About the Opportunity

Northeastern University is seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial research professional to launch and lead its new research institute in Dublin, Ireland. Applications are sought for the position of the inaugural Head of Institute and Director of Research (Head of Institute) at NU Institute Dublin (NUID) located in Dublin, Ireland, with affiliation in a college and/or institute of Northeastern University (USA). The ideal candidate will be an outstanding interdisciplinary researcher with a proven track record of securing substantial EU Horizon or equivalent research funding and experience creating real-world impact.

As the leader of NUID, the Head of Institute will play a crucial role in developing research collaborations and partnerships with faculty members of Northeastern University (NU), Northeastern University-London (NU London), and prime partner University College Dublin. The Head of Institute will also have prime responsibility for recruiting, supporting, and managing research appointees at NUID. The Head of Institute will provide a conducive environment at NUID for the development of successful research collaborations between and among faculty members and research scientists and engineers within NU, NU London, and UCD, and throughout the EU.

This opportunity is well-suited for an entrepreneurial research leader looking to make a significant impact on the European, Irish, and transatlantic research communities. Flexibility, a hands-on results-oriented approach, openness to change, a diplomatic and collaborative spirit, and an ability to develop and express a winning narrative are key attributes for success, along with a willingness to contribute actively to the establishment and growth of a new research organization.

The Head of Institute must have a Ph.D. (or equivalent) and a proven track record of managing successful teams, meeting financial goals, and presenting to stakeholders. The Head of Institute will report to the Board of Directors of NUID and will report indirectly to and work with the Senior Vice Provost for Research at Northeastern University (SVPR), being a member of the SVPR's leadership team. The ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team of leaders is essential. For research development and NUID operations, including human resources, research enterprise support and compliance, environmental health and safety, and research computing, the Head of Institute will work closely with the teams of the SVPR. The Head of Institute will work with the NUID Board of Directors and the SVPR on establishing the strategy, directions, and investment for NUID.

About NU Institute Dublin (NUID):

Northeastern has established NU Institute Dublin (NUID) as its first research center in the European Union post-Brexit. NUID aims to become a self-sustaining center for impactful interdisciplinary research in the European Union within five years. NUID is initially situated on the campus of University College Dublin and is an important component of the substantial and rapidly expanding partnership between the two universities. NUID and NU London will also work together to leverage support functions and to develop successful collaborations.

About Northeastern University:

Established in 1898, Northeastern University stands as a leader in global experiential learning and interdisciplinary research, addressing international issues in health, security, and sustainability. Externally funded research programs and graduate Ph.D. education programs at Northeastern University have been executed for almost 80 years. Transforming into a global research university over the last two decades, Northeastern has experienced remarkable expansion through strategic collaborations with businesses, government entities, and non-profit organizations. This surge in partnerships has propelled the university's research initiatives and enriched experiential learning avenues for students across all academic levels. Through a focus on, and substantial investment in, impactful, interdisciplinary research, Northeastern University is fostering innovation in emerging fields. This approach recognizes the need for inventive configurations to comprehend intricate systems and effectively translate foundational discoveries into practical, real-world applications. Currently, Northeastern is the sixth-highest funded private research university without a medical school, a list that includes MIT, CalTech, Princeton, and Carnegie Mellon. The University has also been a leading generator of spin-out companies, a testament to its orientation to use-inspired research and faculty and professional researchers strongly engaged with the world outside academia.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will:

