Vice President for Science

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies•Millbrook, NY

3d•$190,000 - $225,000•Onsite

About The Position

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is creating a new Vice President (VP) for Science position to support its research programs and catalyze the continued growth and needs of its scientists. Working with scientists, the VP will lead the process of defining and establishing robust, integrated support systems—including laboratories, computational facilities, and information access—and ensure staff have the resources and institutional support needed to pursue cutting-edge, high-risk, high-reward research. The VP will anticipate future support needs in a changing research landscape and is expected to be a scientist with a strong record of supporting collaborative and synthetic research. Creativity, forward thinking, and a willingness to experiment and adapt are essential. Research priorities will be developed collaboratively by scientists and other staff, coordinated by the VP. The VP will serve on the Executive Management Team and represent scientists’ views and needs in managing the Institute. The position manages science-support staff and budgets, works with scientists and support staff to develop shared-resource priorities, and leads efforts to strengthen research initiatives and secure funding. As line manager for 14 core scientists, the VP conducts annual reviews and chairs the Staff Review Committee overseeing reappointment and promotion processes; the President retains final approval. The VP also manages internal grants, visiting scientist and fellowship programs, and the Cary Conference series, and may represent Cary’s science to professional societies, governments and agencies, and the media. Limited research consistent with the position’s administrative responsibilities will be considered. 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.

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, and mission-driven team culture.
Strong leadership and staff-management skills, including guiding and motivating staff with 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.

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 and analytical, computational, and information resources and infrastructure for current and future institutional needs.
Engage scientists to identify ideas, align on priorities, and move shared-resource objectives from discussion to action.
Manage science-support staff and budgets, and establish clear, transparent priorities, processes, and timelines for acquiring, managing, and accessing shared resources.
Work with scientific staff, support staff, and internal standing committees to assess current scientific support and develop a strategy for the next decade and beyond.
Execute a strategic vision for analytical laboratories, computational resources, library access, and data management.
Identify and help secure public and private financial resources for science-support activities; lead or assist with grant writing as required.
Collaborate with scientists to identify, catalyze, and amplify larger-scale research initiatives built on existing strengths and activities.
Work with Core Scientists and the Development office to align research initiatives with funding opportunities, and lead proposal writing or assist with fundraising as appropriate.
Conduct annual reviews of the 14 core scientists and support their professional development by defining individual goals, evaluating progress, and identifying training and development opportunities.
Chair the Staff Review Committee and manage staff reappointment and promotion processes.
Manage internal funding and programs intended to build collaborations, support early-stage high-risk, high-reward research, and convene discussion of emerging ecological issues.
Manage internal grant calls, proposal review, and awards.
Represent Cary’s science portfolio to professional science societies, governments and agencies, and the media to maintain and amplify the Institute’s reputation.