The University of Kentucky, College of Social Work (CoSW) is a renowned leader in social work. Our mission is clear: Through rigorous research, excellence in instruction, and steadfast service, the CoSW works to improve the human condition. Always, in all ways. As the state's flagship university, CoSW is committed to actualizing our mission through innovative, accessible academic programming. CoSW is home to Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (traditional and online), Master of Social Work (hybrid and online), Doctorate of Social Work (online), and PhD (traditional) degree programs. In addition to Lexington's main campus, we have a satellite campus at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.
The Associate Dean for Research is the primary leader for the development and conduct of research within the College of Social Work. They will conceptualize and lead the implementation of the college's strategic research vision, which includes fostering a robust culture of research predicated on consistent faculty and student development, intentional investment in research infrastructure, mutual support, and rigorous evaluation.
Primary responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
Advances an impactful vision for the CoSW research enterprise.
Develops, communicates, and assesses the creative vision for CoSW's research enterprise
Articulates clear strategies for advancing CoSW research endeavors
Coordinates with the Executive Director of Centers and Labs to deploy integrated strategies for expanding CoSW's Centers and Labs apparatus
Establishes, tracks, and reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) for CoSW researchers
Collaborates with the Office of the Dean to develop research financial projections for management and planning purposes
Engages in strategic outreach that yields fruitful research collaborations.
Facilitates collaborative relationships and initiatives among CoSW investigators and other UK units, as well as other national/international scholars and community stakeholders
Acts as the liaison between CoSW, VPR, Institutional Review Board (IRB), and other entities involved in research activities
Partners with CoSW and UK Marketing/Communication teams to disseminate information about research activities, awards, and accomplishments
Expands interdisciplinary and translational research activity in a way consistent with the Office of the Provost's Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)
Promotes research competency among CoSW stakeholders.
Supports mentorship structures to promote the development of new and established investigators
Conducts periodic assessment of developmental needs of investigators to provide appropriate guidance and support
Works with Office of Sponsored Projects Administration (OSPA), Office of Corporate Philanthropy, and others to identify potential funding sources for CoSW investigators
Provides insight and participate in ongoing faculty/staff reviews, evaluations, and distributions of research effort
Fosters a supportive, collaborative research culture in CoSW.
Procures and manages resources – financial and otherwise – to promote research capacity (including incentive programs, etc.)
Fosters an infrastructure consistent with developing strong research networks between CoSW researchers and external partners
Establishes policies, practices, and protocols consistent with research excellence
Cultivates an expansive environment consistent with CoSW's Expansion efforts, and tenets outlined in accreditation standards (e.g., SACS, CSWEEPAS, etc.).
As a member of CoSW faculty, this is a 9-month, tenure eligible, open rank position in the Regular Title Series. The University's mission involves three primary functions: instruction, research, and service. Each year, faculty work with the Office of the Dean to delineate their distribution of effort (DOE). This DOE outlines how faculty will spend their time. Of course, the DOE can fluctuate on an array of factors (e.g., clinical funding, new course development, etc.). Excellence in teaching instruction, advising, professional, University, and public service is expected.
Applicants are requested to submit a curriculum vitae (resume), a letter of interest detailing applicant's goodness of fit for the position (upload as Cover Letter), contact information for at least three professional references (upload as Specific Request #1), and relevant teaching experience (upload as Specific Request #2). Application reviews will begin right away and continue until the position has been filled.
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education:
An earned doctorate
Required Related Experience:
Two years of administration or management experience OR a history of progressively responsible administrative/leadership experience; an outstanding research record commensurate with a senior Associate Professor or Professor, including experience as principal investigator for competitive research grants and/or demonstrated success in attracting support for research from the private sector.
Required License/Registration/Certification :
N/A
University Community of Inclusion:
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Adjacent to downtown Lexington, UK is nestled in the scenic heart of the beautiful Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. UK's campus covers more than 814 acres, with more than 30,700 students and 13,500 full-time employees, including nearly 2,400 full-time faculty and librarians.