• Hold a Ph.D. in a pertinent field.
• Demonstrate exceptional thought leadership in important contemporary science, technology, and engineering topics across human health, security, and sustainability.
• Have a proven track record in effectively managing teams and consistently meeting financial goals.
• Demonstrate a successful history of securing substantial external research funding within the European context.
• Possess familiarity with the Horizon funding landscape and EU research, with current participation in large-scale Horizon or similar externally funded grants.
• Display direct familiarity with the specific nuances of the Irish research and higher education context.
• Exhibit experience in securing industry funding for research.
• Have a proven record of strategic and effective leadership and project management in a complex, decentralized environment, preferably within a major research institution, with demonstrated ability to execute ambitious, fiscally responsible, entrepreneurial initiatives with confidence and diplomacy.
• Clearly showcase a capacity for strategic visioning, backed by a track record of innovation, imaginative problem-solving, and impeccable judgment.
• Demonstrate a commitment to positive mentoring and career development support of faculty members, research professionals, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students.
• Possess a strong commitment to, and willingness to foster, interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary collaboration and partnership among researchers.
• Express a strong commitment to the success of bold initiatives and an entrepreneurial spirit to bring NUID's ambitions to fruition, including winning and executing large multi-institutional research centers and programs.
• Function as an effective change agent, demonstrating the ability to think strategically, translate ideas into action, and be comfortable with calculated risk-taking in ambiguous situations, as well as a self-assured problem solver with the intelligence, creativity, and tenacity to anticipate challenges and obstacles and provide and execute strategic and effective solutions.
• Possess outstanding oral and written communication skills along with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Uphold unimpeachable character and personal integrity.
• Be politically adept and experienced in negotiation, demonstrating well-honed problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate effectively within a large organization

Responsibilities:

The Role of the Head of Institute:

Research:

The primary focus of the Head of Institute is to secure external research funding, with a particular emphasis on Horizon funding. The Head of Institute will serve as the Legal Entity Appointed Representative (LEAR) for NUID with respect to Horizon participation. Additionally, the Head of Institute will provide thought leadership and contribute to impactful research within NUID's scope, with an essential aspect being the establishment of a seamless link to the broader Northeastern University global network.

Strategy, Governance, and Communication:

The Head of Institute works collaboratively with the Board of Directors to contribute to the strategic vision and growth of NUID. This includes overseeing day-to-day activities under the guidance of the Board, collaborating on mission expansion, and ensuring compliance. In this work, the Head of Institute will be assisted by the mature operations of Northeastern University, reporting [indirectly] to the SVPR and Deputy Provost.

The Head of Institute will actively participate in the governance of NUID, supporting interoperability with the Northeastern University global system. Clear communication of complex research and administrative concepts to stakeholders, including non-expert Board members, is a crucial skill. NUID will have a Business Director who reports to the Head of Institute. Collaborative efforts with the Business Director are undertaken to present a comprehensive overview of NUID's strategy, financials, and outlook to the Board while also working on strategic initiatives aligned with NUID's 5-year plan.

Administrative Oversight:

Effective day-to-day leadership is a pivotal responsibility of the Head of Institute. This involves ensuring alignment with NUID's mission and objectives and collaborating on strategies for financial sustainability to ensure compliance with funding regulations and reporting requirements. The oversight of the budget and financial planning process is paramount, with a focus on efficient resource utilization and adherence to financial guidelines.

Compliance and Reporting:

The Head of Institute is responsible for ensuring that NUID operations comply with all relevant laws, policies, and regulations. Collaboration with European and UK team members of Northeastern University Research Enterprise Services (NU-RES) and the Business Director is required to guarantee that all grants and contracts are compliant. The role extends to liaising as needed with units responsible for research safety, research compliance, human research protection, research animal handling and protection, the Office of General Counsel, research administration, and research finance to navigate compliance and reporting requirements successfully.

Team Leadership and Development:

The Head of Institute plays a central role in leading, mentoring, and reviewing the performance of the Business Director. Fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement is a core aspect of this role, along with facilitating collaboration between administrative staff in Dublin and other Northeastern locations to ensure cohesive and efficient operations. Importantly, the Head of Institute will provide leadership and mentorship to faculty members, professional researchers, post-doctoral fellows, visiting scholars, and students working at NUID, contributing to their professional development within the organization and across the Northeastern University Global Network.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.