Vice President for Research
About The Position
South Dakota Mines invites applications for the position of Vice President for Research (VPR). Reporting directly to the President, the VPR serves as a key member of the President's Executive Council and University Cabinet and provides strategic vision and operational leadership for the university's research enterprise. As the institution's chief research officer, the VPR is responsible for advancing a culture of discovery, innovation, and entrepreneurship while ensuring compliance, integrity, and growth across all research activities. The VPR represents Mines to federal, state, and industry partners; fosters collaborations that expand the university's economic and societal impact; and positions Mines as a national leader in research and technology innovation. The VPR oversees the Office of Sponsored Programs, the Associate Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, and the Director of Industry, Government, and Community Engagement. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with research and export control regulations, leading corporate partnerships and licensing activities, managing royalties and intellectual property, and advancing federal and industry-sponsored initiatives that enhance the university's research profile and economic impact.
Requirements
- A terminal degree in a science, engineering, or closely related discipline.
- A record of progressive professional achievement, including success in research leadership and mentoring.
- Proven ability to identify emerging opportunities, build interdisciplinary and interinstitutional partnerships, and foster collaboration across departments, industry, and government.
- Demonstrated effectiveness in engaging with state and federal officials to advance institutional and regional priorities.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrated success in managing budgets and personnel, and a commitment to service and continuous improvement.
- A collaborative, forward-thinking, and transparent management style with a focus on empowering teams and delivering results for research sponsors and stakeholders.
- A proven record of success in developing and implementing strategies that expand external research funding from federal, state, corporate, and philanthropic sources.
- Demonstrated experience overseeing a substantial research portfolio within a university, national laboratory, or private-sector organization.
- Familiarity with federal research administration, compliance, and regulatory frameworks is essential.
- Must meet eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance and access to classified or controlled information. U.S. Citizenship is required.
Nice To Haves
- Experience cultivating partnerships beyond academia-such as with industry, national laboratories, military organizations, or non-profit research entities-is highly desirable.
- Experience planning, developing, or modernizing research facilities and laboratories is preferred but not required.
Responsibilities
- Partnering with industry, government, and federal agencies to strengthen research collaborations and regional economic development
- Advancing research-based innovation, technology transfer, and venture creation
- Supporting entrepreneurial pathways for faculty and students
- Aligning research strengths with emerging strategic sectors that drive talent, innovation, and national competitiveness
- Ensuring compliance with research and export control regulations
- Leading corporate partnerships and licensing activities
- Managing royalties and intellectual property
- Advancing federal and industry-sponsored initiatives that enhance the university's research profile and economic impact.
Benefits
- South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage options for employees, spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
Industry
Educational Services
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
51-100 employees
