Seeking Director for New Boston University Sustainability Research Institute Focused on Energy and the Environment

The search is underway for the Director of a new sustainability research institute at Boston University. Come help us build a bold initiative bringing together 100+ faculty focused on translational research and leadership in energy and the environment.

To apply or nominate a candidate, see the full job description for details.

DIRECTOR, New Boston University Sustainability Research Institute Focused on Energy and the Environment

Job Description

Boston University is embarking on a bold initiative to bring together over 100 faculty in nearly all of its 17 Schools and Colleges to enhance BU’s ability to contribute pioneering research and leadership at the intersection of energy and the environment — one of the greatest interdisciplinary challenges of our time. The initiative focuses on the science, social science, communications, business/economic/financial, and policy dimensions of this complex, interwoven set of challenges.

Boston University is now seeking to create an overarching structure which will build on the success of the BU Institute for Sustainable Energy, as well as the work of many other departments, projects, and existing programs at Boston University. The Institute for Sustainable Energy was founded in January 2016. Since its inception the Institute has experienced substantial growth in size, scope and impact and is gaining a national reputation for its research which spans nearly all of BU’s schools and colleges. Faculty affiliated with the Institute currently work on topics such as smart grid technology, sustainable water management, sustainable urban systems, city climate strategies, green supply chains, electric vehicle adoption, carbon footprints and green bonds. The Institute played a crucial, leading role in the Boston Green Ribbon Commission’s work on the City of Boston’s Climate Action plan. The Institute has an extremely impressive external advisory board composed of industry and scientific leaders in the field and has embarked upon a significant fund-raising campaign.

The new Institute will build on the university’s current initiatives and strengths in sustainability and climate change research and action and incorporate them into an umbrella organization grown out of the current Institute for Sustainable Energy. It will serve to unite our efforts in this area, as well as spawn related activities at the intersection of technology, society, business, and policy relating to energy and the environment. While continuing to direct the ongoing work of the ISE, the director will lead the final stages of planning as well as the transition and operation of the broader institute during the next academic year.

The Director who reports to the Vice President and Associate Provost for Research, reflecting the function of the Institute as a university-wide research center, takes primary responsibility for the strategic direction of the Institute and for all of its executive decisions.

The Director of will continue the work of establishing the Institute as an internationally recognized Center of Excellence by:

1. Building on the Institute’s success in fostering collaborative research that connects faculty across the University
2. Supporting the faculty in undertaking major research initiatives and cutting- edge research
3. Working with the faculty and the Deans to further develop those areas in which we have a reputation for excellence and the potential for carrying out ground- breaking work that would significantly expand our current impact.

Successful candidates will have a distinguished record of professional achievement as a scholar, teacher, and leader. Additionally, the successful candidates will have:

• Excellent scholarly credentials;
• Experience in a significant administrative role that includes budgetary oversight;
• The ability to articulate a compelling vision for the Institute;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from different academic fields and with administrative units around the University; and
• A commitment to creating and sustaining a vibrant, diverse community of students, staff and faculty.

The Director of the Institute will hold a tenured appointment in one of the Schools or Colleges engaged in the initiative and must meet the criterion to be appointed as a full- professors. The Director will have a reduced teaching load in his or her College and will teach in their area of expertise at the undergraduate or graduate level. The appointment as Director is for a 5-year renewable term, beginning Fall, 2020.