Vice Chancellor for Research Computing

JOB POSTING
This is a hybrid position.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Opus Partners is assisting in the recruitment for this position.

Interested candidates should submit their applications to the designated contact. Applications must include a resume, a tailored cover letter, and a statement detailing contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Further information regarding the DEI statement can be found on the official website.
For additional inquiries, please reach out to the contact person.

For assistance related to the application process or if you encounter any issues while applying, please consult the Applicant Resources available on the Talent Acquisition website.

INITIAL REVIEW DATE

Application materials submitted by the specified time will be forwarded to the hiring unit for consideration. Late submissions will only be considered at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is reviewed, please submit your materials on time.

Talent Acquisition cannot accept application materials outside of the designated jobs portal and is unable to modify submitted applications or relay communications to hiring units.

For more details about the review process, please refer to the relevant link.
ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz stands out as a unique public university in California, merging the intimate experience of a small liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a prominent research institution.

It is recognized as a place where innovation and experimentation are integral to the campus culture.

This vibrant spirit continues to thrive on a campus celebrated for its stunning natural beauty.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Information Technology Services (ITS) serves as the central resource for enhancing and supporting research, instruction, learning, and digital experiences at UC Santa Cruz.

Our team comprises over 200 diverse and dedicated individuals committed to delivering exceptional results. Our core values include integrity, client focus, teamwork, knowledge, and fulfillment. We seek individuals who are inquisitive, diligent, resourceful, compassionate, and dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment.

Under the guidance of the Vice Chancellor for Research, the Office of Research is responsible for overseeing research policy, planning, and administration within the UC Santa Cruz research framework.

The Office of Research (OR) supports the research community through various units, including the Office of Sponsored Projects, Research Development, Research Compliance Administration, the Innovation & Business Engagement HUB, and the Office of Research Business & Operations.

The University of California offers a competitive benefits package, including Medical, Dental & Vision Care Insurance Plans, retirement options, Paid Family Leave, and Paid Holidays, along with accrued vacation and sick leave. More information can be found on the UC benefits page.

Information Technology roles are crucial for ensuring the security of UC Institutional Information and IT Resources.

The incumbent is expected to adhere to all relevant information security policies, procedures, and standards to maintain minimum information security standards for data, systems, and applications.

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring their staff possess the necessary security skills and qualifications and complete all required security training.

Further information is available at

JOB SUMMARY

The Vice Chancellor (VC) for Research Computing is a pivotal leadership position tasked with steering the strategic vision and oversight of research computing initiatives at the University of California Santa Cruz.

This role is essential for enhancing the university's research capabilities by utilizing advanced computing technologies, data analytics, and information management systems.

The incumbent will collaborate with faculty, researchers, and administrators to improve the university's research computing infrastructure, ensuring alignment with academic objectives and contributing to the overall advancement of knowledge.

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor of Information Technology and receiving direction from the Vice Chancellor of Research, the VC for Research Computing will work closely with peers and associated teams to establish cross-functional teams focused on addressing the current and evolving needs of the UCSC research community.

The VC for Research Computing will also collaborate with leadership in UCSC institutes and organizations to facilitate innovative advancements in research.

These teams provide opportunities for the individual to engage in and lead the development of advanced research information technology solutions.

UCSC also has departmentally based ITS teams that deliver specialized support to our research community.

The VC for Research Computing will be the primary individual responsible for cultivating collaborative relationships, processes, and services that effectively enable the research community to fulfill its mission while ensuring UCSC's IT environment remains secure and cost-effective.

Establishing the IT services and computing architecture that meet these objectives is central to the role of the VC for Research Computing.

To achieve this, the VC for Research Computing must stay informed about and respond to emerging national initiatives requiring computational platforms, such as "digital twins," functional genomics, and AI.

Finally, the VC for Research Computing will participate in IT Governance structures, including the Research Computing and Data Infrastructure Committee, the IT Systems and Data Governance Committee, the Academic Senate's Committees on Information Technology and Research, and the University of California system-wide IT committees, such as the Research IT Committee.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary:
$165,000 - $200,000/year. Salary will be determined based on skills, qualifications, and experience.

In accordance with California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role.

The salary indicated above is the budgeted amount the University anticipates paying, and the final salary should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility:
Full benefits

Schedule Information:
Full-time, Fixed
Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week

Days of the Week:
Mon-Fri

Shift Includes:
Day

Employee Classification:
Career appointment

Job End Date:
None

Work Location:
UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation:
Non-Represented

Job Code Classification:
INFO SYS MGR 2)

Travel:
Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES
35% - Strategic and Operational Leadership in Research Computing

Oversees the formulation and execution of a comprehensive strategic vision for research computing that aligns with the university's research and academic goals.

Collaborates with university leadership to incorporate research computing initiatives into the broader institutional strategy.

Establishes and evolves innovative collaborative approaches that empower the research community and advance a cohesive information technology strategy for UCSC.

Oversees the design, implementation, and maintenance of sophisticated research computing infrastructure and associated services, including high-performance computing (HPC), data storage, and networking resources.

