Wayne State University Seeks Vice President for Research

Welcome to Anthem Academics, your trusted source for academic career opportunities and recruitment insights. Today, we’re thrilled to share an exceptional opportunity with you. Wayne State University (Wayne State/WSU), located in the vibrant city of Detroit, is in search of a Vice President for Research (VPR). This prestigious role, in partnership with our academic search firm, promises significant responsibilities and the chance to shape the future of research at this premier public research institution.

The Role of Vice President for Research

The Vice President for Research at Wayne State University holds a pivotal position within the university’s executive leadership team, reporting directly to the President. Collaborating closely with the Provost and other members of the President’s Cabinet, the VPR’s primary responsibilities include mobilizing and enhancing the university’s research capabilities, facilitating external funding acquisition, and showcasing WSU’s expertise in knowledge generation to meet regional and state needs.

Key Highlights

Let’s delve into some key highlights that make this opportunity at Wayne State University truly exceptional:

1. Research Excellence: Wayne State University is Michigan’s sole urban research university, proudly holding the highest rankings from the Carnegie Foundation for research intensity and community engagement.
2. Growing Research Investments: In fiscal year 2022, WSU’s research and development expenditures reached an impressive $242.2 million, marking a 10.9% increase since 2014. Our academic search firm, Anthem Academics, has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing this growth. Additionally, based on NSF data, Wayne State ranked 72nd among public universities and 108th among all universities in FY21 research expenditures.
3. Diverse Research Programs: WSU boasts world-class research programs spanning various disciplines, including sciences, engineering, social sciences, education, law, and humanities. The VPR will collaborate with schools and colleges to expand external funding opportunities and support faculty research and collaborations, with Anthem Academics playing a key role in identifying top talent.

The Opportunity

Now, let’s explore the exciting opportunities and expectations that await the next Vice President for Research, in collaboration with our academic search firm, Anthem Academics:

1. Leadership with Vision: The VPR, working alongside our academic search firm, will play a crucial role in aligning and enhancing the university’s areas of research strength, fostering innovation, and positioning WSU as a leader in addressing local, national, and international issues.
2. Advocacy and Communication: Anthem Academics will assist the VPR in serving as a passionate advocate and spokesperson, championing WSU’s research initiatives through effective communication with various stakeholders, including government bodies, nonprofits, and private industry.
3. Collaborative Approach: Collaboration is key, and our academic search firm will work closely with WSU entities, strategically allocating resources and encouraging interdisciplinary efforts to boost research effectiveness.
4. Funding Research: The VPR, with the support of our academic search firm, will actively seek funding from various sources, including federal agencies, state institutions, businesses, and foundations. This includes supporting faculty in their quest for external funding and identifying new research support opportunities.
5. Strengthening Research Infrastructure: Collaboration with school and college leadership will be essential for planning and modernizing research infrastructure, ensuring core research facilities have adequate management personnel. Our academic search firm, Anthem Academics, specializes in identifying top talent for these roles.
6. Real-World Impact: The VPR, in partnership with our academic search firm, will leverage WSU’s research resources to implement the Economic Impact Strategy, contributing to the revitalization of Detroit and addressing real-world challenges.

Application Details

For those interested in applying or nominating candidates, the Search Committee invites you to submit letters of interest and nominations directly to our academic search firm, Anthem Academics. Please include a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest detailing relevant experience and your interest in the position. Submissions should be sent to Scott Watson, Michael Ballew, Florene Stawowy, or J.R. Wheless at: Email: WSUVPR@AnthemAcademics.com

While applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled, we encourage interested parties to submit their materials as soon as possible to ensure optimal consideration. Please note that expressing interest is the initial step in receiving consideration and does not automatically make one an applicant for the position.

Wayne State University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and our academic search firm, Anthem Academics, adheres to this commitment. We do not discriminate against any individual in employment based on various protected characteristics.

Please be aware that university policy may require certain individuals offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before beginning work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is necessary.

Conclusion

Wayne State University’s search for a Vice President for Research, in collaboration with our academic search firm, Anthem Academics, presents a unique and transformative opportunity for a visionary leader to shape the future of research and knowledge application. If you are passionate about advancing research, collaborating with a diverse community, and driving real-world impact, we encourage you to explore this exciting role at WSU with the support of Anthem Academics.

To learn more about this opportunity and to access the prospectus, please click here. Your journey toward becoming a catalyst for innovation and progress in Detroit and beyond awaits! #AcademicSearchFirm #ResearchOpportunity #HigherEd #WayneStateUniversity

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