New Mexico State University is a comprehensive land-grant institution of higher learning accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities. An active research university, NMSU anchors the southern end of New Mexico’s Rio Grande Research Corridor, exceeding $140 million in research and public service expenditures. NMSU is classified as a Hispanic-serving institution by the federal government with a total minority enrollment over 48%. Home to the state’s NASA Space Grant Program, NMSU is located in Las Cruces, which features desert mesas, the farmlands of the Rio Grande Valley, and the Organ Mountains, an extension of the Rocky Mountain chain. The University is committed to building a cultural diverse educational environment.

The inaugural Director of the biomedical informatics and data science core will demonstrate excellence in the leadership of their own research, as well as stimulating collaborative research in biomedical informatics across NMSU and collaborating institutions. The Director will run the Data Science Core of the NIH-funded NM-INBRE program as an initial and ongoing commitment of the position. The successful Director will establish multidisciplinary research and educational initiatives to promote biomedical informatics in its various facets. NMSU’s recent alliance with Los Alamos National Laboratory creates a unique opportunity to conduct biomedical informatics research in collaboration with a world-class computing and data science capability.
In particular, the Director is expected to:

• Inform the NMSU biomedical informatics strategy and create a distinctive identity for the Core and for biomedical informatics at NMSU relative to peer institutions.
• Develop cloud computing resources for the NMSU and NM-INBRE research community
• Collaborate with the Associate Vice President & CIO to expand and leverage resources and expertise housed in the University’s established information technology infrastructure.
• Foster inter-professional and interdisciplinary approaches in research.
• Expand extramural funding for biomedical informatics research at NMSU.

The Director will shape the Core’s trajectory, structure, reputation, and value to the institution in fundamental ways and will develop the Core into a nationally recognized entity. Initially, the Director will be responsible for defining the organizational structure, space requirements, computing resources, and outreach of the nascent Core. They will work with faculty, collaborators, program staff, and students to execute high-level data science in biomedical fields, including the identification of cloud computing solutions and workflows, data processing and integration, development of custom computational tools, and visualization tools for multiple types of data including transcriptomic, metagenomic, proteomic, lipidomic, and metabolomic data. They will identify funding opportunities, execute grant proposals, scopes of work, contracts, and other funding vehicles to maintain and grow the research center.

Primarily responsible for directing the operational, financial, regulatory, human resource and business activities of a large major externally funded research division with multiple reporting units. Oversees all research activities within the domain of the division. These activities will include analyzing, modifying, and developing improved structure as needed.

Provide oversight direction and leadership for contract maintenance, renewal, and new contract acquisition successes. Ensure adherence to and compliance with applicable state, Federal and other government regulations, and expectations of other regulatory agencies and funding source. Responsible for development and maintenance of inter-institutional/governmental relationships, and other external bodies important to the future success of the research. Accountable for implementing and monitoring approved operations budget. Responsible for the supervision and management of multiple levels of technical, professional, administrative and support staff within the division.

Knowledge of current and emerging internal and external issues impacting on the operational environment of the enterprise. Knowledge and understanding of the principles, processes, and requirements for strategic planning and development within a public institution. Knowledge of project management principles, practices, techniques, and tools. Knowledge and understanding of current and emerging research administration issues and trends. Knowledge of university and/or public institution budgeting and funding procedures, standards, and documentation requirements. Knowledge of institutional administration and fiscal control principles and procedures, as applied to a public university.

Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures. Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Strategic planning and performance measurement skills. Advanced verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups. Organizational planning, structuring, and staffing skills.

Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart information to a diverse range of constituencies. Ability to plan and evaluate programs. Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments. Ability to identify, evaluate, and accurately assess the viability of strategic opportunities available to the enterprise. Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Eight (8) years of increasingly progressive management experience in one or more areas that report to this position.

The electronic application is the official document that will be used to qualify applicants. Paper/email documents will not be accepted. Required documents must be attached to this application.