Assistant VP of Research & AI Enablement

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Virginia seeks an Assistant VP of Research and AI Enablement in Norfolk to provide strategic and operational leadership for AI environments, research computing, and digital capabilities across the university ecosystem.

The AVP will bridge research, teaching, and operational innovation, building scalable, secure, high-performance platforms, guiding governance and partnerships with researchers, UISO, and stakeholders to translate capabilities into impact.

Qualifications

• PhD in data science, information systems, educational technology, or related field.
• Experience in externally funded research initiatives.
• Leadership in digital innovation, research computing, or technology-enabled research environments.
• Experience with AI/ML technologies and their application in research contexts.
• Ability to lead across research, academic, and operational domains.

Responsibilities

• Lead environments and platforms for AI enablement and research computing.
• Bridge research, teaching, and operational innovation.
• Translate capabilities into scalable, secure, high-performance environments.
• Collaborate with researchers, academic leadership, and stakeholders to align needs.

Skills

Leadership in digital innovation

AI/ML in research

Cross-domain collaboration

Research computing knowledge

Education

PhD in field related to data science/information systems/educational tech

Tools

GCP

AWS

HPC environments

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:

Additional Detail

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.

Salary range for this position is $200,000 - $230,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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