Assistant VP of Research & AI Enablement

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of VA Careers in Norfolk, VA seeks an Assistant Vice President for Research and AI Enablement to provide strategic and operational leadership for environments, platforms, and capabilities enabling the university’s AI-enabled research ecosystem.

The AVP bridges research, teaching, and operational innovation, building scalable, secure, high-performance environments and translating capabilities into institutional impact through instructional innovation and external partnerships.

Qualifications

• PhD in data science, information systems, educational technology, or related field.
• Extensive leadership in digital innovation, research computing, or technology-enabled research environments.
• Experience with AI/ML technologies and their application in research contexts.
• Direct experience with cloud platforms (GCP, AWS) and high-performance computing.
• Ability to bridge research, teaching and operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for environments, platforms, and capabilities enabling AI-enabled research ecosystems.
• Bridge research, teaching and learning with operational innovation to deliver scalable, secure environments.
• Connect AI, research computing, and digital product development to enable new models of discovery and partnerships.
• Collaborate with researchers, faculty, and institutional stakeholders to ensure aligned, secure research environments.

Skills

Leadership

AI/ML applications

Strategic thinking

Collaboration

Stakeholder management

Education

PhD in data science, information systems, educational technology, or related field

Tools

GCP

AWS

High-Performance Computing

Job description

Title: Assistant VP of Research & AI Enablement

Agency: VP DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY

Location: Norfolk, VA

FLSA: Exempt

Hiring Range:

Full Time or Part Time:

Job Description:

The Assistant Vice President for Research and AI Enablement provides strategic and operational leadership for the environments, platforms, and capabilities that enable, power, and operationalize the university’s research ecosystem through AI, research computing, and integrated digital capabilities.

Positioned within Digital Innovation, this role is uniquely designed to bridge research, teaching and learning, and operational innovation. It focuses on building and operating scalable, secure, and high-performance environments that support research, while translating those capabilities into broader institutional impact through instructional innovation and operational applications.

The AVP plays a critical role in connecting AI, research computing, and digital product development to enable new models of discovery, learning, and execution. By integrating these domains, the role helps translate research capabilities into applied solutions that support academic programs, institutional operations, and external partnerships.

The AVP serves as a key institutional connector, working closely with researchers, academic leadership, the University Information Security Office (UISO), and other stakeholders to ensure that research and innovation environments are aligned, secure, and responsive to evolving needs. The role also connects research, AI, and applied innovation through MonarchSphere, enabling the translation of research into scalable solutions, pilots, and real-world outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g., data science, information systems, educational technology, or related discipline)
• Comprehensive experience in research, including participation in or support of externally funded research initiatives
• Significant leadership experience in digital innovation, research computing, or technology-enabled research environments
• Considerable direct experience with research computing environments, cloud platforms (e.g. , GCP, AWS), and high-performance computing
• Experience with AI/ML technologies and their application in research contexts
• Demonstrated ability to lead across research, academic, and operational domains
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with researchers, faculty, and institutional stakeholders

Statement of Economic Interests

This position is required to complete a Statement of Personal Economic Interest upon hire in accordance with the Code of Virginia.

Sensitive Positions

This position is designated as sensitive. A fingerprint-based criminal history check will be required of the final candidate.

Additional Considerations:

• Considerable experience in higher education or research-intensive institutions
• Considerable experience supporting interdisciplinary and data-intensive research initiative
• Familiarity with research funding landscapes and grant development processes
• Considerable experience aligning technology initiatives with instructional and research standards