Deputy Director

Deputy Director
Position #:  NF0006354
Hiring Range:  Dependent on Qualifications and Experience
Closing Date: 12/12/22

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit   

 

Are you ready to go beyond the state of the art?

 

At the Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI), we use data, creativity, and inclusive teaming to revitalize how science is done. Fostering data science expertise and creating cyberinfrastructure isn’t just about solving known problems – it’s about expanding human potential by unlocking data.

 

We need innovators, builders, strategists, technologists, architects, and creative thinkers across all domains to drive this work forward. When you join our team, you’ll:

 

• Spend your time solving the interesting and unique problems of research and development. Shape your future through experimentation and unfettered access to premier education and research. Make connections to people and projects that ignite your passion.

We know that diversity of people and ideas is a cornerstone of innovation, and we work to ensure our culture reflects that knowledge. We provide the tools you need to do your job effectively; we offer flexibility so you can be the most productive version of you; and we encourage thoughtful and challenging discourse.

 

Join our research institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill today and help us spark a scientific renaissance across the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and beyond.

 

Position Summary         

 

The Deputy Director (DD) is a key leadership position at RENCI, and is a member of the Office of the Director. The DD will provide guidance to cutting-edge scientific and technological research projects that enable discovery and economic innovation. The DD must be a hands-on, highly motivated professional who enjoys a challenging and stimulating work environment.

 

The DD must be passionate about the promise and role of technological solutions to the world’s critical problems, and must play a pivotal role in continuing to develop RENCI as a world-class center for Data Science, and Research and Educational Cyberinfrastructure. The DD will work closely with RENCI teams to advance the organization’s goals. The DD will serve as a key advisor to the Director in recognizing and enabling future directions for research and development, and work closely with colleagues in developing and implementing RENCI’s strategic plan.

 

The DD must work with faculty and research groups at UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, NCSU, as well as universities around the world, to collaboratively develop competitive and transformative research projects that further RENCl’s mission. The DD’s work will also involve interfacing with UNC Chapel Hill faculty and leadership, the UNC System, the state of North Carolina, the national research community, and a wide range of funding agencies and partners across the U.S. The DD will build and enhance positive relationships with institutional leadership.

 

The DD will work with the Director and the COO to manage the many day-to-day activities of this dynamic, multidisciplinary institute, and support cross-RENCI collaborations and initiatives.

 

The DD will provide mentoring, administrative and technical leadership, and oversight to talented RENCI staff. The DD will manage multiple reporting responsibilities within or in collaboration with the UNC system and the Duke, NCSU and UNC-CH campuses.

 

The DD may also be responsible for UNC system-wide functions and may direct the activities of affiliated organizations, research partnerships, and state or federal programs in collaboration with a campus or university.

 

The Deputy Director will assume following responsibilities:

 

• Oversight, management and mentorship of all research and infrastructure directors. Oversight of RENCI’s research portfolio, including the tracking research and technology trends, analysis and advisory of research directions and priorities, and the development of processes for shared technical resources in RENCI research teams. In consultation with the Director, COO, and the Team Leads, this individual will develop strategic research directions for RENCI. Provide high level guidance for proposal development and project execution carried out by the research teams, as well as advise on the development of staffing plans and staff recruitment. Advise the director on current and emerging research and funding trends, strategic opportunities, and other functions, to ensure that RENCI is prepared to address opportunities as they arise. Through close collaboration with the COO, support efficient RENCI organizational operations, as well as contribute to the engagement efforts towards developing a network of collaborators across academia, industry and government. Serve as the Director’s representative when called upon. Maintain a research program that is aligned with RENCI’s strategic goals. It is desirable for this individual to obtain a secondary appointment as a Research or Adjunct faculty member in a department or school at UNC-Chapel Hill that is appropriate to the individual’s scholarship. This will aid in advancing the individual’s research, facilitating a student pipeline and increased scholarship opportunities.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

 

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or professional-level background in sponsored research administration, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution.

 

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience       

 

• A degree in computer science, engineering, or other STEM area. A minimum of 10 years in research leadership at an academic institution or industry/government research laboratory. A minimum of 5 years experience in managing and mentoring technically trained, senior research staff. A record of scholarly research as evidenced by publications and grant support. A minimum of 10 years of distinguished record of research leadership, including experience building a successful research program, and recruiting and mentoring of scientific staff. Ability to motivate teams, and lead them towards common goals. Ability to manage resources and ensure ROI. Ability to identify and solve scientific problems and develop solutions that are effective and efficient. Ability to solve issues that arise in the workplace. Ability to analyze a situation and make a decision based on the information available. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment. Strong ability to collaborate with a variety of individuals in pursuit of common goals and developing effective strategies for the organization. Strong interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience      

 

• A graduate degree in computer science, engineering, or other STEM area. A demonstrated ability to make data-driven decisions and demonstrate the art of making data driven decisions. Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to a variety of audiences. Masters complex issues swiftly and the ability to explain the dimensions and the solutions articulately to decision makers and staff. Ability to work as a team member across the organization and with external stakeholders. Demonstrated expertise in computer science, engineering, biomedical informatics, or other STEM discipline as evidenced by publications and patents. Ability to conduct self in an exemplary fashion to achieve goals and set example for others within the organization. Creativity, enthusiasm and passion for working in a dynamic and complex environment. Ability to work with flexibility on several tasks simultaneously and to meet various concurrent deadlines. Ability to effectively interact with all levels of University employees as well as outside contacts. Function as a team player and works to maintain harmonious working relationships with coworkers, peers and supervisors.

Special Instructions       

 

For the required “other document” attachment, please provide a personal statement reflecting your ideas about computing and data science as enabling areas that can help an institute such as RENCI to advance translational research in the areas of RENCI’s focus. Please include how your education and experience will help you lead RENCI in this direction.

 

Application Types Accepted

 

Applications must be received in the Department of Human Resources by the closing date of 12/12/22 to be considered. Please submit an online application for vacancy #NF0006354 at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/search or https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/242469

 

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.