Associate Vice President, Research Computing and Data - Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR)

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), a global leader in research and innovation, invites candidates to apply for the newly created role of Associate Vice President for Research Computing and Data (AVP RCD). This role, which will serve in a leadership capacity in both the Office of the Vice President for Research and the Office of the Vice President and Chief Information Officer, offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem so that it supports groundbreaking research, enhances collaboration, and enables leading-edge innovation across the university’s research enterprise. After careful study led by university leaders, CMU has committed to significant investment in research computing resources, forming the Office of Research Computing and Data to design, develop, and oversee this initiative.

The AVP for Research Computing and Data will spearhead university-wide efforts to create, advance, and sustain a robust, cutting-edge research computing ecosystem, providing strategic vision and direction to shape and execute this effort. Reporting jointly to the Vice President for Research and the Vice President and Chief Information Officer, the AVP RCD will foster collaboration across research, academic, administrative, and IT domains. This role is vital to enabling CMU's faculty and students to remain at the pinnacle of innovation, discovery, and translation, fostering a community of excellence that empowers research, learning, talent development, and societal engagement.

This leadership position requires proven management and strategic leadership skills with exemplary communication skills to lead research computing development and coordination across the university’s colleges and programs. The AVP RCD will be an entrepreneurial domain expert with a combination of vision, organizational savvy, skill in generating resources and leading change, and the emotional intelligence to build partnerships and create alignment across organizational boundaries. The successful candidate will bring a majority of the following qualities to the role:

• A comprehensive grasp of current standards and emerging paradigms in high-performance computing to guide the university’s investment of capital and operating funds in leadership-class computing
• Proven ability to recruit and lead a team in developing and implementing large-scale, cross-functional initiatives in complex, decentralized environments
• The ability to develop the business model for sustainable leadership-class computing and manage a complex budget comprising multiple funding sources and time horizons and comprising capital and operating budgets (grants, partnerships)
• Experience building sustainable partnerships across organizational boundaries including with external partners
• Broad knowledge of deployment and management of high-performance computing (HPC) systems, including CPU, GPU, storage, file systems, networking, visualization, job schedulers, and scientific applications
• Experience leading the implementation and execution of research computing capabilities and day-to-day HPC systems operations
• Demonstrated understanding of data security, compliance, and export-control standards and regulations and ability to address information security frameworks to ensure compliant research involving controlled/restricted data
• Demonstrated ability to engage with academic researchers across a wide range of disciplines and comfort levels from midrange to super users
• Record of contributing to successful funding proposals and business-development initiatives

The successful candidate must have a master’s degree, with a PhD preferred, and 10 or more years of experience in research computing, with demonstrated success in leadership roles.

For a full list of priorities, responsibilities, and qualities of the AVP RCD, please view the full position description here.

Carnegie Mellon University has retained Opus Partners to support this recruitment. Craig Smith, Senior Partner, Ann K. Adams, Associate Partner, and  Thomas Lapierre, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Confidential inquiries and nominations should be submitted by email to Thomas Lapierre at [email protected].  The search process will unfold with the greatest possible attention to candidate confidentiality. Required application materials include a resume and cover letter.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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