Vice Chancellor for Research

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis), one of the top public research institutions in the world, seeks a strategic, innovative, and collaborative leader and an accomplished scholar to serve as the next Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR). 

The new VCR will draw on UC Davis’ fast-growing research portfolio, interdisciplinary and collaborative culture, distinguished faculty, and rich student diversity to further research and scholarship across the University. Reporting to Chancellor Gary S. May, the VCR will be a key member of the Chancellor’s leadership team and will join an environment that presents dynamic opportunities for cutting-edge research across a broad array of disciplines, consistent with its land-grant mission. In FY 2021-22, the University reached a major milestone attracting over $1 billion in sponsored research, joining an exclusive group of fewer than 20 public universities surpassing that threshold of research funding. The awards lend support to a wide range of research areas including advancing public health and medicine, developing new technologies in food, agriculture and the environment, art and design, empowering the underserved, and enabling a more resilient society.

UC Davis is the most comprehensive and largest campus in the University of California system and the third largest by enrollment. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), UC Davis ranks fifth among public research universities nationwide, according to the latest Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education rankings. UC Davis enrolls more than 40,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, employs roughly 23,000 academic and administrative staff, and has an annual operating budget of roughly $6.7 billion. UC Davis offers over 100 undergraduate majors and over 95 graduate programs in its array of academic programs — one of the most diverse and comprehensive in the American academy. The University comprises four undergraduate colleges (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering, and Letters and Science), six professional schools (Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, Graduate School of Management, School of Education, School of Medicine, School of Law, and School of Veterinary Medicine), and interdisciplinary graduate studies programs. The University also operates UC Davis Health, which includes a nationally ranked acute-care teaching hospital with more than 640 beds, a 1,000-member physician's practice group, and research facilities across the region. 

The VCR will advance the research mission of UC Davis by providing support services and resources that:  enhance research and other creative endeavors; foster partnerships and collaborations with government, industry, and other research enterprises; enhance research infrastructure, policy, and processes that promote a culture of innovation and the highest ethical standards; and communicate to the general public and state, national and international decision-makers, the possibilities created by UC Davis research for advancing efforts to enhance the quality of life regionally, nationally, and internationally. The VCR will also exercise leadership at the local, state, national, and international levels – representing the University to external agencies, serving as a legislative liaison, and promoting cooperative research arrangements with governments, industry, foundations, universities, and other organizations.

To be successful, the Vice Chancellor for Research will address the following opportunities and challenges: 

• Unlock the full potential of UC Davis research by building new bridges within the campus’s vibrant intellectual community
• Catalyze research growth and entrepreneurship with agile and robust infrastructure development
• Develop innovative strategies to retain and support talented faculty researchers, staff, and students
• Shape the future of UC Davis research enterprise and lead trailblazing initiatives by serving as an effective ambassador to external funders and partners
• Celebrate and support scholarly pursuits across all disciplines – arts, humanities, social sciences, STEM, medicine, and professional schools – to propel world-changing impact

The University of California, Davis is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The full annual salary range for the Vice Chancellor for Research is $314,500 to $535,600. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers will be commensurate with a final candidate’s qualifications and experience. The annual salary the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $388,000 to $413,100. 

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent electronically below. Complete applications will include a resume, cover letter, and diversity statement. In a “Statement of Contributions to Diversity,” applicants should describe their past and/or potential future contributions to promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, which is a key requirement of the role of every faculty member and administrator at UC Davis. Complete electronic submission of materials is required.

David Bellshaw is leading this search with Phuong Ta and Nancy Pan.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.