructional, and service activities. As one of North Dakota's two flagship research institutions, NDSU has grown to be the largest university in state's 11-campus higher education system, and the only one of which is ranked in the National Science Foundation's top-100 research universities in the nation. The university community remains proud of and committed to its initial 1890 land-grant mission related to agriculture and engineering, but embraces a now comprehensive range of academic endeavors in the arts and sciences.
The state of North Dakota currently enjoys one of the best economies in the nation. That economy is built on historically strong and increasing agricultural productivity that leads the nation in twelve commodities, and is bolstered by an energy industry that has recently become the third most productive in the nation with an anticipated viability extending several decades into the future. North Dakota's economic strength is providing a springboard for steadily increasing opportunities to apply the university's research and discoveries. As a result, North Dakota is experiencing unprecedented economic diversification in fields ranging from its historic strengths in plant and animal sciences, to areas such as polymers and coatings, vaccinology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and robotics. The second largest Microsoft campus in the nation, outside of Redmond, Washington, is located in Fargo and works collaboratively with the university.
Reflecting the broadening success and priorities of the university, the role of Vice President for Research and Creative Activity (VPRCA) will be responsible for facilitating, coordinating, and advancing research and creative activities as well as fostering economic development. Reporting to the provost, the VPRCA will be a member of the President's Cabinet and must build and maintain strong cooperative relationships with other vice presidents, deans, directors, department heads/chairs, faculty, and staff to promote excellence and growth in NDSU's research and creative activities.
The successful candidate will have an earned doctorate with an accomplished record of teaching, research/creative activity and scholarship, or commensurate experience that merits appointment as a tenured full professor in an appropriate discipline at NDSU. Additionally, s/he should have: an excellent record of attracting research funding along with experience in leading multidisciplinary research/creative initiatives; a substantial record of research leadership in higher education, foundations, government agencies, and international or private research laboratories; evidence of excellent organizational, written and oral communication skills; and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse campus environment and provide effective leadership to enhance the increasing diversity and global character of NDSU. Preferably, the successful candidate should possess: understanding of important thrusts in research directions nationally and internationally; demonstrated ability to identify new avenues of funding opportunities in state and federal government and to form private sector partnerships; and demonstrated efforts in technology transfer activities and start-ups.
NDSU seeks a Vice President for Research and Creative Activity who personifies the following leadership and administrative characteristics.
A visionary leader who can:
• Manage and advance NDSU's research, creative, and interdisciplinary activities
• Enhance the status of NDSU as a land grant, student focused, research institution
• Expand and encourage research scholarship and enhance external funding for research and creative activities
• Expand NDSU's capacity for innovative, multidisciplinary, and large scale programs by creating collaborative platforms with other universities, agencies, and industry
• Work closely with the private sector on economic development strategies that encourage and enhance technology transfer activities
An effective administrator who can:
• Manage sponsored research programs and creative activity
• Provide oversight to ensure integrity and compliance in research with federal, state, institutional, and sponsor-based regulations
A complete position profile with additional information about North Dakota State University and this search may be found at: www.agbsearch.com [3] (Under "Current Searches," "Senior Executive Searches"), or at www.ndsu.edu [4].
Dr. Garry W. Owens of AGB Search will be assisting the North Dakota State University Vice President Research and Creative Activity Search Committee. Please note that North Dakota is an open records state and all formal nominations and applications are open to media and public access. Prospective nominators or potential candidates are encouraged to first contact Dr. Owens directly prior to submitting materials.
Garry W. Owens, Ph.D.
Senior Consultant, AGB Search
gwo@agbsearch.com [5]
214-705-9081 (office), 806-239-3049 (mobile)
Application materials must be submitted electronically (MS Word or PDF) and should include: 1) a letter of interest that addresses specifically how the candidate's experiences and qualifications intersect with the desired traits indicated in the position profile; 2) a comprehensive curriculum vitae; and 3) the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of five references for future contact — please also include your professional relationship with each reference listed. Application materials should be submitted electronically to http://jobs.ndsu.edu/postings/3129 [6] by February 15, 2013.
Please contact NDSU Office of Equity, Diversity, and Global Outreach NDSU.jobs@ndsu.edu [7] or (701-231-7159) with questions regarding the online application process.
North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women & traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. This position is exempt from North Dakota Veterans' Preference requirements.