Position Description
The University of Iowa invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President for Research and Economic Development. The individual holding this position provides central leadership to the University’s research, scholarly and creative programs, in addition to economic development. Working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students, the Vice President for Research and Economic Development champions and facilitates research, research compliance, scholarship, creative and entrepreneurial activities, and fosters their excellence; strengthens relationships with public and private agencies and corporations that provide support for research and scholarly endeavors; strengthens relationships with community partnerships; assures the integrity of the research enterprise; advances the role of the University in economic development and technology transfer; and oversees the formulation and implementation of research-specific policies related to regulatory compliance and intellectual property management.
The University of Iowa is a member of the select Association of American Universities, an organization of institutions recognized for excellence in research, and consistently ranks among the top 20 public research institutions in external funding, receiving over $450 million in the last fiscal year. The University of Iowa has a total of 53 colleges, departments and programs that are ranked among the nation’s best, according to U.S. News & World Report, including 23 ranked among the Top 10 of their kind at U.S. public institutions.
Demonstrated characteristics
Successful candidates will demonstrate the following characteristics:
- Ability to articulate a strong vision for the University’s research and economic development missions
- Commitment to academic excellence and to high academic and ethical standards
- Leadership in research program development
- Ability to communicate and work effectively with multiple and diverse constituencies, including faculty, staff, and students, and local, state and national constituents in the the public and private sectors
- A comprehensive understanding of the importance of research, creative activity, and scholarship across disciplines and the University’s eleven colleges
- Commitment to adopting and promoting principles of affirmative action and equal opportunity, and achieving diversity in the workplace
Major Responsibilities
- Advise the President and executive advisory bodies in decision making and oversight of general university matters as a member of the President’s cabinet
- Oversee research units, including the offices of Sponsored Programs, the University of Iowa Research Foundation, the University of Iowa Research Park, selected Central Research Support Facilities and centers, State Hygienic Lab, and regulatory compliance units (e.g., Human Subjects Office, Animal Care Unit, and Health Protection Office). See Unit Organizational Chart.
- Articulate and champion the University’s research mission
- Identify, develop and nurture innovative and strategic research initiatives
- Lead campus activities related to technology transfer and economic development
- Promote inter-disciplinary research
- Develop strategies to ensure the necessary research infrastructures are available and aligned with existing research strengths and emerging research opportunities
- Serve as liaison with federal and state agencies related to research and economic development
- Provide strategic guidance for the research enterprise through analysis of current and emerging financial, policy, scientific, and regulatory trends
- Advocate for resources to advance the University’s research opportunities
- Actively participate in campus space and facilities planning
- Ensure regulatory compliance
- Work with the Research Council and other campus advisory bodies in the formulation of policies, in communicating information about the research enterprise, and in reviewing and developing research strategies
- Pursue and promote, in collaboration with the University’s Office of Governmental Relations, federal and state support for strategic research and economic development initiatives
- Foster involvement with national research, policy-oriented organizations and interest groups (e.g., CIC, AAU, COGR, NCURA and APLU)
- Interact with the Board of Regents, and other Iowa constituent groups, on research and economic development matters
Required Qualifications
- Earned doctorate or requisite terminal degree in the applicant’s area of study
- Strong personal record of research, scholarship, mentorship, publication, and funding, as appropriate for the discipline in which the applicant is trained
- Prior experience at a major research university or organization, or work experience that includes substantial interaction with academic institutions
- Demonstrated effective administrative experience, including fiscal oversight and supervision of staff
- Demonstrated leadership in strategic research development
- A commitment to diversity
- A commitment to economic development
Desirable Qualifications
- Work experience in a public/research-extensive university
- A strong record of effective, innovative, and collaborative leadership in higher education
- Demonstrated experience with entrepreneurial activities and economic development
Appointment
The individual will be appointed as a senior academic administrator and hold a tenured faculty position at the rank of Professor in an appropriate university department(s). The Vice President for Research and Economic Development is appointed by the Board of Regents, upon the President’s recommendation.
Related Links
University of Iowa Organizational Chart
Unit Organizational Chart