About Desert Research Institute
The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is Nevada's non-profit environmental research institution and a world-renowned leader in the advancement of scientific knowledge related to the Earth's atmosphere, water resources, ecosystems, and environmental systems. Founded in 1959, DRI was established with a singular purpose: to apply scientific discovery and innovation to solve complex environmental challenges and improve lives in Nevada and around the world. Today, DRI's researchers conduct…
groundbreaking work on every continent, addressing some of society's most pressing issues, including climate change, water sustainability, environmental health, extreme events, renewable energy, ecosystem resilience, and emerging environmental threats.
Headquartered across major research campuses in Reno and Las Vegas, DRI comprises more than 600 scientists, engineers, students, and professional staff and supports approximately 175 principal investigators spanning more than 40 scientific disciplines. The Institute generates sponsored research activity through a diversified portfolio of federal, state, local, foundation, and private-sector partnerships. DRI's researchers are recognized internationally for translating scientific inquiry into practical solutions that inform policy, strengthen communities, and address challenges affecting human and environmental well-being.
A Distinctive Role in Higher Education
DRI occupies a unique position within the American research landscape. As one of the institutions comprising the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), DRI shares the public-service mission and academic values of a major higher education system while operating with a research-centric focus uncommon among traditional universities. Unlike most academic institutions, DRI's faculty are not burdened by significant teaching responsibilities and instead devote their efforts to pursuing high-impact research, securing external funding, advancing innovation, and collaborating across disciplines and organizations around the world. This distinctive model creates an environment that combines the intellectual rigor of academia with the entrepreneurial spirit and agility often associated with leading research institutes and national laboratories.
DRI's relationship with NSHE is both unique and strategically important. As Nevada's dedicated research institution, DRI collaborates extensively with Nevada's colleges and universities through joint research initiatives, faculty partnerships, workforce development efforts, graduate student engagement, and scientific training opportunities. In doing so, DRI serves as a critical bridge between discovery, education, innovation, and public impact, helping to strengthen Nevada's research ecosystem while advancing scientific solutions that benefit the state, the nation, and the broader global community.
Science That Matters Now®
DRI is guided by the belief that science should not exist solely for academic advancement but should create meaningful impact in the real world. The Institute's "Science That Matters Now®" philosophy reflects a commitment to delivering timely, actionable research that helps communities, governments, industries, and decision-makers navigate an increasingly complex environmental landscape. Whether advancing water security in arid regions, developing solutions to improve air quality, supporting climate resilience initiatives, or informing public policy through objective scientific expertise, DRI's work is characterized by relevance, rigor, and impact.
The Institute's culture is equally distinctive. DRI attracts highly entrepreneurial scientists who operate in a competitive, externally funded research environment that rewards innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence. Researchers are encouraged to pursue bold ideas, transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries, and engage with partners across government, industry, academia, and the nonprofit sector.
The Leadership Moment
DRI enters its next chapter from a position of considerable strength. As climate variability, water scarcity, environmental health concerns, energy transitions, and natural resource challenges increasingly shape public policy and economic development, the demand for credible scientific research has never been greater. At the same time, the research funding landscape continues to evolve, creating new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, technology translation, public-private partnerships, and expanded engagement with government and industry stakeholders.
Against this backdrop, the Vice President for Research will play a transformative role in shaping DRI's future. As the Institute's chief research strategist and second-ranking executive, this leader will help define scientific priorities, strengthen DRI's national and international profile, foster innovation across the research enterprise, expand strategic partnerships, and position the Institute to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Working closely with the President, research leadership, faculty scientists, policymakers, and external partners, the Vice President for Research will help ensure that DRI remains at the forefront of environmental discovery while amplifying its impact on Nevada, the nation, and the world. The next Vice President for Research will inherit a strong and respected research enterprise while helping shape its next phase of growth, visibility, and influence in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving research environment.
The Opportunity
- Position: Vice President for Research
- Location: Las Vegas or Reno, NV
- Reporting Relationship: President
- Website: https://dri.edu/
The Role of the Vice President for Research
The Desert Research Institute seeks an accomplished, entrepreneurial, and externally focused scientific leader to serve as its next Vice President for Research (VPR). Reporting directly to the President and serving as the Institute's second-ranking executive, the VPR will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of the nation's premier environmental research organizations. This is an exceptional opportunity to help lead a globally respected institution that combines scientific excellence, public impact, and entrepreneurial innovation in service to Nevada, the nation, and the world. DRI is Nevada's dedicated research institution within the Nevada System of Higher Education and occupies a distinctive position at the intersection of academic research, public service, government partnership, and applied scientific discovery.
