Job no: 518446
Position type: Staff Full Time
Benefit Status: Benefited-Union
Campus: UMass Lowell
Department: Kennedy College of Sciences
Salary: Salary commensurate with experience
Applications Open: Apr 12 2023
Applications Close: Open until filled

General Summary of Position:

The Kennedy College of Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Lowell invites applications for the position of Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies. The successful candidate will possess strong academic leadership experience with an established record of excellence in research, education, and mentorship that can promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, respect, and integrity. Reporting to the Dean of the Kennedy College of Sciences, the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies will develop, and following approval, implement and assess the research and graduate program strategic plans of the Kennedy College of Sciences.

Located about 25 miles northwest of Boston, Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts Lowell is a tier-1 research university with a national reputation in science, engineering, and technology. UMass Lowell is committed to educating students for lifelong success in a diverse world, and to conducting research and outreach activities that sustain the economic, environmental, and social health of the region. As a minority-serving institution, a major component of that initiative is to ensure that diversity and inclusion is in every aspect of our strategic plan.

The Kennedy College of Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Lowell provides comprehensive programs that produce future scientists and science educators who are informed citizens committed to the well-being of our region, nation, and planet. The College is engaged in basic and applied research to advance scientific and technical knowledge that will improve the health, economic, and environmental welfare of citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the world. The College aims to advance scientific literacy through excellence in research, education, outreach, and broad partnerships while fostering respect, openness, and a sense of community.

Essential Job Duties:

The Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies for the Kennedy College of Sciences:

Research Development:

• Communicate regularly with the college Dean and Associate/Assistant Deans, department chairs and faculty, faculty in research centers both inside and outside of the College, Office of Research Administration, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, and Research Staff, Graduate Admissions, and other campus units. External communications include potential research sponsors/collaborators
• Promote and facilitate individual and collaborative research opportunities in the college by developing and/or enhancing intra- and inter-institutional research programs
• Identify and cultivate collaborative relationships with funding agencies, including government, industry, private foundations, and other institutions that support research and innovation
• Strengthen the research infrastructure of the Kennedy College of Sciences and scholarly productivity of its faculty and students
• Provide recommendations to the Dean regarding improvements to research infrastructure

Faculty and Graduate Program Development:

• Make recommendations about matters of curriculum, research support, space allocations, student recruitment, and college activities and events. The position requires the ability to be flexible and creative in problem solving and adaptable to the rapidly changing landscape of the university
• Develop College-wide efforts around faculty professional development and mentoring
• In collaboration with the Office of Research Administration, provide support to faculty with grant applications and post award activities, and supervise the Research Support staff within the Dean’s Office
• Design and lead regular events aimed at enhancing inter-disciplinary research activities of the College faculty
• Assist the Dean with faculty recruitment, hiring, reappointment, promotion, tenure, pre-tenure and post-tenure policies procedures, and reviews
• In collaboration with the chairs of the departments and the Office of the Provost, provide support for the development and implementation of new graduate academic programs and the revision of existing programs
• Support Graduate Student success in Master’s and Doctoral degree programs
• Lead college wide efforts to recruit and retain a diverse population of high-quality graduate students
• Assist the Dean and Department Chairs in evaluating faculty teaching assignments

Innovation and Partnerships:

• In coordination with the Office of Technology Commercialization, identify, promote and support, whenever appropriate, the transfer of discoveries to innovative ideas and technologies that can be the basis of new start-up businesses or that can support existing ones;
• Promote and support faculty and students who wish to be innovators and entrepreneurs with their own discoveries

Other Job Duties:

• Serve on university committees as needed
• Attend faculty Senate and other standing University meetings as needed
• Represent the College in University-wide meetings and events
• Occasional overnight and day travel for conferences and international partnerships, attendance at evening and weekend functions

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

Education:

Terminal degree in the Sciences/Engineering fields or in a closely related field

Experience:

Tenured Associate or Full Professor with senior leadership experience in an academic institution

Skills:

• Strong record of research and publication
• Proven success as a skilled educator
• Administrative/leadership experience in an academic environment
• Commitment to promoting a culture that nurtures diverse forms of inquiry and scholarship
• Commitment to promoting a culture that enhances diversity and strengthens inclusion and equity within the College

Additional Considerations:

Achievements commensurate with a tenured appointment including national recognition as a scholar

Experience with professional accreditation

Experience in fostering interdisciplinary research initiatives

Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

Ability to work with a diverse population of faculty, students, and staff

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

This is a Non-Unit, Professional position, Grade P25.

Please include the following required documents with your application:

• Cover Letter
• CV
• Academic Leadership Statement
• Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Publication List
• Research Statement
• Names and contact information for three references will be required at the time of application.