Rutgers University - Camden

Vice Chancellor for Research, Rutgers University–Camden

Rutgers University–Camden seeks an accomplished leader to serve as its next Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR). The VCR advances Rutgers–Camden’s – and Rutgers University’s – mission by serving in both a strategic and an operational capacity, contributing to vision and growth while also overseeing support services and systems that enable the success of faculty and student research. An R2 university with high research activity, Rutgers–Camden comprises the College of Arts and Sciences and its Graduate School, the School of Business, the Camden location of the Rutgers Law School, and the School of Nursing–Camden

As the Senior Research Officer for Rutgers–Camden, the VCR is the member of the Chancellor’s cabinet charged with providing leadership and strategic direction to advance the research mission of the University. The VCR interfaces directly with deans, directors, and staff of the University’s research centers and institutes, along with researchers across Rutgers–Camden. The VCR also represents the Camden campus to Rutgers University research leadership under the President of Rutgers University. The VCR reports to the Chancellor of Rutgers–Camden.

The Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR) will oversee a research portfolio that has been growing steadily over the past three years because of an impressive array of faculty, graduate, and undergraduate research activities. During FY2022, Rutgers–Camden received $22.6M in research funding related to 151 funded research projects, representing a 16% increase from FY2021 and a 200% increase since its Research Office was formed in 2016.

VICE CHANCELLOR FOR RESEARCH

The VCR leads Rutgers–Camden’s Research Office, sustaining its dedication to supporting all forms of research and sponsored programs across the campus by faculty, students, and staff. In this multi-faceted role that combines vision, strategy, operations, and policy, the VCR manages many responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic coordination of research activities across Rutgers–Camden’s schools, departments, centers, and institutes and champion research collaborations within Rutgers–Camden and across Rutgers University
• Work collaboratively with the Provost to expand Rutgers–Camden’s research enterprise and increase opportunities for undergraduate and graduate research
• In partnership with Rutgers–Camden’s academic deans, department chairs, and center and institute directors, establish initiatives that will advance faculty research, attract and retain outstanding researchers, and identify new research areas that leverage existing faculty strengths and foster interdisciplinary collaboration
• Develop relevant university, industry, and professional partnerships to increase Rutgers–Camden’s research funding and visibility, including building partnerships with Rowan University in the area of health sciences in coordination with the Rowan University/Rutgers–Camden Board of Governors
• Promote interdisciplinary initiatives within Rutgers–Camden and between Rutgers–Camden and external stakeholders, including those in the arts, humanities, and social sciences as well as intersections among these disciplines and STEM fields
• In collaboration with Rutgers–Camden’s Research and Advancement offices and Rutgers University’s central Office for Research, identify potential funding opportunities from external sponsors and assist in the development and submission of proposals With Rutgers University’s central Office for Research, promote and facilitate the protection of intellectual property, patenting, technology transfer, and commercialization

For more information, see https://camden.rutgers.edu/research.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Qualified candidates will possess academic credentials that merit tenure at Rutgers at the rank of full Professor, including an earned doctorate or other terminal degree in their field, along with a distinguished record of funded research, scholarly publications, and teaching that exhibits academic and pedagogical excellence.  They will bring experience and accomplishments relevant to serving as the university’s senior research officer, including:

• Leadership skills to develop and implement a strategic research plan that will strengthen and advance Rutgers–Camden’s profile as a Carnegie R2 institution
• A record of success in enabling researchers to secure research funding from federal and state agencies, corporations, and foundations, across an array of domains and disciplines, and building the infrastructure to support large research initiatives
• Experience promoting the commercialization of research with industry partners and potential investors
• Experience with strategic planning implementation, research compliance management, organizational assessment and alignment, and policy development
• Passion for advancing research at all levels, including undergraduate scholarship
• A record of creating and expanding interdisciplinary research partnerships across organizational boundaries
• Appreciation for the diverse forms of scholarship and creative activity across disciplines and schools and the ability to develop innovative support for them

In addition, the next Vice Chancellor for Research will possess qualities, characteristics, and values that align with Rutgers University’s core values, including:

• Dedication to growing and fostering a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community Respect for—and support of—students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and community members Passion for creating opportunity and accessibility in education A visionary, innovative, and transparent approach to leadership that addresses the challenges and opportunities facing higher education

• A high level of cultural competency and a demonstrated commitment to the values of equity, inclusion, and social justice
• Dedication to academic freedom and to ideological and intellectual diversity
• A record of supporting and retaining diverse and talented faculty and staff
• Deep respect for shared governance and faculty and student engagement
• A record of measurable engagement with local and regional urban communities
• Proven servant-leadership, management, and people development skills
• Expertise in collaboratively engaging with myriad constituencies including faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members, and sponsors
• An extensive record as an effective administrator in the academy including substantial fiscal and personnel management (ideally including experience with an RCM or other incentive-based budget models)
• High EQ, high energy, and stamina
• Excellent communication and perceptive interpersonal skills and the highest level of integrity

HOW TO BECOME A CANDIDATE

Rutgers–Camden has engaged Opus Partners (www.opuspartners.net) to support the recruitment of this position. Partner Craig Smith and Senior Associate Abigail Maynard are supporting the search committee, which is led by Dr. Michael Palis, University Professor of Computer Science. To seek additional information, nominate qualified candidates, or to apply, please email Abigail Maynard: abigail.maynard@opuspartners.net.

An application should include a CV and cover letter. Letters should highlight relevant experience and explain interest and motivation. Rutgers–Camden values diversity, equity, and inclusion and will seek a leader who is committed to promoting these values. We encourage candidates to describe initiatives and accomplishments they have led or participated in that have lowered barriers to and increased participation by historically under-represented groups and to address how they might advance diversity, equity, and inclusion as the Vice Chancellor for Research.

Applications received by February 10, 2023 will receive full consideration. All possible discretion will be exercised to maintain the privacy of applicants through the search process.

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement.