Assistant Vice President for Research Computing and Data

Carnegie Mellon University, renowned for its research and academic excellence in computer science, artificial intelligence, and technology, is a seeking a resourceful, innovative, and goal-oriented Assistant Vice President of Research Computing and Data to foster a productive scientific and scholarly community of excellence in advanced computing and data that empowers research, learning, and societal engagement.

This new university-wide position will provide strategic leadership to deliver advanced research computing and data (RCD) infrastructure and services to researchers and educators across CMU, coordinate technology investments in RCD and related expertise, and catalyze and nurture RCD-enabled interdisciplinary research. This commitment lays the foundation for a sustainable, campus-wide initiative at CMU to provide a scalable RCD environment that leverages local, regional, national, and cloud resources to meet the evolving computing needs of CMU researchers and facilitates innovative ideas.

This position will report to the Associate Vice President for Research Computing and Director of the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center and serve in a senior leadership capacity for both the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) and the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) as well as the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center (PSC). This role requires proven leadership, management, and exemplary communication skills to act as an RCD evangelist across the CMU’s colleges, institutes, centers, and programs. The successful candidate will work closely with the research community and other key stakeholders in building and sustaining world-class RCD infrastructure at CMU.

The Assistant Vice President will guide campus-wide efforts to create an agile computing and data technology roadmap to support CMU’s growing research enterprise. They will be responsible for collaborating with campus stakeholders to establish priorities to achieve defined goals and outcomes, and to allocate university resources in research computing, data, and security infrastructure and personnel to meet the evolving needs of campus researchers and educators. This will involve chartering, constructing, and managing robust and flexible service offerings, funding model(s), and resourcing plans across multiple operations using demonstrated best practices. They also will be responsible for forming strategic partnerships (internal and external), pursue external funding opportunities (NSF, NIH, DOE, industry), and serve as an investigator on grants of strategic importance.

This position presents an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of research computing and data at CMU by ensuring that our world-class researchers and educators have the state-of-the-art computational and data resources needed to address large-scale challenges that will have a transformative impact on society.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Guiding the strategic and operational direction of CMU’s RCD infrastructure and services in collaboration with campus stakeholders.
• Serving as liaison and evangelist for RCD across the CMU campus, including colleges, institutes, centers, and programs.
• Developing and maintaining a robust, agile, and financially sustainable RCD infrastructure and services to support existing and emerging research areas.
• Remaining current of the evolving RCD needs, practices, and opportunities to support transformative research at CMU.
• Partnering with campus and college IT teams to create services, including analytics, consulting, and training, to solve research challenges.
• Creating and maintaining financially viable and sustainable models for service and varying levels/methods of infrastructure use, including talent resourcing plans for support and service delivery.
• building and leading the team to support campus-wide RCD infrastructure and use opportunities to validate related approaches and models.
• Maintaining a deep knowledge of emerging trends, conduct pilot deployments of new services, and seek ongoing feedback to improve existing services.
• Collaborating with appropriate units at CMU to ensure that RCD infrastructure is in full compliance with federal, state and granting agency requirements.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess:

• Significant accomplishments in elevating customer service and user experience in a performance-oriented RCD culture
• Ability to evaluate options and make decisions a rapidly evolving RCD environment, and the ability to adjust/revise those decisions as situations change.
• High energy level, self-motivation, and the ability to identify and establish priorities in designing and completing complex projects and tasks that may require in-depth theoretical and functional knowledge.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to integrate technical solutions across multiple domains.
• Exceptional presentation and interpersonal communication skills across a range of stakeholders, including executive leadership, technical researchers, and sponsors.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines, be a team player and work collaboratively.
• Experience supervising teams and leading projects in a dynamic environment.
• Established network and reputation for leading-edge research computing in higher education, industry, or a scientific organization.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree in a computationally intensive field, or equivalent.
• Experience: A minimum of six (6) years of experience managing a complex, advanced computing environment and supporting computationally intense research projects including:
  • Experience evaluating computing performance using a “systems approach” that includes compute, memory, interconnect, filesystems (e.g., Lustre, GPFS), networking (e.g., Infiniband, Omni-Path Express, Gigabit Ethernet), and other factors.
  • Familiarity with Unix and Linux systems, languages such as C++ and Fortran, and applications of interest to researchers. Experience with network administration and performance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A PhD in related field.
• Familiarity with AI and data-intensive computing environments and next generation architectures and technologies.
• Familiarity with negotiating with vendors such as NVIDIA, Intel, AMD, Lenovo, Dell, HPE, and others.
• Experience applying advanced software tools and computing technologies in a dynamic and diverse research setting.
• Experience with virtualization (VMs and containers) including OpenStack and commercial cloud.
• Experience with leading, partnering, and/or writing NSF, NIH, or DOE grants.
• Experience with national scientific computing initiatives such as the Open Science Grid, ACCESS, RABRIC, and CloudLab.
• Translating user requirements into functional and dependable solutions, working with scientific programming languages, and troubleshooting skills.
• Devising course/training curricula and leading new initiatives in higher education setting

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits, available to all full-time Carnegie Mellon University employees. Experience the full spectrum of advantages, from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to enticing retirement savings programs. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, and take well-deserved breaks with generous paid time off and holidays. Rest easy knowing you're covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. For a comprehensive overview of the benefits awaiting you, explore: https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/benefits-at-a-glance .

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role & responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique key skills and the diverse perspectives you bring. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment means we also account for geographic differentials. 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.

Nomination and Application Procedures:

Interested candidates are invited to apply by November 27, 2023 with a cover letter, resume, and through the CMU Workday application portal.

Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled. 

Carnegie Mellon University is committed to diversity and inclusion, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

Contact: Ferra Executive Search has been retained to manage the search. If you have any inquiries or nominations, please send an email to:
 
Kevin Ferra, Founding Partner
Ferra Executive Search
[email protected]  
 
Please use ‘AVP, Research Computing’ as the subject line when you contact Kevin

Are you interested in this exciting opportunity?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

IT Management

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: 

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon ” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 

• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. 

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