As DRI's chief research officer and principal scientific strategist, the Vice President for Research will oversee a research enterprise comprising approximately 175 faculty scientists spanning more than 40 scientific disciplines, three research divisions and a research portfolio generating more than $50 million annually in sponsored research activity. The VPR will directly lead a team of senior research and administrative leaders while helping drive the strategic growth, impact, and long-term sustainability of a research portfolio supported by federal agencies, state and local governments, private industry, foundations, and other partners. Working across a highly entrepreneurial, externally funded environment, this leader will help identify emerging scientific opportunities, foster interdisciplinary collaboration. They will also position DRI for continued growth and influence within an increasingly competitive research landscape that is facing complex, dynamic challenges from external environments.
Importantly, this role extends well beyond the administration of research programs. DRI seeks a visible and influential scientific ambassador who will represent the Institute among policymakers, funding agencies, scientific organizations, industry leaders, and strategic partners locally, nationally, and internationally. The Vice President for Research will cultivate relationships that expand research opportunities, strengthen DRI's reputation, and enhance the Institute's ability to address complex environmental challenges. Working closely with local, state and federal agencies, Nevada's congressional delegation, state and local leaders, industry and nonprofit partners, and collaborators throughout higher education, this executive will serve as a compelling advocate for scientific innovation, research investment, and evidence-based solutions that improve lives and inform policy.
The Vice President for Research will also serve as a key strategic partner to the President and executive leadership team in shaping the Institute's future direction. This leader will demonstrate foresight, mentorship and empathy in working collaboratively with research division directors and administrative leaders across advancement, finance, communications, human resources, facilities, legal affairs, information technology, and other key functions to ensure alignment between DRI's research priorities and broader institutional objectives. The successful candidate will combine vision with execution, strengthening the systems, talent, partnerships, and infrastructure necessary to support scientific excellence while advancing DRI's position as a globally recognized leader in environmental research and innovation.
This is a rare opportunity to influence not only the future of a distinguished research institution, but also the trajectory of scientific discovery in areas critical to society's future. At a time when there is unprecedented uncertainty and pressure due to many external factors, communities, governments, and industries increasingly depend on trusted science to address challenges involving climate, water, environmental health, resilience, and sustainability, the Vice President for Research will have the opportunity to shape research agendas, elevate scientific impact, and advance an institution whose work truly embodies its guiding principle: Science That Matters Now®.
Key Responsibilities
The Vice President for Research serves as the chief architect of DRI's research strategy and the principal leader of one of the nation's most distinctive environmental research enterprises. In partnership with the President, research leadership, faculty scientists, and external stakeholders, the Vice President for Research will advance scientific excellence, expand research capacity, accelerate growth and increase impact, cultivate strategic partnerships, and strengthen DRI's position as a globally respected leader in environmental science and innovation. This executive will help shape the future trajectory of the Institute by fostering scientific collaboration, championing faculty success, identifying emerging opportunities, and representing DRI among funding agencies, policymakers, industry leaders, and research partners across the United States and internationally. Balancing institutional leadership with external engagement, the Vice President for Research will help ensure DRI remains a destination for world-class scientists, a trusted source of scientific expertise, and an organization whose research continues to improve lives and inform solutions to critical environmental challenges.
Strategic Research Leadership and Enterprise Growth
- Develop and advance a compelling vision for DRI's research enterprise that aligns with the Institute's mission, strategic priorities, and long-term aspirations.
- Lead institution-wide research planning efforts, identifying emerging scientific opportunities, areas of competitive advantage, and pathways for growth.
- Strengthen and expand DRI's portfolio of federally funded state-funded, industry-sponsored, and philanthropic research initiatives.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration across DRI's research divisions and encourage innovative approaches to complex scientific challenges.
- Ensure the Institute remains positioned as a leader in environmental science, natural resource management, climate resilience, environmental health, and related fields.
External Engagement, Partnerships, and Research Advancement
- Serve as a chief ambassador for DRI within the scientific community and among key external stakeholders locally, nationally, and internationally.
- Cultivate and strengthen relationships with federal, state, and local agencies, congressional, state, and local elected representatives, industry leaders, foundations and other nonprofits, national laboratories, research universities, and strategic partners.
- Identify and pursue new opportunities for research funding, strategic alliances, and collaborative initiatives that advance DRI's mission and institutional priorities.
- Enhance DRI's visibility and reputation through participation in scientific, governmental, industry, and community forums.
- Advocate for the value and impact of DRI's research, performance and position as the Institute that is rising to and embracing new technologies, artificial intelligence, a changing global economy and tougher competitive dynamics.
Faculty Excellence, Talent Development, and Research Culture
- Foster an environment that enables faculty, researchers, and research staff to achieve the highest levels of scientific excellence and impact.
- Recruit, retain, develop, and support outstanding scientists who contribute to DRI's success and future growth.
- Serve as a trusted advisor and resource to faculty across all career stages, helping them navigate opportunities, challenges, and professional development.
- Encourage mentorship, leadership development, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing across the research enterprise.
- Oversee faculty promotion processes, institutional research awards, and programs designed to support research excellence and career advancement.
Institute Leadership and Organizational Stewardship
- Serve as a key member of DRI's executive leadership team and a strategic partner to the President in shaping institutional direction and priorities.
- Collaborate closely with research division executive directors to align priorities, strengthen coordination, and advance shared institutional goals.
- Work effectively with leaders across finance, advancement, communications, human resources, facilities, legal affairs, and technology to support the success of the research enterprise.
- Contribute to enterprise-wide planning, resource allocation, policy development, and organizational decision-making.
- Strengthen a culture of collaboration, transparency, accountability, and service across DRI.
Research Operations, Infrastructure, and Administrative Leadership
- Provide executive oversight of DRI's research administration, compliance, computing, environmental health and safety, library, and research support functions.
- Ensure effective stewardship of annual research expenditures and the resources that support DRI's research mission.
- Develop and oversee the integrated budget for the Office of the Vice President for Research and related functions.
- Maintain and strengthen research infrastructure, laboratories, computing capabilities, instrumentation, and support systems necessary for scientific excellence.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and research integrity standards.
Measures of Success
The Vice President for Research will have the opportunity to shape the trajectory of one of the nation's most distinctive environmental research organizations. Success in this role will be reflected not only in the continued growth and competitiveness of DRI's research enterprise, but also in the Institute's ability to expand its influence, attract exceptional talent, strengthen strategic partnerships, and advance scientific discoveries that improve lives and inform solutions to critical environmental challenges.
Success in this role will be demonstrated through:
- Sustained growth in DRI's sponsored research portfolio through the expansion of federal, state, philanthropic, and private-sector funding opportunities.
- Enhanced national visibility and recognition of DRI as a leading environmental research institution and trusted source of scientific expertise.
- Strong relationships with federal and state agencies, policymakers, industry leaders, research institutions, and strategic partners that translate into new opportunities, collaborations, and institutional impact.
- Increased interdisciplinary collaboration across DRI's research divisions, fostering innovative approaches to complex scientific and societal challenges.
- Successful recruitment, retention, and development of exceptional scientific talent, with faculty and researchers equipped to thrive in DRI's entrepreneurial research environment.
- Strategic investment in people, infrastructure, technology, and research support systems that strengthen the Institute's long-term competitiveness and capacity for growth.
- Advancement of innovation, technology transfer, and other initiatives that expand the real-world impact of DRI's scientific discoveries.
The Candidate
Experience and Professional Qualifications
The Desert Research Institute seeks a distinguished scientific leader who combines scholarly credibility, strategic vision and foresight, and executive leadership with a demonstrated ability to advance research excellence, foster institutional growth, and build impactful partnerships. The ideal candidate will be an accomplished research executive who understands how to lead within a highly entrepreneurial, externally funded environment while cultivating a culture that empowers scientific innovation, collaboration, and discovery.
The successful candidate will bring a record of progressive leadership within complex research-intensive organizations and a demonstrated ability to navigate the evolving landscape of federally sponsored research, government relations, academic partnerships, and scientific innovation. This individual will possess the strategic perspective necessary to shape long-term research priorities while maintaining the operational discipline required to steward a significant research enterprise. Equally important, the Vice President for Research will be a relationship builder capable of engaging effectively with faculty, staff, agency leaders, elected officials, industry partners, philanthropic organizations, and other external stakeholders whose support is critical to advancing DRI's mission and impact.
