Vice President for Research

SRA International; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A major public research university in Alabama is seeking a Vice President for Research to lead its comprehensive research enterprise. This pivotal role will shape a forward-looking research strategy, enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, and support faculty recruitment. The ideal candidate will have a terminal degree, a rich leadership background in research, and the capability to align research initiatives with the university's goals. This position offers a chance to significantly impact research growth and innovation at a leading institution.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience in research.
• Record of scholarly distinction in a research environment.
• Experience leading large-scale research operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the University’s comprehensive research enterprise.
• Shape and execute a forward-looking research strategy.
• Build pipelines for research growth.

Skills

Leadership experience

Collaboration

Research funding understanding

Compliance knowledge

Education

Terminal degree (PhD or MD)

Job description

Vice President for Research

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), in partnership with Korn Ferry, invites nominations and expressions of interest for the position of Vice President for Research.

UAB is a world‑class public research university and academic health system committed to understanding and improving the human experience. Located in Alabama’s largest metropolitan area, UAB is a national leader across education, research, innovation, health care, and community engagement. With total research expenditures exceeding $866 million annually, ranking among the top public universities nationwide in NIH funding, and a more than $8 billion academic and clinical enterprise, UAB offers a dynamic environment for research growth and impact. The University’s strategic plan, Forging Ahead (2024–2028), outlines an ambitious vision to advance discovery, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal benefit.

At this pivotal moment, UAB seeks a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as its next Vice President for Research. Reporting to the President and serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, the Vice President for Research will provide leadership for the University’s comprehensive research enterprise, spanning basic, translational, clinical, and community‑engaged research. The Vice President will shape and execute a forward‑looking research strategy that strengthens UAB’s national prominence; supports faculty, staff, and students; expands interdisciplinary collaboration; and enhances the University’s capacity for discovery, innovation, and economic impact. This role also serves as the Institutional Official for major compliance functions, including IRB and IACUC, and provides oversight of administrative research units that support grants, compliance, and research infrastructure.

A key priority for the Vice President will be sustaining and accelerating UAB’s research momentum by building pipelines for research growth; supporting faculty recruitment, development, and retention; and advancing translational research and clinical trials in partnership with the UAB Health System. The Vice President will work closely with academic leadership to align research initiatives with institutional priorities, strengthen engagement with federal agencies and policymakers, and support commercialization and entrepreneurship through the Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The successful candidate will be an accomplished research leader with a terminal degree (PhD or MD) and at least ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience within a complex research environment. Ideal candidates will bring a record of scholarly distinction; a deep understanding of the evolving research funding landscape; experience leading large‑scale research operations; and the ability to build collaborative relationships across disciplines and stakeholders. A track record of fostering research excellence, ensuring compliance, and aligning research strategy with institutional mission is essential.

UAB has retained Korn Ferry, a global organizational consulting firm, to assist with this search. The search is being led by Vickie Antolini, Toni Lam, Anna Flagg, and Libby Kiggins. All inquiries, nominations, and expressions of interest should be submitted in confidence to Korn Ferry. Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of interest. To ensure full consideration, materials should be submitted electronically, in confidence, [e-mail]