Leads and directs the activities of the research IT organization.
Provides secure and cost-effective solutions for the UCSC research community that meet Faculty needs.
Executes broad decisions regarding data, analytics, and computing services for the research community.

Works closely with partners in ITS to ensure data is made available to researchers in a secure, timely, and cost-effective manner.

Ensures reliability and security for research administrative systems, research computing platforms, and third-party services supporting the research community.

This includes ensuring cybersecurity measures are implemented and maintained throughout the research community with guidance from the Chief Information Security Officer and in coordination with the overall security strategy for UCSC.

Stays informed about emerging technologies and industry trends to ensure the university's research computing capabilities remain state-of-the-art.

Maintains a deep understanding of emerging trends, conducts pilot deployments of new services, and seeks ongoing feedback to enhance existing services.

15% - Internal and External Leadership
Ensures the development of highly skilled personnel to support strategic business outcomes and operational service delivery.

Provides guidance and direction for achieving objectives, including hiring, professional development, retention, and succession planning, to cultivate high-performing teams.

Develops and mentors teams on effective feedback and development tools through talent processes, including goal-setting and evaluation.
Leads and participates in team-building initiatives for the ITS Division. Defines community principles for large, diverse technical teams. Oversees organizational structures, processes, and culture for effective IT operations delivery.

Serves as a member of the ITS leadership team to collaborate on divisional vision, strategy, goals, operations, and staff and leadership development.

Contributes to strategic planning and execution for the division.

Creates and implements strategic plans, sets tactical goals, and monitors metrics and KPIs for the ITS unit(s), based on rotational oversight.

Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with organizations that add value to ITS.
Engages in ongoing organizational development to enhance effectiveness, problem-solving, and performance by aligning strategy, people, and processes.
Develops collaborative relationships with campus stakeholders, other higher education institutions, and IT organizations. Participates and contributes to relevant communities of practice.
15% - Collaboration and Engagement
Acts as a liaison and advocate for research computing across the UCSC campus, including colleges, institutes, centers, and programs.
Establishes strong relationships with academic leadership, administrative leadership, and the Office of Research.

Fosters collaborative relationships with faculty, researchers, and external partners to understand their computing needs and facilitate the integration of research computing into academic pursuits.

Works closely with academic departments to identify opportunities for interdisciplinary research that benefits from advanced computing resources.

Ensures effective communication with the research community to ensure available IT services are widely known and understood, and that they can be accessed and provisioned efficiently and cost-effectively to simplify and incentivize the use of these services.

15% - Resource Allocation and Funding
Creates and maintains financially viable and sustainable models for service and varying levels/methods of infrastructure use.
Creates and manages the budget for research computing infrastructure and services.
Advocates for appropriate investments in information technology capabilities to meet the needs of the research community.

In collaboration with ITS Finance, develops and implements resource allocation strategies, including securing external funding, grants, and partnerships to support research computing initiatives and infrastructure.

Collaborates with university administration to create and manage budgets for research computing infrastructure and services.
10% - Policy Development and Compliance
Develops and enforces policies related to research computing, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and granting agency requirements.
Provides guidance on data management and security practices to safeguard research data.
10% - Training and Support

Implements training programs and support services to enhance the digital literacy of faculty, researchers, and students utilizing research computing resources.

Works with academic units to integrate computational and data science into the curriculum.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in a related field and/or equivalent experience/training.
Senior management experience in a large, complex research environment.

Experience in managing research computational and data science needs to develop, create, and sustain the UCSC research information ecosystem for the next decade.

Direct management experience in significant information technology service development and delivery. Demonstrated experience in addressing research information technology needs.

Experience leading large change management initiatives and the ability to secure buy-in and active participation from stakeholders across the organization.

Proven ability to lead teams, continuously evolve, and enhance the relationship, services, and culture between central IT and the research community.

Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build inter-organizational and intra-organizational relationships across complex organizational boundaries to support the IT needs of the research community.

Proven ability to establish priorities and achieve results in a multi-purpose, multi-unit, multi-site system through shared governance and a service-oriented approach.

Excellent written communication skills, including presentations to executive leaders and large, diverse audiences.
Excellent verbal communication skills, including presentations to executive leaders and large, diverse audiences.

Leadership skills demonstrated by possessing a broad vision of the organization's future, assertiveness, and diplomacy in presenting ideas and initiatives, along with sensitivity to the values and expectations of all constituents.

Strong critical thinking abilities and problem-solving skills.
Proven ability to work in a matrixed environment to manage and implement change in a large, diverse organization. Requires cultural competence and emotional maturity.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Advanced degree in a related field.
Direct experience in conducting research activities in an academic research setting.
Broad knowledge of research activities and the challenges facing the research components of academia.
Extensive experience in data sciences, research computing, computer science, or related computational or basic sciences research fields.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
Ability to work long periods at a computer with or without accommodation.

The selected candidate will be required to work a hybrid schedule and must be able to successfully work from a remote office while fulfilling the requirements of the telecommuting agreement.

The selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed, including compliance training.
The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees.

Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.

Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter.

The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment.

CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

EEO/AA
The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit:
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit:

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