Associate Dean, Research & Innovation

Position Information

Posting Number 20113110

Position Title Associate Dean, Research & Innovation

FTE 1.0

Position Type Staff

Department Dean of Engineering

Position Summary Information

Job Summary/Basic Function

About This Role:

The College of Engineering at Lamar University, located in Beaumont, TX, is seeking candidates for the position of Associate Dean of Research and Innovation who will be responsible for providing leadership that propels the research enterprise for the College of Engineering and Lamar University. The ideal candidate will lead the College of Engineering in developing strategic research areas that strengthen Lamar University’s research enterprise, provide training to faculty in grantsmanship leading to funding success, and build teams across multiple disciplines leading to sponsored research across multiple sources.

What You’ll Do – Position Responsibilities:

Leadership and Research Strategy Development – Provide strategic direction for research initiatives and foster a collaborative research culture.

Mentorship and Faculty Development – Mentor faculty in research career development, team building, and grantsmanship.

Collaboration and Team Building – Facilitate the creation of interdisciplinary research teams and foster partnerships.

Industry Liaison and External Partnership Development – Serve as the liaison to industry and cultivate partnerships for sponsored research.

Grant Writing and Fundraising Support – Assist faculty in securing external funding and expanding agency contacts.

Research Performance Reporting and Evaluation – Oversee reporting and evaluation of research performance.

Administrative and Committee Responsibilities (5%) – Serve on university committees and perform administrative duties related to research.

Key Competencies: (KSAs – Knowledge Skills and Abilities)

Knowledge:

Research Development and Management

Understanding of research design, strategy, and planning within academic settings.

Familiarity with the landscape of funding agencies, grant writing processes, and research performance reporting.

Grant Writing and Fundraising

In-depth knowledge of grantsmanship, including securing sponsored research funding from sources (e.g., federal, state, industry).

Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Research

Knowledge of building and fostering interdisciplinary research teams and cultivating cross-institutional partnerships (e.g., with other universities, national labs, and industry).

Higher Education Administration

Understanding academic policies, faculty development, and university operations, particularly related to research initiatives and infrastructure.

Industry-Academia Collaboration

Knowledge of how to bridge academic research with industry needs and future technological advancements.

Skills:

Leadership and Team Building

Strong leadership skills to guide and mentor faculty in research career development and team formation.

Ability to foster a collaborative, supportive, and innovative research environment within the College of Engineering.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Excellent communication skills to serve as a liaison between the College of Engineering, other university departments, external partners, and funding agencies.

Strong interpersonal skills to engage faculty, administration, and industry partners effectively.

Strategic Planning and Visioning

Ability to develop a clear vision and strategic direction for research development and innovation at the College of Engineering.

Expertise in formulating and implementing strategies to grow research programs and enhance the research enterprise.

Resource Optimization

Skill in managing and optimizing resources, including faculty expertise, research tools, and funding sources, to support research growth.

Collaboration with External Stakeholders

Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies to secure research opportunities and sponsorships.

Abilities:

Mentoring and Faculty Development

Ability to mentor faculty members, particularly in the areas of research funding, team building, and career development in research and innovation.

Facilitation of Collaborative Teams

Ability to facilitate collaboration both within and outside the university, establishing productive, multidisciplinary research teams that tackle complex challenges.

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate challenges in research development, faculty support, and collaboration.

Adaptability and Innovation

Ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of higher education research, and to drive innovation within the College of Engineering’s research efforts.

Institutional and Community Engagement

Ability to engage with the broader academic and local community, leveraging research for community impact and outreach.

Physical Requirements:

Able to lift 25 pounds and be able to perform a variety of physical tasks including lifting, bending, stooping, squatting, stair climbing, and walking between buildings.

Job Conditions:

This role may require occasional evening or weekend hours to support events and student activities, flexibility in adapting to a dynamic work environment, and compliance with the university’s policies on confidentiality and professionalism.

Who We Are:

Lamar University is an accessible global university for life-long learners with a passion for broad-based community engagement. As a vital contributor to the socioeconomic wellbeing and resilience of the Gulf Coast region, our expertise is recognized locally and beyond. Lamar University is home to more than 17,000 students and is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. LU is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 100-degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals.

Lamar University is committed to fostering a culture where students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds can learn, work, and serve.

Benefits:

Health, dental & vision insurance

Life insurance

State of Texas Retirement plans

Tuition covered at 100% for employees, spouses and/or eligible dependents.

Paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays.

To see more information about the available benefits, please visit: Insurance – Lamar University (

Minimum Qualifications

A doctorate degree in engineering or a related field.

Qualify for an appointment at the rank of associate or full professor in one of the five departments within the College of Engineering at Lamar University.

A record of sustained sponsored research with a commitment to community engagement in research and scholarship.

Proven track record in building multidisciplinary partnerships and collaborative research teams.

Leader in team building (must be a cheerleader for faculty and their research)

EEO Statement

Lamar University is An Equal Opportunity Employer

Veteran's Preference Statement

Lamar University is proud to provide employment preference to veteran applicants in accordance with Texas 805 Government Code, Section 657.003.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous academic administrative experience (department chair, associate/assistant dean, center director, etc.).

Clear vision for research development with experience in expanding current research platforms and developing research initiatives.

Experience in optimizing resources across the college/university.

Ability to work constructively and collegially with members of the university, including the leadership team, faculty, and staff throughout the university

Security Sensitive Statement

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Salary $115,941 - $150,723

Work Hours

Application Information

Posting Date 05/05/2025

Close Date 08/05/2025

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions