Position Function:
The Deputy Director of the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS) provides strategic and operational leadership to support the center’s mission of advancing cutting-edge engineering research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and driving innovation with real-world impact. This role is pivotal in managing complex research programs, securing external funding, and ensuring the center’s alignment with university and industry priorities.
Salary Grade: 20
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS) at Mississippi State University is an interdisciplinary center comprised of research, engineering design & development, and technology transfer teams for industry and government partners. Our overall effort is focused on developing superior computational, engineering, manufacturing, design, and information technologies relevant to Mississippi and regional industries. This is accomplished by bringing together world-class technologists and technologies to solve complex problems.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to shape and implement the center’s strategic vision.
• Lead strategic initiatives critical to the CAVS sustainability and growth.
• Provide leadership to interdisciplinary research teams while ensuring productive engagements with a variety of support departments (e.g., HPC2, OTM, ORS, …).
• Represent the center in university-wide committees, national research consortia, and industry partnerships.
• Support CAVS strategy by helping to align Associate Directors and Research Leads to support major objectives.
Research Development & Funding
• Identify and pursue large-scale funding opportunities from federal agencies (e.g., DoD agencies, NSF, DOE, …) and major corporate partners.
• Lead strategic proposal efforts in the development of competitive proposals, especially for multi-institutional or multi-disciplinary projects and infrastructure/capacity building projects.
• Oversee strategic project & program execution, ensuring milestones, deliverables, and compliance requirements are met.
Operational Oversight
• Represent Executive Director in ensuring that lab operations are productive and compliant (e.g., safety, IT/cyber policies, contractual requirements).
• Collaborate with the Executive Director regarding center-wide budget planning, monitoring, and forecasting.
• Supervise assigned staff, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
• Lead and direct internal teams to develop and implement policies to support research integrity, safety, and efficiency.
Industry & Government Engagement
• Support Executive Director in the development and management of proposed federal initiatives under the direction of the Office of Research and Economic Development.
• Cultivate partnerships with industry leaders, government agencies, and national labs.
• Facilitate technology transfer, intellectual property development, and commercialization efforts.
• In association with Associate Directors and other research leads – direct CAVSdirect CAVS marketing efforts such as website development, social media engagement, publications, workshops, symposia, and outreach events to showcase research and foster collaboration.
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility for access to classified information. Must be a U.S Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Education:
MS in an engineering discipline or a closely related field.
• Experience:
• At least 7–10 years of experience in engineering research, research administration, or academic leadership.
• Proven track record of securing and managing large-scale research grants.
• Experience working with industry and government partners is highly desirable.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in managing interdisciplinary research centers or labs as well as leading cross functional process improvement teams.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, or advanced materials.
• Demonstrated success in leading groups and teams in a wide variety of environments.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Deep understanding of engineering research trends and funding landscapes.
• Strong leadership, project management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Familiarity with research compliance, safety protocols, and intellectual property management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, develop, and teams.
• Ability to establish institute-wide goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.
• Ability to lead and think strategically.
• Knowledge of business and management principles.
• Ability to successfully write and win competitive proposals.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• No unusual physical requirements. Requires limited lifting of files and records and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
• Frequent external imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one’s control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
• Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Apply online by submitting a cover letter, resume, and a copy of your transcript(s). Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.
Apply online at jobs.msstate.edu
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
