Vice President for Research
Overview
San Diego State University (SDSU) seeks an experienced, innovative and entrepreneurial leader to serve as its next vice president for research (VPR).
San Diego State University is the flagship research institution of the 23-campus California State University (CSU) system and one of the top 68 public universities in the United States, according to U.S. News and World Report. SDSU offers 24 doctoral programs. With SDSU researchers securing $148.5 million in grants and contracts last year, the university is currently designated as a doctoral university with high research activity (R2) by the Carnegie Foundation, and is on an ascendant trajectory toward becoming a “doctoral/research-extensive" (R1) institution. San Diego has long been a hub of innovation on many levels: biomedical sciences, military defense, public health, engineering, water science, climate change, social policy and more. SDSU students pursue real-world challenges under the guidance of internationally recognized mentors in cutting-edge labs, entrepreneurship centers and business incubators.
Reporting to President Adela de la Torre and working in close collaboration with the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, the VPR provides a broad vision and executive leadership for campus-wide research initiatives. The vice president is responsible for inspiring and supporting a diverse portfolio of research and creative activity, as well as entrepreneurial activities in coordination with regional, state, federal and other external partners via technology transfer, commercialization of intellectual property and affiliations with industry partners. The vice president provides broad, strategic vision and collaborative leadership that supports academic deans, faculty, staff and students to elevate the quality and scope of SDSU's research and creative activities, thus advancing the mission and reputation of San Diego State University nationally and internationally.
SDSU's next vice president will contribute to the further development of a dynamic, service-oriented and discovery-driven intellectual environment. The incumbent will be a highly accomplished individual with a track record of successful, transparent and collaborative leadership of a complex research organization and possess the interpersonal, managerial and communication skills necessary to build and operate an effective research and entrepreneurial enterprise. The next VPR will work productively and in partnership with internal and external colleagues and stakeholders. The ideal candidate should have demonstrated success as a principal investigator of substantial competitive federal research grants (or equivalent) and in attracting support for research from private partnerships, government agencies, industry, foundations, and other funding entities. The vice president will have knowledge of and a deep commitment to research compliance and integrity, possess the ability and acumen to help translate research to improve society and bolster the San Diego regional economy and the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to SDSU's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Candidates should be qualified to hold an appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure. For more information, please visit www.wittkieffer.com.
Confidential inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by February 12, 2020. Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae and a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in this leadership profile. These materials should be sent electronically via e-mail to San Diego State University's consultants Zachary A. Smith, Ph.D., Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D. and Julia Venetos at SDSUVPR@wittkieffer.com. Questions may also be directed to the consultants through the office of Hillary Hmura at 630-575-6959.
SDSU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.