Vice Chancellor for Research

Vice Chancellor for Research

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) seeks a strategic, innovative and collaborative administrator and accomplished scholar to serve as its next Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR). Reporting to the Chancellor, and working in close collaboration with the Executive Vice Chancellor, deans, faculty and staff, the VCR will build on the many strengths of UCSB - including its growing research portfolio, interdisciplinary and collaborative culture, distinguished faculty, and exceptional student diversity - for ongoing development of a campus-wide interdisciplinary research portfolio that will continue to enhance UCSB and its national and international prominence.

UC Santa Barbara

Located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and at the base of the Santa Ynez Mountains, UCSB is a member of the 10-campus University of California (UC) system and the first university in the Association of American Universities recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Founded in 1944, UCSB enrolls about 26,000 students and maintains a strong commitment to public service through the creation and distribution of knowledge. In FY 2024, research awards to the university totaled $267 million.

UCSB's faculty includes six Nobel Laureates, numerous Guggenheim, Fulbright, National Endowment for the Humanities, and National Endowment for the Arts Fellows, as well as many members of the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Sciences. Faculty have been awarded the National Medal of Science, Fields Medal, and the Millennium Technology Prize, along with numerous fellowships from leading professional associations. UCSB is nationally recognized as a top university, ranked 13th among public universities in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings and 8th globally for interdisciplinary science by the Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2025.

Position Overview

The Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR) provides leadership for strategic research initiatives, licensing and innovation, and operational oversight of organized research units, sponsored projects, and research compliance and integrity. The VCR will provide vision and direction for UCSB's growing research and innovation programs, advance the institution's standing as an intellectual leader, and implement effective strategies to support UCSB's research, academic, and service missions. Additionally, the VCR will forge strong relationships and interactions among the 10 campuses in the University of California system, other leading universities, industry partners, and governmental agencies.

The VCR will be an accomplished scholar committed to the highest standards of research excellence and will provide vision and leadership for the strategic development, implementation, and communication of research, building on UCSB's strengths while identifying new and innovative research opportunities.

The VCR oversees the Office of Research, which encompasses strategic research initiatives, research development, research compliance, sponsored projects administration, technology transfer, industry alliances, as well as nine campus research institutes and centers, a system of seven campus reserves and the Animal Resource Center. The VCR is responsible for strengthening UCSB's research infrastructure, expanding its research portfolio, and enhancing relationships with funding agencies, external partners, and other universities. To learn more about the Office of Research https://www.research.ucsb.edu/.

Opportunities & Challenges

The next Vice Chancellor for Research will address the following key challenges and opportunities in collaboration with UCSB's research community:

• Grow the research portfolio in partnership with deans, faculty, and academic leadership.
• Expand partnerships with major public and private funding agencies.
• Strengthen the infrastructure and strategically plan resource management to keep pace with research growth.
• Navigate the evolving challenges regarding research security and research integrity.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaborations and elevate the diverse range of research and scholarship.
• Serve as a compelling external ambassador to build on UCSB's reputation and visibility as an international research university.

Key Responsibilities

Research Leadership for the Campus

• Provide leadership, vision, and strategic direction for UCSB's research enterprise, ensuring continued growth and innovation. Leverage substantial experience and expertise to develop and implement initiatives to expand UCSB's research portfolio in collaboration with faculty, deans, and academic leadership.
• Foster interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary collaborations among academic disciplines, research centers, and institutes, promoting research excellence across arts and humanities, STEM, and social sciences.
• Represent UCSB's research enterprise at the state, national, and international levels. Serve as UCSB's primary research advocate within the UC system, among other research institutions, and in governmental agencies. Elevate UCSB's research visibility and global reputation as a top-tier research university.
• Engage with campus stakeholders, the broader research community, and external partners to further UCSB's mission. Provide strategic direction and foster collaboration for cross-functional initiatives and projects.

Strategic Leadership for the Office of Research

• The VCR is responsible for leading the Office of Research through senior-level administrators to support and advance research and strategic initiatives. The VCR will: oversee and enhance research infrastructure, compliance, and integrity, ensuring UCSB maintains the highest ethical and regulatory standards; lead strategic initiatives to increase external research funding, promote technology transfer, and support entrepreneurial activities; address challenges related to research security, compliance, and intellectual property management.
• Provide long-term planning around resources (funding, staff, and space) as well as processes (awards management, compliance, and reporting) to continuously improve services and support for researchers. Ensure integration of research with education and service missions while helping researchers secure extramural funding. Ensure financial transparency, policy clarity, and collaboration across governance structures to support the university's research enterprise.
• The areas of responsibilities within the Office of Research:
  • Management of ORUs, Centers, & Research Units: Managing, reviewing, and approving Organized Research Units (ORUs), oversee budget allocations, space planning, and director searches.
  • Animal Resource Center & Compliance: Provide oversight of the Animal Resource Center (ARC) and the Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) and maintain AAALAC accreditation.
  • Grants & Contracts: Serve as the institution's senior research official, overseeing the Sponsored Projects Office, which handles research grants and contracts, including proposal review and submission.
  • Research Integrity, Ethics & Compliance Committees: Provide campus oversight of research integrity, conflict of interest, human subjects, animal care and use, export control and biosafety compliance and committees.
  • Research Development: Facilitate cross-disciplinary research programs, funding opportunity dissemination, faculty workshops, proposal development, and long-range planning.
  • Innovation and Industry Partnerships: Oversee the management of the Office of Technology and Industry Alliances, charged with managing intellectual property licensing and patent protections, and negotiating sponsored research and related agreements with industry.

Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be a distinguished scholar and dynamic leader with a strong background in research administration, strategic planning, and external engagement. The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes:

• A doctorate and research program in a field compatible with the programs offered within the UCSB campus. A distinguished record in scholarship and research commensurate with appointment to the rank of full professor with tenure.
• Proven record of excellence in research leadership and administration at a research-intensive university or institution, with demonstrated success in managing complex teams and initiatives.
• Demonstrated success and growth with extensive experience in progressively responsible leadership roles.
• Ability to assess, recognize, and support high-impact research, with a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges that world-class researchers face.
• Adept at engaging with faculty and/or researchers across disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial innovation; skilled in advocating for research and able to articulate a strong vision for the university's research programs and interact successfully with multiple and diverse stakeholders.
• Experience securing and managing large-scale research funding from federal, state, corporate, or nonprofit sources, as well as a capacity and commitment to building strong relationships with a broad range of external stakeholders to support fundraising and research initiatives.
• Strong understanding of research policy, compliance, and regulatory frameworks, along with the ability to effectively advocate for research priorities within the legislative, regulatory, and public policy landscape.
• Alignment with UCSB's mission, values, and principles of community.
• Ability to navigate complex organizational environments with shared governance and federated structure while demonstrating transparency in policy, strategy, and financial management and fostering collaboration across the institution.
• Exceptional communication, listening, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build consensus, collaborate effectively, and develop and maintain strategic partnerships.
• Excellent people leadership skills and strong organization / team / program management skills to set goals and inspire others to achieve.
• Demonstrated expert abilities in analytical thinking and strategic planning and implementation for innovation and improvements; impeccable judgment.
• Strong financial acumen with a proven record of accountability and excellent resource management skills to effectively achieve goals within budget constraints and ensure sustainability of research initiatives.
• Proven track record of implementing strategies and programs that help attract and retain students, staff and faculty within the research environment.
• Ability to proactively address evolving challenges in research security and compliance to protect UCSB's research enterprise.

Salary & Benefits

The anticipated annual compensation range for this position is $433,500-$493,100/yr. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

Other Information

Berkeley Executive Search (BES) is partnering with UC Santa Barbara in the search for the next Vice Chancellor for Research. Inquiries and nominations may be sent to James Kao, Elizabeth Mosley, and Harrison Chan of BES at executivesearch@berkeley.edu. For official consideration, candidates are asked to apply via the UCSB official portal.

To view the full position profile, please visit this link from BES.

For full consideration, please apply by March 31, 2025 at 12:00 pm PDT. The position is open until filled.

To apply, please submit your Curriculum Vitae and Letter of Interest. Other materials may be requested as part of the interview process.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Satisfactory completion of a conviction history background check
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment
• Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests Filer

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegation or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

UC Vaccination Programs Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.

As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals* must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information:

UC Santa Barbara COVID-19 Information

University of California Policy on Vaccinations

* Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement:

UC Santa Barbara is an Equal 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.

For more information:

University of California's Affirmative Action Policy

University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy

Reasonable Accommodations:

The University of California endeavors to make the UCSB Job site (https://jobs.ucsb.edu) accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Katherine Abad in Human Resources at 805-893-4664 or email katherine.abad@hr.ucsb.edu. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Privacy Notification Statement and Notice of Availability of the UCSB Annual Security Report Disclosures