Vice President for Science

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies•Millbrook, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is creating a new Vice President (VP) for Science role to support its research programs and catalyze the continued growth and needs of its scientists. The VP will work with scientists to define and establish integrated support systems—including laboratory, computational, and information resources—and ensure staff have the resources and institutional support needed to pursue cutting-edge, high-risk, high-reward research. The position will anticipate future research-support needs and coordinate the collaborative development of institutional priorities. The VP will serve on the Executive Management Team and represent the views and needs of scientists in Institute management. Limited research consistent with the role’s administrative responsibilities may be undertaken; success will be evaluated against the administrative responsibilities in the job description. The VP will lead the development and management of shared scientific resources and infrastructure, including analytical laboratories, computational resources, library access, and data management. In collaboration with scientific and support staff and standing committees, the VP will assess current support and develop a strategy for the Institute’s needs over the next decade and beyond. The role manages science-support staff and budgets, sets transparent priorities and processes for resource acquisition and access, and helps secure public and private funding, including through grant writing. Working with scientists, the VP will catalyze a scaled vision for research by connecting existing strengths and activities into larger initiatives led by scientists. The VP will work with Core Scientists and the Development office to align initiatives with funding opportunities, and may write proposals and assist with fundraising. As line manager for 14 core scientists, the VP conducts annual reviews and supports professional development. As Chair of the Staff Review Committee, the VP manages staff reappointment and promotion processes; the President retains ultimate approval. The VP also manages internal grants, visiting scientist and fellows programs, and the Cary Conference series. The VP will occasionally represent and amplify Cary’s science with professional societies, governments and agencies, and the media. The position is based at the Institute’s headquarters in Millbrook, New York, and the VP is expected to live locally. It is a full-time, exempt, benefitted position. Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations for qualifying individuals and disabled veterans.

Requirements

At least 15 years of experience in ecology, ecosystem science, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience and creativity developing and managing research support across multiple laboratories, departments, institutions, and/or collaborative research networks.
Ability to think across diverse fields and sub-fields and foster a collaborative, inclusive, mission-driven team culture.
Strong leadership and staff-management skills, including motivating staff through a team approach and fostering collaboration, respect, and kindness.
Exceptional written and verbal interpersonal and communication abilities.
Experience in grant writing and fundraising across scales, from projects to institutional initiatives.
Demonstrated integrity and professionalism.
Expected to live locally near the Institute’s headquarters in Millbrook, New York.

Nice To Haves

PhD in ecology, ecosystem science, or a related field.
Experience connecting scientific research with policy, management, or other applied fields.
Experience supporting scientist evaluation, career development, mentoring, and/or professional advancement.
Experience building collaborations and maintaining relationships with peer organizations.
Track record of fostering professional development and building professional networks.
Experience representing science to a range of audiences, including the public.

Responsibilities

Develop a vision for, build, and expand shared laboratory, analytical, computational, and information resources and infrastructure.
Engage scientists to surface ideas, build alignment around priorities, and move objectives from discussion to action.
Manage science-support staff and budgets, and establish transparent priorities, processes, and timelines for acquiring, managing, and accessing shared resources.
Work with scientific staff, support staff, and standing committees to assess current scientific support and develop a strategy for support needs over the next decade and beyond.
Execute a strategic vision for analytical labs, computational resources, library access, and data management.
Identify and help secure public and private financial resources for scientific support; lead or assist with grant writing as needed.
Collaborate with scientists to identify, catalyze, and amplify a scaled research vision, building larger initiatives on existing strengths and activities.
Work with Core Scientists and the Development office to align research initiatives with funding opportunities; write proposals and assist with fundraising as appropriate.
Conduct annual reviews for the 14 core scientists and support their professional development by defining goals, evaluating progress, and identifying training and development opportunities.
Chair the Staff Review Committee and manage staff reappointment and promotion processes; the President retains ultimate approval.
Manage internal grants and related activities, including proposal calls, reviews, and awards, as well as the Science Innovation Funds, Visiting Scientist Program, Cary Fellows program, and Cary Conference series.
Represent Cary’s scientific portfolio and amplify its impact with professional science societies, governments and agencies, and the media.