Executive Director, High-Performance Computing and Data Center - 526090

Department/Organization
750701 - UA Cyber Institute

Rank
Tenured Associate/Full Professor or Professor of Practice

Position Summary
The Office for Research & Economic Development invites applications for an accomplished and visionary leader to serve as the Executive Director of the High-Performance Computing and Data Center (HPC) at The University of Alabama (UA). The UA HPC will serve as a premier interdisciplinary intellectual nucleus that drives innovation and research excellence in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum initiatives, cybersecurity, and computational science across a range of application areas. The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the vision, fostering collaboration across academic departments and external collaborators, and positioning UA as a national leader in addressing complex challenges in AI, cybersecurity, and physics-based modeling for enhanced research, innovation, and collaboration.

Detailed Position Information
In this role, the Executive Director will lead the development of the University’s new High-Performance Computing and Data Center (HPC), ensuring it meets the needs of a diverse range of research initiatives and supports cutting-edge computational science, including working with stakeholders across The University of Alabama System (i.e., The University of Alabama, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama at Huntsville) to design and implement state-of-the-art infrastructure, foster collaboration across disciplines to maximize the center’s impact, and establish the center as a resource for both the System and its external research collaborators. Scheduled to open in January 2027, the HPC will function as a critical component of UA’s mission to advance computational capabilities and drive innovation across fields.

The Executive Director will oversee all aspects of the HPC, including strategic planning, operational management, and external relations, and must be capable of effectively working across disciplines, such as information technology, program management, business development, and facility operations. The role will be responsible for promoting and supporting interdisciplinary research initiatives, identifying and securing external funding, and facilitating impactful collaborations with industry, government agencies, and academic institutions. The role also includes advancing educational programs, ensuring the HPC contributes meaningfully to the development of the next generation of innovators and leaders.

The ideal candidate will bring a demonstrated record of leadership in higher education, industry, or government, with substantial experience managing large-scale projects, fostering partnerships, and securing research funding associated with high-performance computing. Due to the wide scope of responsibilities, UA invites strong candidates with various backgrounds and experiences from academia, government, non-profit, and/or industry to apply. Exceptional communication skills and a collaborative leadership style are essential. This role offers a unique opportunity to spearhead the start-up of a forward-thinking research center dedicated to advancing research, education, and innovation to impact both regional and global communities.

The Executive Director’s primary responsibilities include:

High Performance Computing and Data Center Development. Lead the design, development, and implementation of the University’s HPC to support research excellence across The University of Alabama System. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and address evolving computational needs, ensuring the HPC remains state-of-the-art over time. Establish the HPC as a resource for interdisciplinary collaboration, driving innovation and supporting large-scale, high-impact research. Develop an enduring and sustainable financial model for the HPC that ensures long-term viability and resilience.

External Relations and Partnerships. Build and maintain relationships with industry, government agencies, and academic institutions to foster collaboration and funding opportunities, with a focus on partnerships involving the HPC. Represent ORED and the University’s HPC capabilities at conferences, workshops, and public engagements to raise awareness and build connections.

Strategic Leadership and Vision. Develop and implement a strategic vision for the HPC, positioning it as a leading research resource for AI, cybersecurity, and advanced computational capabilities. Collaborate with faculty, students, and external partners to drive research, education, and innovation in AI, cybersecurity, and computational science.

Research and Development Oversight. Promote and support interdisciplinary research initiatives in AI, quantum, cybersec