Penn State is currently seeking nominations and candidates for the position of director of the Institute for Computational and Data Science (ICDS), housed within the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research. This role leads the institute's vision and strategy, enhances interdisciplinary research collaborations and advances the University’s capabilities in high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other advanced fields.
The director will report to the senior vice president for research and is tasked with propelling Penn State’s research in computational and data sciences to new heights. Responsibilities include identifying strategic funding opportunities, facilitating large interdisciplinary research programs, and serving as a liaison with key computational organizations nationally and internationally. The director will also oversee the institute’s core facilities to ensure operational excellence and the efficient utilization of computational resources.
To qualify for this role, a candidate must be a U.S. citizen, hold a Ph.D. and possess an outstanding record in research and teaching sufficient to merit a tenured professorship at Penn State. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader who fosters a collaborative and innovative environment, actively supports professional development and has a proven ability to leverage resources effectively for organizational growth.
Applications and nominations are now being accepted. To apply, candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae and contact information for four references via the University’s employment website. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For optimal consideration, candidates are encouraged to submit their materials promptly.
The search committee is led by several senior members of the University, reflecting a comprehensive panel committed to selecting a transformative leader for ICDS.
The search committee, chaired by Deb Ehrenthal, director of the Social Sciences Research Institute, is as follows:
- Vida Abedi, associate professor of public health services, College of Medicine
- Amit Amritkar, assistant director of advanced computing, ICDS
- Scott Bennett, senior associate dean for research, College of the Liberal Arts
- Eric Ford, distinguished professor of astronomy, Eberly College of Science
- Wolf Hey, director of operations, ICDS
- Mehrdad Mahdavi, associate professor of computer science and engineering, College of Engineering
- Jessica Menold, associate professor of mechanical engineering and of industrial engineering, College of Engineering
- Scott Milner, William H. Joyce Chair Professor of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering
- Aleksandra Slavkovic, associate dean for research, Eberly College of Science
- Michael Stedelin, executive director, Office of Research Information Systems
- Andrea Tapia, dean, College of Information Science and Technology
- Ashton Verdery, Harry and Elissa Sichi Early Career Professor of Sociology, Demography, and Social Data Analytics, College of the Liberal Arts
- Ruth Weber, associate vice president for research operations, Office of the Senior Vice President for Research