Robin and Tim Wentworth Director, Goergen Institute for Data Science

The University of Rochester invites applications and nominations for the position of Robin and Tim Wentworth Director of the Goergen Institute for Data Science. Candidates should have an exceptional research record in data science or related fields; scientific leadership and vision; experience and capability to manage an academic unit, including developing new projects and programs, mentoring junior researchers, and administration of the Institute; and an ability to connect to a wide range of constituents in academia, industry, foundations, and government. Candidates could come from a wide range of professional backgrounds that involve data science.

 

The director will be expected to envision, build, and sustain multi-disciplinary research partnerships and initiatives within the University and in the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem. The ideal director will enhance Rochester’s prominence as a leader in data science research and education across a range of rapidly evolving fields. The director reports directly to dean of the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. 

 

The University of Rochester named data science as a top priority in its current strategic plan, leading to the creation of the Goergen Institute for Data Science in the newly constructed Wegmans Hall (58,000 sq. ft). The University continues to hire new faculty in areas in which data science plays a critical role including bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, biology, brain and cognitive sciences, business, economics, environmental sciences, computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, and political science. The current research emphases of the Goergen Institute have been in health analytics, artificial intelligence and cognition, imaging, and robotics. Emerging areas of focus include predictive healthcare, augmented reality/virtual reality, human & computer interaction, natural language processing, business analytics, high energy density science, and cancer genomics.

 

The Institute has fostered external engagement through governmental and corporate relationships. The Institute houses the Rochester Center of Excellence in Data Science, a NYSTAR program to leverage basic research, training & technology development in data science to drive regional economic development; the Rochester Data Science Consortium whose staff apply university research to commercial problems, nurturing long-lasting relationships with local industrial partners; and the Center for Integrated Research and Computing. The Goergen Institute for Data Science has developed a number of programs at the undergraduate and graduate level: a BS in Data Science, an MS in Data Science, an NSF Research Training (NRT) Program, which provides training in data science for a cohort of 3 Computer Science and 5 Brain & Cognitive Sciences PhD students; and an NSF-funded Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). 

 

The University of Rochester ranks among the nation’s top research universities and has been a member of the AAU since 1941. The University consists of six closely co-located academic units: Arts, Sciences & Engineering (composed of the School of Arts and Sciences and the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences); the School of Medicine and Dentistry; the School of Nursing; the Eastman School of Music; the Simon Business School; and the Warner School of Education and Human Development. The University of Rochester Medical Center has received over $1.1 billion in total research funding over the last five years. Total research expenditures at the university as a whole are approximately $350 million. The University’s endowment exceeds $2.3 billion and its comprehensive annual budget, including the medical center and healthcare enterprise, exceeds $3 billion.

 

The Search

Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited.  Although the search will remain open until the position is filled, candidate materials should be received as soon as possible. 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 the candidate.

Materials should be sent electronically via e-mail to the University’s consultant, Dr. Jonathan Fortescue of Park Square Executive Search, at 92325@parksquare.com. Documents that must be mailed may be sent to Jonathan Fortescue, Ph.D., Managing Partner, or Kyle Meingast, Principal, Park Square Executive Search, LLC, 125 Summer Street, 18th Floor, Boston, MA 02110. Phone: 617-401-2991.

The University of Rochester is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students.  All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply.