Vice President for Research and Economic Development

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President for Research and Economic Development (VPRED). The position reports to the Executive Vice President and Provost (EVP&P), and works closely with the President. President Len Jessup was appointed in 2015, and EVP&P Diane Z. Chase in 2016, and they are assembling a talented and dynamic leadership team to include the VPRED.

UNLV is looking for an energetic, innovative individual to act as an agent of change to dramatically increase UNLV's research profile; expenditures; and, move the institution to research higher Carnegie designation.

UNLV is an urban research university in a vibrant and culturally diverse campus community. The university is ranked in the category of “higher research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation. UNLV has approximately 29,000 students, including 4,500 graduate and professional students, and has about 1,100 faculty and scholars. In FY2016, UNLV received more than $53 million in external funding with approximately $34.5 million supporting research. More than 140 graduate degree programs are offered, including over 40 doctoral and professional degrees. The university continues to experience rapid change and growth in research and academic programs and with the new UNLV School of Medicine it is on course to national prominence.

Under the leadership of President Jessup and Executive Vice President and Provost Chase, the campus is building a leadership team to support UNLVs path to becoming one of the nation's best public research universities (https://www.unlv.edu/toptier). The university seeks a dynamic and creative academic leader and scholar who will provide vision, direction, and research strategic planning that will result in significant increases in extramural funding and scholarly productivity. The VPRED will be expected to increase and diversify collaborative research, extramural funding, public-private partnerships, and technology transfer.

The VPRED is responsible for university centers and institutes including UNLVs “Cherry Creek” supercomputer – National Supercomputer Center for Energy and Environment (http://www.unlv.edu/news/release/switch-supernap-intel-partner-unlv-boost-scientific-research-and-economic-development), International Gaming Institute (https://www.unlv.edu/igi) and the Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine (http://www.unlv.edu/nipm); the UNLV Research Foundation (UNLVRF) and development of its 115 acre research park; internal research funding initiatives including faculty research development programs; management of research infrastructure such as facilitating development of research space, research staff, and faculty start-up packages; assuring compliance in animal care and human subjects; sponsor negotiations, program data, grants, and contracts; and intellectual property and technology transfer opportunities, agreements, small business start-ups and patents. The VPRED also works closely with a number of federal agencies and the Nevada National Security site to build strong research relationships and partner to advance UNLV and agency initiatives. As a board member of the UNLVRF, the VPRED provides direction and leadership to the UNLVRF which supports research and economic development within the institution.

The VPRED works closely with the EVP&P, college deans and the Graduate College to build collaborative and interdisciplinary programs and partnerships across the university and into our local community. UNLV seeks to engage in strategically managed growth in new and existing programs as part of the Top Tier planning process which will lead to an improvement in our overall research infrastructure to greater retention and recruitment of outstanding faculty.

Candidates must have an earned doctorate, a strong record in research/economic development including a working understanding of federal funding agencies, and funded research accomplishments representative of a full professor; leadership skills and administrative experience with a record of achievement; a collaborative and cooperative working style; a commitment to shared governance; ability to support decisions with data; eligibility for security clearance; technology transfer and negotiating contracts with commercial sponsors; and a demonstrated commitment to diversifying the faculty, students and administrative faculty. The successful candidate should display strong professional expertise, an understanding of contemporary public higher education, and knowledge of the national and international research agendas and enterprise. It is preferred that the candidate have demonstrated success in obtaining extramural funds at the institutional level as well as experience with research infrastructure development, budgeting in a complex environment, grants and contract administration, and strategic planning with accountability measures. National exposure to, or experience in, information technologies, biomedical research, “big data” and/or a successful record of translating research and intellectual property into the private sector are desirable.

Application review will begin immediately and continue until the appointment of the new VPRED. Application materials should include a letter addressing how the candidate's experience matches the position requirements, a curriculum vitae and contact information for at least five professional references. Until the candidate's permission is obtained, applications will be treated confidentially. Submission of materials via e-mail is strongly encouraged. Nomination letters should include the name, position, address and telephone number of the nominee. All nominations and applications will be handled in confidence.

Applications and letters of nomination should be submitted to:

Alberto Pimentel, Managing Partner

or

Brian Dennis, Principal

Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates

6512 Painter Avenue

Whittier, CA 90601

Email: apsearch@storbeckpimentel.com

Refer to code “UNLV-VPRED” in subject line

UNLV is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.