Search for the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Research Integrity Officer

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) seeks an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Research Integrity Officer (AVCR-RIO).

The AVCR-RIO will join the University at a pivotal moment as UNL embarks on expanding their research, scholarship, and creative activity efforts in Nebraska and beyond to realize their N2025 strategic plan. UNL is a leading national research university with a deep commitment to its land-grant mission, consistently recognized for its value and access to the citizens of Nebraska and beyond.

University Leadership and Strategic Vision

Dr. Robert G. (Bob) Wilhelm joined the University in 2018 as the Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development, after previously serving as Vice Chancellor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Earlier in his career, Wilhelm worked at the Palo Alto Laboratory of Rockwell Science Center and Cincinnati Milacron as well as co-founding a high-tech company, OpSource. He is a recognized expert in precision engineering and advanced manufacturing. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and the International Academy for Production Engineering. In Charlotte, he led the reorganization of the University Research Park as chair of University City Partners, worked to define a state-wide agenda for research and innovation while serving on the NC Board of Science, Technology, and Innovation.  For more information about the Office of Research & Economic Development (ORED), please visit  https://research.unl.edu/.

Dr. Ronnie D. Green is UNL’s 20th Chancellor. Prior to being named Chancellor in 2016, Green served for six years as the Harlan Vice Chancellor of the UNL Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources of the University of Nebraska system. Green has served on the animal science faculties of Texas Tech University and Colorado State University, and as the national program leader for animal production research for the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and executive secretary of the White House’s interagency working group on animal genomics within the National Science and Technology Council.

Under the Chancellor’s leadership, the University embarked on a 25-year vision (N150 Vision) and launched the first five-year (N2025) strategic plan in 2020, beginning an aggressive agenda that is built upon six distinct aims, three in which the AVCR-RIO will play a critical role: 1) Broaden Nebraska’s engagement in community, industry, and global partnerships; 2) increase the impact of research and creativity, and foster innovative, interdisciplinary endeavors; and 3) solve challenges critical to Nebraska and the world.

Role of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research

As a member of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development’s senior leadership team, the AVCR-RIO will play a major role in matching UNL’s distinctive faculty strengths to existing and emerging priorities in external research support, especially competitive federal funding.

The AVCR-RIO’s primary responsibilities will be to plan strategically for the development of research initiatives that draw on the expertise and experience of faculty and the unique research resources across the university; create opportunities for faculty to network with funding agencies; collaborate with academic departments and colleges to facilitate planning for research initiatives; and oversee UNL’s efforts to comply with national requirements and norms for responsible conduct of research and conflict of interest. Responsibilities include:

Qualifications and Characteristics

This position requires strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with many internal and external constituencies. The successful candidate will have an earned terminal degree appropriate to their discipline and must have held at some point in their career an appointment as a tenured full professor or senior associate professor with a distinguished record of academic contributions.

The AVCR-RIO will be an accomplished professional of the highest integrity who embraces positive change and a team approach and who works with colleagues in a spirit of partnership and transparency to facilitate the advancement of research and creative activity at the University. The AVCR-RIO will also bring the following professional qualities and experiences:

About the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Founded as a land-grant institution in 1869, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the flagship institution among the four universities of the University of Nebraska system. UNL ranks among the world’s leading universities and is the state’s primary intellectual center through its three primary missions of teaching, research, and service. The University’s land-grant tradition creates a state-wide responsibility to serve the needs of Nebraska and its citizens. Through Nebraska Extension and its partnerships with federal, state, and county agencies, the University has an outreach program in each county in the state.

Love Library cupola

UNL is designated in the Carnegie Classification system as a research university with very high research activity (R1) and a wide array of grant-funded projects aimed at broadening knowledge in the sciences and humanities. The University set new records with $321 million in total research expenditures in FY 2021. By connecting everything it does to its research, scholarship, and creative activity, the University ensures these innovations shape the education provided to its students. It is a member of the Big Ten Conference and the Big Ten Academic Alliance and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The University enjoys strong public support from the citizens of Nebraska, and UNL contributes to a strong workforce and vibrant economy within the state. Nebraskans view UNL as “their Land-Grant University” and are vested in its success. The University of Nebraska Foundation completed a $1.2 billion capital campaign, raising $1.8 billion. Planning for the next major campaign is underway. Over the last 10 years, more than $1 billion has been invested in significant major capital construction, including academic and research facilities, supported by both private gifts and state funding. The state will be providing $216 million in building upgrades which include new construction and renovations.

About Lincoln, Nebraska

Situated in the city of Lincoln, UNL plays an integral part in the success and future of the city. As collaborative and open partners, the city of Lincoln and UNL are deeply committed to the success of their counterpart. Lincoln has many of the cultural and entertainment benefits of a much larger city, with the feel of a friendly Midwestern community. As the state capital, most Nebraska state agencies and offices are located in Lincoln, as are several United States government agencies.

Lincoln boasts a highly educated workforce with an unemployment rate of 2.9% and the median age is 32.8.  The West Haymarket project, which has developed since 2014 has spurred rapid growth associated with several large organizations, including Hudl, a technology firm started by graduates of UNL’s Jeffrey S. Raikes School, and Olsson, an engineering and architecture firm. The University’s partnership with the city and private groups in redeveloping a former railyard into a sports and concert arena has sparked renewed interest in housing, retail, and other activities within walking distance of the city campus.

Skyline of campus and Lincoln, Nebraska

With the most parkland per capita in the nation, an extensive (and growing) bike trail network, many diverse employment opportunities, and a low cost of living, Lincoln is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the Midwest, yet still boasts an easy average commute time of 18 minutes door to door. Lincoln has been rated the #1 Healthiest City by Daily Finance, Happiest City by Gallup, #1 Best Places to Find a Job, #4 Best Places for Business and Careers by Forbes, #4 Best Run City in the Nation by MSN, Top 10 Cities to Buy a Home by ABC News, #4 Best Place to Raise a Family by Gallup, and one of the Cleanest U.S. Cities by American Lung Association.

The Lincoln Municipal Airport (LNK) is located 10 minutes from downtown, with the larger airport Omaha Eppley Airfield (OMA) located in Omaha, about 60 minutes away from campus. Lincoln lies adjacent to Interstate 80, which crosses the state. Click here to learn more about life in Lincoln.

Applications, Inquiries and Nominations

To ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted by January 20, 2023. The search committee will continue to receive applications until the position is filled.

Applicants should go to https://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_220222. Click “Apply for this Job,” complete the information form and attach a) a letter of interest that highlights your qualifications for the position and explains your interest and motivation; b) a statement of your approach to and experience with advancing equity, inclusion, and diversity, as well as your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2 page maximum); c) a detailed curriculum vitae; and d) the names of 3-5 professional references. References will be requested only of candidates who make the short list.

Questions can be directed to:
Becky Zavala
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development
rzavala2@unl.edu
402-472-0735


UNL offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience.

The University of Nebraska is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work and learning environment free from discrimination and harassment. UNL is dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. 

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.