Assistant / Associate Vice President for Research Operations

Department: Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $140,000 - $205,000 per year; Commensurate with experience
Compensation Band: OS-OA13-Fiscal Year 2023-2024
FTE: 1.0

Application Review Begins

May 15, 2024 (updated); position open until filled.

Special Instructions to Applicants

With your online application, please upload a resume and a cover letter describing your experience, professional competencies and qualifications, and your interest to serve the University in the role. You will also be asked to enter the names and contact information of three professional references; candidates will be notified prior to contacting references.

Candidates with advanced skills and experience may be considered for the title of Associate Vice President for Research Operations.

Department Summary

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) serves as an advocate and catalyst within the University of Oregon (UO) for expanding the range and impact of UO's research, scholarship, and creative endeavors. The OVPRI oversees sponsored programs, research compliance, technology transfer, economic development, industry engagement, research-based ventures, and research development and administrative responsibility for numerous high-profile research centers and institutes and core research facilities, which provide opportunities for faculty across the university to collaborate on research efforts that are inherently interdisciplinary, and of significant societal importance. As a university that holds the distinction of a “very high research activity” ranking (R1) in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the UO is also one of only two Pacific Northwest members of the Association of American Universities (AAU). Visit research.uoregon.edu to learn more.

OVPRI, including centers and institutes, has over 700 employees across faculty, classified and unclassified staff, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate and undergraduate students, with a $45m annual budget. The Research Operations unit is comprised of more than twenty-five financial, technology, and administrative staff that ensure the smooth operations of this organization. The Research Operations portfolio spans activities from a major technology upgrade for research administration, managing faculty startup distributions, research core administrative operations, human resource development, research data analysis financial budgeting, and, reporting and forecasting tools.

The OVPRI is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we welcome, respect, and foster a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. We strongly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and/or LGBTQIA+ community members.

Position Summary

The Assistant/Associate Vice President of Research Operations (AVPRO) reports to the Vice President for Research and Innovation and, together with the other AVPs and directors, is a key member of the OVPRI’s senior and executive management team. The AVPRO serves as the strategic leader for research and financial operations within the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI). The AVPRO leads significant projects to strengthen support for research and improve research administration across campus and within the division. This position oversees several research administrative units such as Research Finance and Business Administration, Research Technology Services, and Human Resources. The AVPRO supervises and mentors unit directors, and supports a culture of service, operational excellence, and continuous process improvement to support effective and efficient research operations support in the face of ever-changing researcher needs and regulatory obligations. OVPRI is seeking a leader who can continue the vision and development as a best-in-class, high-performing, customer-centric team that aligns with the goals and objectives of the office and the institution and leads the fiscal management of the unit.

The AVPRO is responsible for establishing a high-functioning, service-oriented unit that supports OVPRI operations while ensuring financial institutional compliance with federal, state, and university policies. Research Operations is comprise