Assistant Vice President of Research

Assistant Vice President for Research
MR 18

About the UT System

The University of Tennessee is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, Martin, and Pulaski; the Health Science Center at Memphis; the Space Institute at Tullahoma; and the statewide Institute of Agriculture and Institute for Public Service.

The UT System has a presence in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties. Through the combined force of education, research and outreach, the University serves students, business and industry, schools, governments, organizations, and citizens statewide.

The University of Tennessee System, through its multiple campuses and institutes, serves the people of Tennessee and beyond through the discovery, communication, and application of knowledge. The System is committed to providing undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs in a diverse learning environment that prepares students to be leaders in a global society. The UT System’s delivery of education, discovery, outreach, and public service contributes to the economic, social, and environmental well-being of all Tennesseans.

The Opportunity

The University of Tennessee System invites applications and nominations for an Assistant Vice President for Research, Outreach, and Economic Development.

Reporting to the Vice President for Research, Outreach and Economic Development, this position leads efforts to develop and strengthen capacity and productivity in research and economic development statewide. The Assistant VPR works extensively with research administration at all of UT's campuses to promote transdisciplinary programs, leverage resources, and identify ways to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Additionally, the Assistant VPR is responsible for the continued integration of the electronic research administration software system-wide and working with campuses to support policy development and implementation, institutional compliance, and strategic planning. The Assistant VPR has management authority and budget responsibilities for groups reporting directly to this position.

The Assistant VPR is expected to work to promote, enhance, and establish research partnerships with external parties including private industry, economic development groups, foundations, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the community. Additional responsibilities include assisting the VPR in maintaining the UT System's research related compliance and reporting, including federal reporting requirements and internal dashboard metrics. This position will develop and communicate strategies, plans, and results to leadership including the UT Board of Trustees and state officials as requested. The Assistant VPR is expected to serve on appropriate boards and committees to represent the University of Tennessee. Other duties are assigned as needed.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• An earned graduate degree is required, terminal degree is preferred

Experience:

• Five+ years of experience in positions of increasing responsibility

Preferred Experience & Qualifications:

• Progressive experience and responsibility in research administration and program oversight;
• Experience as a Principal Investigator;
• Experience in the oversight and evaluation of staff;
• Proven success at developing proposals and implementation plans to attract, win, and manage large research and economic development programs.

Skills:

• Knowledge and understanding of best practices within research administration, licensing and/or contracting
• Ability to understand current capabilities, policies and practices, administrative structure, and culture of the University of Tennessee
• Experience in external engagement
• Ability to lead and collaborate with campuses to facilitate research initiatives system-wide
• Ability to communicate complex issues to a variety to constituents and stakeholders; both written and verbal
• Success in developing partnerships both internally and externally