Vice President for Research and Innovation
- Employer
- University of Michigan
- Location
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Salary
- Compensation for this role is market-based and commensurate with experience.
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- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
The University of Michigan, one of the nation's premier research universities with an annual research volume exceeding $2B and with campuses in Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint, is seeking a Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI), who serves as an executive officer and the chief research official of the University. In catalyzing, supporting, and safeguarding the University's research and creative practice agenda, the Vice President works closely with the President, Provost and Executive Director of Academic Affairs, Executive Vice President (EVP) for Medical Affairs, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, other members of the University leadership team, directors of institutes, and deans of schools and colleges.
The research enterprise at U-M generates knowledge that advances society. As part of the University’s Vision 2034 plan, the University will continue to invest in new learning, design, technologies, infrastructure, and approaches that empower large-scale transdisciplinary research. U-M champions a research outlook that is anchored in support of our workforce and community, and relentlessly aimed at addressing global issues in close collaboration with its valued partners.
The vice president plays a leadership role in national and international activities regarding research policy and guides the University in defining and meeting the emerging research opportunities of the future. U-M aims to broaden and grow the global footprint of the university. The plan is to increase the number and depth of partnerships with national laboratories, forge international research alliances, expand exchange programs, and build additional collaborations with diverse commercial, educational, and governmental entities. U-M aspires to elevate its reputation as an international destination renowned for its exceptional facilities and shared-resources that are designed to encourage vibrant research collaborations and transformative discoveries that will enrich the quality of life for Michigan residents and people around the world.
Qualifications
Successful candidates for this role might come from a range of prior professional experiences, including service as a leader in a Research Office, as a leader of a large research institute, as an officer in a Federal funding agency, and/or other relevant institutional leadership experience. Strong candidates will have many of the following qualities:
- Ability to communicate a vision of the scholarly enterprise with various university constituencies and provide leadership in pursuing this vision
- The ability to work closely with the President, Provost, EVP for Medical Affairs, other executive officers, deans, and directors of major research units
- Tenured full professor with an international scholarly reputation
- Ability to build teams for interdisciplinary research
- Extensive knowledge of and experience with research funding, including a demonstrated history of attracting research funds and working with funding agencies and organizations
- Demonstrated history of affecting institutional change
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in multiple dimensions
- Ability to administer a large research-support enterprise, including exercising fiscally sound oversight of the budget
- Ability to delegate, manage people effectively, foster the professional development of staff, and make sound personnel decisions
- Understanding of the importance of compliance and regulatory matters to the research enterprise, and the ability to develop an effective organization for dealing with them
- Service on or with national organizations that provide input into research policy at the national level
- Vision for global research issues and how to enhance Michigan´s leadership in research, scholarship, and creative work, maximizing the intellectual power of the University
- Wide-ranging scholarly interest, and understanding of and commitment to promoting the full spectrum of research, interdisciplinary research, and engagement
- Awareness of the revolutionary potential of technology on the nature of the research university, and ability to provide leadership in new forms of “knowledge work”
- Ability to promote the integration of the research and educational missions of the University
- Ability to translate research for public impact, including technology transfer, economic development, evidence-based policymaking, and enhancing public knowledge
- Commitment to and ability to exercise leadership locally, at the state level, nationally, and internationally on scholarly and policy issues related to research
- Ability to represent the University’s research mission to a variety of constituencies, external and internal
- Ability to promote University faculty in national service and policy engagement, and for national/international recognition
- Respect for the diverse approaches to research across all units of the University Commitment to responsible research and innovation, including ethical and equitable engagement with the public as research partners
In addition to the qualifications listed above, ideal candidates will also possess personal attributes and interpersonal skills necessary for success in this role, such as decisiveness, broad intellectual curiosity, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively.
Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. Although the search will remain open until the position is filled, review of candidate materials will begin immediately. Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae, a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described herein, and the names and contact information of five references. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates.
Materials should be sent electronically via e-mail to the university’s consultant, Dr. Jonathan Fortescue of Park Square Executive Search, at umichvpri@parksquare.com. Documents that must be mailed may be sent to Jonathan Fortescue, Ph.D., Managing Partner, or Clarice Helfand, Senior Associate, Park Square Executive Search, LLC, 225 Franklin Street, 17th Floor, Boston, MA 02110. Phone: 617-401-8362.
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