Director of Research Data Science

Dean of Research, Stanford, California, United States

Research

Post Date Jan 12, 2024

Requisition # 101917

This position is part of a new initiative incubated within Stanford Data Science, part of the Vice Provost for Research / Dean of Research. Stanford Data Science (SDS) is a dynamic and rapidly growing unit within the VP/Dean of Research. For more than four years, SDS has sought to advance data science and its application to all fields of study. Our community ranges broadly across all seven schools on campus, consisting of esteemed alumni, world class faculty, post-doctoral fellows and PhD students, dynamic staff and administrators. In realizing our mission, our staff are critical to supporting our organization’s goals and enabling Stanford faculty and students to accomplish their mission conducting cutting-edge research and innovation around how we learn from data, the tools we use, and the new methods needed to tackle the data-intensive future.

Our VPDoR Diversity Journey :

• We create a hub of innovation through the power of diversity of disciplines and people.

• We provide equitable access and opportunity to all members of the community in order to do their best work, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

• We listen to and value all colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to the advancement and development of a respectful community.

• We promote a culture of belonging, equity, and safety.

• We embed these values in excellence of education, research, and operation.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Stanford University is planning a major investment in a GPU-centric system to enable large-scale and broad data-intensive research requiring advanced machine learning techniques, including large language models. A system like this requires specialized skills to effectively harness the hardware to enable new scientific discoveries. Stanford seeks an individual to launch the design and eventually build the team of research data scientists needed to (a) teach groups how to take advantage of the system and (b) design and optimize the hardware and software architectures. Ideal candidates must combine expertise in high-performance computing, software engineering, and large-scale systems with a deep understanding of academic research practices.

The position will provide strategic leadership for the new GPU-centric computing infrastructure, manage affiliated research data scientists, and exercise the delegated authority for policy and programmatic decisions. The candidate will achieve teaching and research goals and partner with faculty leadership on the larger data science mission at Stanford.

CORE DUTIES:

• Provide strategic direction for a major function or center; create strategic plans of considerable complexity and scope; set long-range direction and make high-level decisions; propose and manage the implementation of significant programmatic changes; establish policies as needed.

• Direct and oversee the overall scientific, engineering or technical research function for a major function or center. Collaborate with senior management, faculty and/or others in order to develop, communicate and manage a central strategic plan aligned with goals of the larger organization and consistent with the university’s overall mission.

• Identify, clarify, and resolve issues with strategic impact and substantial significance, which span multiple areas, using advanced technical and professional knowledge requiring broad discretion and judgment.

• Responsible for ensuring that state-of-the-art scientific, engineering or technical research is adequately funded, staffed, equipped, and housed.

• Accountable for ensuring finance, budget, personnel, and facilities resources are used appropriately.

• Manage the adoption and adaptation of emerging technologies to meet changing requirements, capabilities, and opportunities.

• Lead high-level scientific, engineering, or technical research programs and initiatives through technical design, development, integration and outreach.

• Advise university/school-wide senior management on technical futures.

• Collaborate with university leaders on scientific, engineering or technical research project decisions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree and ten years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience. Advanced degree may be required in some areas.

Preferred:Ph.D. and ten years of relevant experience in machine learning, data science, artificial intelligence, research computing systems, and people management, or a combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive experience leading and managing a large organization of technical staff through subordinate managers.

• Demonstrated experience leading large, complex scientific, engineering or technical research projects or programs.

• In-depth understanding of relevant business and technical disciplines.

• In-depth knowledge of emerging technologies, trends, methodologies, and resource management principles.

• Ability to synthesize and articulate technical and scientific methodologies, specifications, and information.

• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with others.

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and deliver results.

• Exceptional customer relationship and consensus building skills.

• Ability to influence and establish effective working relationships in a diverse environment. Motivate and mentor staff.

• Resolve complex issues quickly and make decisions that meet university objectives in a collaborative culture

Certifications and Licenses:

N/A

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, seated work, use a telephone and use light/ fine grasping.

• Occasionally write by hand, lift, carry, push pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

• Rarely stand, walk, sort, and file paperwork or parts.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May require extended hours, evenings, and weekends.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide,http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

The expected pay range for this position is $213,000 to $242,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Ourcultureandunique perksempower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.

• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.

• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.

• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.

• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources atstanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit acontact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time

• Job Code: 4988

• Employee Status: Regular

• Grade: N

• Requisition ID: 101917

• Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible, On Site