Director of Applied Research Laboratory (0089563T)

Posting number: 2026-01518

Department: Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation System

Division: Applied Research Laboratory

Job classification: UNIVERSITY SYSTEM DIRECTOR

Posting type: Open

Categories: Administration, Engineering, Environmental Services, Management, Education, Executive Management, Project Management, Security, Higher Education, Sciences, Program Management

Summary

DIRECTOR OF APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORY

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

POSITION NO. 0089563T

I. INTRODUCTION:

The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at the University of Hawaii develops pioneering research and technology solutions to address challenges in defense, sustainability, and scientific discovery. Based in the heart of the Pacific, we collaborate with key partners to enhance Hawaii’s resilience, empower students, and cultivate the next generation of innovators while driving global progress. Researchers and high-level leaders at an ARL want to know their work matters for national security or global innovation. ARL works to provide quick responses to rapidly emerging Department of Defense (DoD), federal and state requirements through the application of ARL at UH’s core competencies: Ocean Environmental Effects, Astronomical Research; Advanced Electro-Optical Systems, Detectors, Arrays and Instrumentation; Environmental Sensor Research and Remote Sensing; New Renewable Energy; and Mission-Related and Public-Services-Oriented Research and Development. Leveraging complementary capabilities of other divisions within the UH system and collaborating with non-UH private and public partners, ARL promotes agile adaptation of solutions through incorporation of rapidly evolving technological advances.

The Director of Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at the University of Hawai‘i (UH) provides the strategic leadership, external engagement, and executive oversight required to fulfill the laboratory's mission as a Navy-sponsored University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). The Director establishes organizational vision and priorities, develops new business opportunities, represents ARL at UH to sponsors and stakeholders, and retains ultimate responsibility for contract execution, organizational performance, and delegated institutional authorities.

• Provide strategic leadership for ARL at UH, establishing the laboratory vision, long-range goals, organizational priorities, and growth strategies consistent with University and Department of Defense objectives.

• Lead strategic planning and organizational development, including identification of emerging mission areas, technical capabilities, and investment priorities.

• Approve major organizational initiatives, staffing plans, budgets, business strategies, policy changes, and significant operational decisions.

• Maintain responsibility for organizational risk management, regulatory compliance, export control, contractual performance, and sponsor satisfaction.

• Lead business development activities, including cultivation of new sponsors, development of task opportunities, expansion of strategic partnerships, and generation of resources necessary to sustain and grow the laboratory.

• Maintain overall responsibility to applicable government agencies for execution