DRI's next Vice President for Research must be equally comfortable serving as a scientific ambassador and institutional strategist. This leader will understand how to position research organizations for growth, identify emerging opportunities, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and leverage external relationships to expand funding, influence, and impact. The ideal candidate will appreciate the distinctive nature of DRI's research model, where scientific excellence and entrepreneurial success are deeply intertwined, and will be energized by the opportunity to lead within an institution that combines the intellectual rigor of academia with the entrepreneurial mindset of a leading independent research enterprise.
The Vice President for Research will possess the judgment, credibility, intuitive leadership qualities and executive presence necessary to serve as a trusted advisor to the President and a respected leader within the scientific community. This individual will recognize that success in the role requires balancing scientific excellence, faculty support, research growth, institutional stewardship, and external engagement while advancing a shared vision for DRI's future.
The successful candidate will bring a combination of the following experiences and qualifications:
- A distinguished record of achievement within a research-intensive organization, university, national laboratory, research institute, government agency, or similarly complex scientific enterprise.
- Progressive executive leadership experience with responsibility for advancing research strategy, organizational growth, faculty or scientific talent, and institutional performance.
- Demonstrated success leading large, complex, externally funded research enterprises and supporting investigators competing for federal, state, industry, and philanthropic funding opportunities.
- A strong record of securing, managing, or overseeing significant sponsored research programs and research funding portfolios.
- Experience fostering interdisciplinary research initiatives and building collaborations across scientific disciplines, organizations, and sectors.
- Demonstrated success recruiting, mentoring, developing, and retaining high-performing scientists, faculty, researchers, and research leaders.
- Experience developing and implementing strategic plans that strengthen research competitiveness, institutional impact, and long-term sustainability.
- Proven ability to cultivate productive relationships with federal agencies, elected officials, policymakers, industry leaders, scientific organizations, donors, and strategic partners.
- Demonstrated effectiveness serving as an external representative and advocate for a scientific or research organization.
- Experience overseeing research administration, compliance, budgeting, infrastructure, technology, or related research support functions.
- An understanding of research commercialization, technology transfer, innovation ecosystems, or public-private partnerships is desirable.
- Experience operating within entrepreneurial or soft-funded research environments is strongly preferred.
Leadership Characteristics and Personal Attributes
The Vice President for Research demonstrates:
- Strategic vision and foresight with the ability to anticipate emerging scientific, funding, and ever-changing technological, economic and policy trends while positioning DRI for future success.
- An entrepreneurial mindset characterized by innovation, creativity, opportunity identification, and a commitment to growth.
- Exceptional relationship-building, intuitive leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to foster trust among internal and external stakeholders.
- A commitment to supporting faculty success and creating an environment where scientific excellence can thrive.
- Strong executive presence and credibility with researchers, policymakers, funding agencies, governing bodies, and external partners.
- Sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to scientific integrity.
- The ability to navigate complexity, balance competing priorities, and make thoughtful decisions.
Education
A Ph.D. or terminal degree from an accredited institution in a relevant scientific discipline is strongly preferred. Consideration may also be given to candidates with exceptional executive leadership experience within science, technology, research, or innovation organizations. Candidates must possess the scholarly credentials, professional stature, and scientific credibility necessary to lead a globally respected research enterprise.
The successful candidate must be a United States citizen and able to obtain and maintain a top security clearance.
Compensation
The minimum starting salary is $315,876 and will be competitive and commensurate with education, experience, and alignment with similar public academic research institutions. DRI provides excellent benefits that include:
- Health insurance options that include dental, vision, life, and long-term disability.
- 25% tax-deferred mandatory retirement contribution with matching by DRI.
- Two (2) days of annual leave accrued each full month.
- Thirty (30) days of sick leave provided upon start date and two (2) days of sick leave accrued per full month after the first year of service.
- 12 paid holidays.
- Tuition reduction at NSHE institutions for employee and eligible dependents.
- No state income tax and no social security deduction.
- Relocation assistance.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
DRI is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment free of discrimination without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. DRI employs only U.S. citizens and persons lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Additionally, we comply with all applicable state laws and DRI takes measures consistent with Title IX to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its students, faculty and staff.
Application & Nominations
Applications should include a resume/CV to DRI-VPResearch@KornFerry.com Nominations and confidential inquiries are welcome.
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