Associate Vice President for Research

Texas A&M - Corpus Christi•Corpus Christi, TX

12d

About The Position

TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies. TAMU-CC’s beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities. Learn more information here ! PURPOSE Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), a Carnegie R2 institution (High Research Spending and Doctorate Production), is seeking a visionary and experienced leader to serve as its Associate Vice President for Research (AVPR) under the Division of Research and Innovation (R&I). Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation (EVPR), the AVPR will provide strategic leadership to advance the University’s research mission. This executive role is pivotal in driving the growth of research programs, fostering a culture of innovation and academic excellence, and elevating TAMU-CC’s research profile on the path toward Carnegie R1 (Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production). The AVPR will develop and lead high-impact initiatives across campus, ensuring that research, scholarly, and creative activities at TAMU-CC continue to thrive and gain recognition regionally, nationally, and internationally. In this role, the AVPR will play a leading role in key aspects of the University’s research enterprise – from long-range strategic planning to research development and partnership building, among others. The successful candidate will be an inspiring, forward-thinking leader who can navigate complex initiatives, support faculty and student researchers, and enhance the visibility of TAMU-CC’s research contributions.

Requirements

Doctoral degree from an accredited institution.
Six (6) years of experience in higher education, including at least three (3) years in a significant research leadership or administrative role (e.g. department chair, center/institute director, or equivalent).
A strong record of scholarly and/or creative accomplishments, including a successful track record of securing and managing external research funding (grants, contracts, or other sponsored projects).
Demonstrated experience in supporting and advancing faculty research success by identifying funding opportunities, strengthening proposal competitiveness, mentoring early-career investigators, and fostering collaborative teams to pursue large-scale grants.
Knowledge of research administration and operations in a university setting.
Demonstrated experience with grant management, sponsored research processes, and related areas.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of articulation and professionalism to deliver a compelling vision for the research enterprise.
Strong interpersonal and team-building skills to effectively collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders (faculty, staff, students, leaders, and external partners) and to inspire a culture of excellence and innovation.
Strong leadership and management skills.
Exceptional critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement in research operations.
Ability to work independently, manage and prioritize tasks, resources, and time effectively.
Ability to handle sensitive and complex issues with confidentiality, discretion, fairness, and transparency.
Exceptional attention to detail.
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

Academic Rank: Attainment of tenured faculty status at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor, reflecting significant experience and credibility as a scholar.
Broader Experience: Experience working beyond one’s own discipline, such as leading or facilitating interdisciplinary, convergent, or transdisciplinary research initiatives, and a demonstrated ability to appreciate and support a wide range of academic fields and research methodologies.
Funding Agency Insight: Experience as a program officer or similar role with a federal or private research funding organization, or significant experience in working closely with such agencies. This background provides valuable insight into funding processes and sponsor expectations.
R1 Environment Exposure: Experience at a research-intensive institution or a record of contributing to the growth of a research enterprise toward R1-level performance. Familiarity with the scale, scope, and standards of top-tier research universities is highly desirable.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: A proven record of promoting innovation, such as involvement in technology commercialization, patent development, startup creation, or public-private research partnerships.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a bold research strategy: Lead the creation and implementation of comprehensive strategic research plans that align with the University’s mission and goals. Provide a clear vision to expand research excellence across all disciplines, positioning TAMU-CC as an intellectual hub in the region and moving toward R1 status.
Integrate research with institutional goals: Collaborate closely with the EVPR, academic deans, and other senior leaders to embed research priorities into campus-wide planning. Ensure that research and innovation initiatives support the University’s strategic plan and educational objectives, strengthening TAMU-CC’s overall academic reputation.
Champion a culture of innovation: Foster an environment of curiosity, creativity, and scholarly ambition. Encourage faculty, staff, and students to pursue innovative scholarly and creative activities while upholding excellence in research.
Serve as a senior research leader: Act as a key advisor to the EVPR on research-related matters. Represent R&I on University committees and in external engagements as needed, ensuring effective communication of the University’s research vision.
Empower and support faculty research: Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with faculty across all colleges. Provide guidance and resources to help faculty identify and pursue major funding opportunities (federal, state, and private) and develop competitive grant proposals. Facilitate mentorship and development programs for early-career researchers, fostering the next generation of successful principal investigators.
Drive interdisciplinary collaboration: Enhance and facilitate multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research projects. Stimulate team-based research initiatives that leverage the University’s strengths and address complex societal challenges. Support the formation of research teams to pursue large-scale grants and center-level funding.
Oversee research support operations and infrastructure: Provide oversight of research support units, including the Office of Research Development (ORD), the Office of Student Research and Innovation (OSRI), and the Office of Technology Transfer and Commercialization (OTTC). Optimize research support operations by implementing best practices and modern tools to increase efficiency, productivity, and transparency in grant and internal research funding management.
Policy development and resource management: Participate in the development of institutional research policies and procedures. Steer strategic investments in research infrastructure and resources to support cutting-edge research. Monitor key research performance metrics and use data-driven insights to identify opportunities for improvement. Take initiative in addressing operational challenges and lead continuous improvement efforts to better support researchers and scholars at TAMU-CC.
Cultivate strategic partnerships: Serve as an ambassador for TAMU-CC’s research enterprise by building and nurturing partnerships with external stakeholders. Engage with industry leaders, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other research institutions to forge collaborations that expand research opportunities, funding, and technology transfer. Facilitate strategic research alliances and consortia that enhance the University’s impact on economic development and community advancement.
Promote research visibility and advocacy: Communicate the University’s research capabilities, accomplishments, and expertise to the broader public and key external audiences. Assist the EVPR in strengthening TAMU-CC’s visibility and reputation with funding agencies, legislators, and potential donors. Advocate for the University’s research interests in regional and national forums, showcasing success stories and positioning TAMU-CC as a go-to partner for research and innovation initiatives.
Advance innovation and commercialization: Champion the translation of research into real-world impact. Support efforts in intellectual property development, technology transfer, and the commercialization of promising technologies developed by TAMU-CC researchers. Work collaboratively and closely with Texas A&M Innovation. Encourage an entrepreneurial mindset on campus by supporting startup incubation, industry-sponsored research, and the development of innovative solutions that address societal needs.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Insurance Medical $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value). Up to 83% of premium covered by the university: Employee and Spouse Employee and Children Employee and Family coverage Dental & Vision Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
On-campus wellness opportunities
Work Life Solutions: Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources
Tuition Benefits: Public Loan Forgiveness Book scholarships 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).
Retirement Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan
Time Off: 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month. 8 hours of sick leave time off every month. 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave. 12-15 paid holidays each year.

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