Associate Vice President for Research

Overview

Brown University, an independent, coeducational Ivy League institution founded in 1764 and the seventh-oldest university in the United States, invites nominations and applications for the position of Associate Vice President for Research (AVP-R). Reporting to the Vice President for Research, the AVP-R plays a broad, senior-level role in ensuring that the University’s research infrastructure is robust and responsive to the needs of Brown investigators, their research partners and collaborators, and sponsors.  With direct responsibility for the Offices of Sponsored Projects and Research Integrity as well for Research Administration Information Systems and a fledgling shared-services center, the AVP-R oversees all aspects of research administration and compliance at the University, supporting faculty throughout the grant lifecycle, seeking always to find the optimal sustainable balance between enabling research and protecting researchers, research subjects, and the University. Staff in these offices number approximately ~40 individuals. In FY 2020, Brown expects to generate roughly $200M in sponsored-research activity.

Beyond the broad portfolio of core research-support services that the AVP oversees, the AVP-R supports the VPR in the overall development and leadership of the Office for Research, providing counsel on ways to (re)deploy resources effectively, address emerging opportunities and risks, and maximize the efficiency of the Office. The AVP-R serves as deputy to the VPR in broadly shaping the operational and strategic investments Brown can make in its research enterprise, including through the VPR’s engagement with University governance and stakeholder groups, and in general assists the VPR and other University leaders in developing, implementing, and monitoring policies and procedures that facilitate the conduct of research at Brown.

Qualified candidates will have a bachelor’s degree and 10 years of relevant professional experience; advanced degree strongly preferred. Significant experience and demonstrated expertise in university and/or academic medical center research administration and compliance, including management of sponsored projects and IRB and IACUC administration and policy, is required. An understanding of Federal funding agencies and regulatory bodies, and experience in developing university approaches to emerging administrative and compliance requirements is required, as is ability to work across organizational units, and with academic and administrative partners, to develop appropriate policies and procedures to serve research needs while assuring compliance with funding agency and university policies. Experience overseeing clinical-trial infrastructure is particularly helpful. Candidates should bring experience developing and sharing key metrics and performance indicators about the research enterprise to inform stakeholders and inform executive decision-making. So, too, should candidates demonstrate a commitment to delivering customer-centric service with a proven track record in managing business process change.

Brown University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community. As an EEO/AA employer, Brown considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, gender, race, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Brown University is an E-Verify Employer.

Opus Partners (www.opuspartners.net) is assisting Brown University in this search. Please contact Craig Smith, Partner, or Marisea Rivera, Senior Associate, to apply or to seek additional information: craig.smith@opuspartners.net / marisea.rivera@opuspartners.net.