Academic Director, Golisano Institute for Sustainability

The Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) at Rochester Institute of Technology is one of the leading research centers in the burgeoning field of sustainability, marked by a systems approach to sustainability, and conducting over $13M of external sponsored research per annum. The Institute is staffed by 4 standing faculty, 5 research faculty, at least 20 extended faculty from across the institute and nearly 100 professional staff of scientists, engineers and administrative support personnel.

It houses several research centers within 170,000 square feet of research, laboratory, teaching and meeting space, including the Systems Modernization & Sustainment Center, the National Center for Remanufacturing and Resource Recovery, the Center for Sustainable Mobility, the Center for Sustainable Production, the Pollution Prevention Institute, and the NanoPower Research Laboratory. RIT has recently entered into a design-build construction agreement for a major new 31,500 s.f. research facility that will house GIS to be built to LEED Platinum specifications.

RIT recently instituted a PhD in Sustainability, has a pending master's program in Sustainable Systems, and is considering additional graduate level sustainability-related degree programs. GIS has a significant research base in the areas of sustainable production systems, sustainable energy systems, sustainable mobility, and Eco-IT (i.e., ecological efficient information technology systems), and preference will be given to candidates who have an expertise in these domains and an appreciation for a systems approach to sustainability.

The Rochester area has a diverse population which includes African Americans (38% of the city and 14% of Monroe County) and Latin Americans (13% of the city and 5% of the county). In addition, more than 7% of the population is foreign born. Rochester is ranked 7th among the "10 Best Cities to Raise a Family" by Child Magazine, 2003, and 8th among 200 metro areas in childcare for "Best Cities for Women 2002" by Ladies Home Journal." In 2007 Rochester's ranked the 6th "Best Places to Live in America" by Places Rated Almanac out of 379 metropolitan areas.

Position Overview: 

The Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) at the Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester NY) invites applications for the position of Academic Director. The GIS Academic Director will be a leading expert in an area related to sustainability, with the ability to establish strong partnerships with industry, government, and national labs, a strong research track record, leadership experience, effective communication and mentoring skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and lead effectively in a complex multi-disciplinary environment.

S/he will be responsible for leading an interdisciplinary faculty in the development and operation of graduate programs related to sustainability; growing the program’s research portfolio; hiring and mentoring of faculty and staff; creating a supportive and simulating environment for graduate students; and fostering academic and research collaboration in sustainability across the RIT campus.

The Academic Director will report to the Director, Golisano Institute for Sustainability, who reports to the Provost. Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent degree and possess qualifications to be tenured at the associate or full professor level.

We are seeking individuals who are committed to contributing to RIT’s core values, honor code, and statement of diversity.

Job Title / Rank: Academic Director, Golisano Institute for Sustainability
PC # 9610  IRC# 35814
Department: Golisano Institute for Sustainability

Qualifications:

Required:

1. PhD or equivalent
2. Possess qualifications appropriate for a tenured position at the Associate or Full Professor Level at RIT
3. Known accomplishments in an area related to Sustainability backed by a peer reviewed research record
4. Management, or leadership experience
5. Experience working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment

Preferred:

1. Strength of Research Record (externally funded research, publications, patents, etc.)
2. Relevance of area of sustainability expertise to GIS
3. Appreciation for and commitment to a systems approach to Sustainability
4. Strength of communication and interpersonal skills
5. Ability to lead faculty and staff in growing externally funded academic research
6. Ability to lead a multidisciplinary faculty in the development and governance of graduate programs, including curriculum development, student recruitment, student mentoring, program implementation, and program review
7. Ability to hire and mentor junior faculty and staff, including guiding of faculty through the tenure and promotion process.
8. Potential to create an inviting, supportive, and stimulating environment for graduate students
9. Ability to foster academic and research collaboration across the university.
10. Potential to complement, strengthen, or expand the GIS’s extensive network of partnerships and sponsor relationships with major international manufacturing firms, government agencies, national labs, and/or domestic and international research Universities. 

Compensation: RIT attracts students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries. RIT has been recognized on The Chronicle of Higher Education's inaugural "Great Colleges to Work For" list. RIT was cited in 6 different categories: Professional/Career Development Program, Compensation and Benefits, Tuition Reimbursement, 403b or 401k (retirement plan), Disability Insurance and Life Insurance.

Application deadline: Applications received before January 15, 2010 will be given fullest consideration. The position will remain open until filled.
Starting Date: July 1, 2010

To Apply:

Apply online. Search for IRC35814. Please submit the following materials as one PDF file: 1) a curriculum vitae, 2) a cover letter describing one's interest in the position, and 3) a list of 3 professional references. You can contact the search committee chair, Dr. Stefi Baum with questions on the position..

The Rochester Institute of Technology is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All individuals with the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the university’s continuing commitment to cultural diversity, pluralism, and individual differences are encouraged to make application.