Job Details
Department: Renaissance Computing Inst-637100
Career Area: Information Technology
Posting Open Date: 09/10/2026
Application Deadline: 09/23/2026
Open Until Filled: No
Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title: RENCI Director
Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number: 01002930
Vacancy ID: NF0010019
Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent
FTE: 1
Hours per week: 40
Position Location: North Carolina, US
Hiring Range: Dependent on Qualifications
Proposed Start Date: 10/01/2026
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Are you ready to go beyond the state of the art?
At the Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI), we use data, creativity, and inclusive teaming to revitalize how science is done. Fostering data science expertise and creating cyberinfrastructure isn't just about solving known problems – it's about expanding human potential by unlocking data.
We need innovators, builders, strategists, technologists, architects, and creative thinkers across all domains to drive this work forward. When you join our team, you'll:
- Spend your time solving the interesting and unique problems of research and development.
- Shape your future through experimentation and unfettered access to premier education and research.
- Make connections to people and projects that ignite your passion.
We understand that differences among individuals and ideas are essential for driving innovation, and we are firmly committed to cultivating collaborations that celebrate these distinctions. We provide the tools you need to do your job effectively; we offer flexibility so you can be the most productive version of you; and we encourage thoughtful and challenging discourse.
Join our research institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill today and help us spark a scientific renaissance across the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and beyond.
Position Summary
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a visionary leader for the Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI), a collaborative venture of UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, and North Carolina State University. RENCI uses interdisciplinary teamwork, advanced information technologies and domain expertise to advance the frontiers of knowledge, address real-world problems, create economic opportunity, and improve the quality of life for people in North Carolina. RENCI provides an environment conducive to aiding partner groups in solving major research questions and addressing community needs. Working with partner institutions and constituents, the Director will pursue a collaborative vision that ensures RENCI's relevance and responsiveness in a rapidly changing environment. As an advocate for innovation, the Director will speak persuasively to diverse groups about the role of advanced information technologies in research, education, and public service. They will partner with institutions, communities, businesses, and governments to solve problems of strategic importance. The Director will have the technical knowledge, broad experience, organizational skills and professional stature to support top-performing teams working in areas such as high-performance computing, visualization, collaborative tools, networking, software development, and data systems. The Director will develop new sources of funding and spearhead new areas of endeavor with an entrepreneurial ethos and with commitment to interdisciplinary problem solving. Specifically, the Director will: develop strategies and establish priorities necessary to advance RENCI's mission; coordinate RENCI activities involving faculty members, students, and staff from three major research universities as well as participants in network sites across the state; develop strategic relationships with leaders in research, education, government, and business to further the RENCI mission; work with state leaders, UNC General Administration, and others to identify and address high-priority needs of the state; communicate the value of RENCI's activities to audiences in North Carolina and across the nation; lead a dynamic staff of about 100; oversee an operation with almost 20 million in annual budget; seek and develop new sources of funding; and work with university technology-transfer specialists to extend useful innovations into the marketplace.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Relevant post-baccalaureate degree: relevant undergraduate degree with 5 -7 years of related professional experience may be substituted for the advanced degree.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
The Ideal candidate will have demonstrated at least 8-10 years of outstanding intellectual leadership; an appreciation and understanding of a breadth of disciplines; a record of exemplary leadership experience in an organization engaged in research and development; extensive knowledge of higher education and a commitment to the values of research, education, and service; rich experience in employing advanced information technologies to collaborate across disciplines and geographies to produce research outcomes; extensive experience leading interdisciplinary projects or complex collaborations; an extensive record of successful management, including oversight of budgets, personnel, and other organizational matters; excellent communication skills; and excellent interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Experience leading within a research-intensive university or multi-institutional research environment.
- Demonstrated success securing significant external funding and developing partnerships across academia, government, and industry.
- Expertise in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, advanced computing, or cyberinfrastructure.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.
Organization
The nation's first public university is at the heart of what's next, preparing a diverse student body to become creators, explorers, innovators and leaders in North Carolina and throughout the world. Carolina's nationally recognized, innovative teaching, campus-wide spirit of inquiry and dedication to public service continue the legacy that began in 1795 when the University first opened its doors to students.
Here, in one of America's most beautiful college settings, we offer exceptional careers in richly diverse fields. Come explore what UNC-Chapel Hill has to offer you.
Undergraduate Enrollment: 19,117
Graduate/Professional Enrollment: 10,894
Total Student Enrollment: 30,011
Founded: 1789, as the first state university in the United States
Type of Institution: Public, four-year
Location: UNC is located in the heart of Chapel Hill, the best college town in America! It's a friendly town of about 40,000 in the geographical center of North Carolina. Chapel Hill is at the western point of the Research Triangle, an area of about one million people, comprised of Chapel Hill, the cities of Durham and Raleigh, and the Research Triangle Park, home of many corporate offices and scientific research centers. Carolina is about 30 miles from the state capital, Raleigh, and 20 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
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