Director of Applied Research Laboratory (0089563T)

Posting number: 2026-01518

Department: Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation System

Division: Applied Research Laboratory

Job classification: UNIVERSITY SYSTEM DIRECTOR

Posting type: Open

Categories: Administration, Engineering, Environmental Services, Management, Education, Executive Management, Project Management, Security, Higher Education, Sciences, Program Management

DIRECTOR OF APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORY

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

POSITION NO. 0089563T

I. INTRODUCTION:

The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at the University of Hawaii develops pioneering research and technology solutions to address challenges in defense, sustainability, and scientific discovery. Based in the heart of the Pacific, we collaborate with key partners to enhance Hawaii’s resilience, empower students, and cultivate the next generation of innovators while driving global progress. Researchers and high-level leaders at an ARL want to know their work matters for national security or global innovation. ARL works to provide quick responses to rapidly emerging Department of Defense (DoD), federal and state requirements through the application of ARL at UH’s core competencies: Ocean Environmental Effects, Astronomical Research; Advanced Electro-Optical Systems, Detectors, Arrays and Instrumentation; Environmental Sensor Research and Remote Sensing; New Renewable Energy; and Mission-Related and Public-Services-Oriented Research and Development. Leveraging complementary capabilities of other divisions within the UH system and collaborating with non-UH private and public partners, ARL promotes agile adaptation of solutions through incorporation of rapidly evolving technological advances.

The Director of Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at the University of Hawai‘i (UH) provides the strategic leadership, external engagement, and executive oversight required to fulfill the laboratory's mission as a Navy-sponsored University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). The Director establishes organizational vision and priorities, develops new business opportunities, represents ARL at UH to sponsors and stakeholders, and retains ultimate responsibility for contract execution, organizational performance, and delegated institutional authorities.

• Provide strategic leadership for ARL at UH, establishing the laboratory vision, long-range goals, organizational priorities, and growth strategies consistent with University and Department of Defense objectives.

• Lead strategic planning and organizational development, including identification of emerging mission areas, technical capabilities, and investment priorities.

• Approve major organizational initiatives, staffing plans, budgets, business strategies, policy changes, and significant operational decisions.

• Maintain responsibility for organizational risk management, regulatory compliance, export control, contractual performance, and sponsor satisfaction.

• Lead business development activities, including cultivation of new sponsors, development of task opportunities, expansion of strategic partnerships, and generation of resources necessary to sustain and grow the laboratory.

• Maintain overall responsibility to applicable government agencies for execution of contract requirements, task orders, and organizational performance.

• Provide oversight of laboratory operations through the Associate Director and senior leadership team; establish organizational priorities and evaluate organizational performance.

• Serve as the principal liaison with Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Department of Defense sponsors, federal agencies, UH leadership, industry partners, elected officials, and other external stakeholders.

• Represent ARL at UH locally, nationally, and internationally through executive briefings, conferences, advisory committees, sponsor meetings, and public engagement activities.

• Adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and policies and procedures of the University, raise awareness among staff, and direct them in such a way that University compliance requirements are met.

• Identify and mitigate through policy development/revision/enhancement and training, areas of risk and developing risk to the University, e.g., legal, financial, reputation, and compliance risk, and ensure the team is aware and focused on addressing the same.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

As reflected in the current official organizational chart.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the UH Vice President for Research and Innovation with opportunities to exercise independent judgement and initiative, as well as substantive decision-making under broad policy and general operational guidelines as set forth by the Board of Regents, UH President, and other University guidelines and applicable State and Federal law, rules, and regulations, etc.

Leadership and program results achieved are reviewed, on a regular basis, by the Vice President for Research and Innovation and state and federal agencies and/or external audits.

High level interactions with Federal government officials, high technology defense industry CEO’s and managers, high ranking military officials, high ranking senior officers, researchers, and research administrators. Significant interactions with program managers, scientists, engineers, and business managers, and University of Hawaii Administrators, researchers, and faculty.  The Director serves as the focal point for all interactions at all levels including senior agency management staff, the Department of Defense and its clients, the University of Hawai‘i, and Federal agencies.

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a scientific, engineering, business, liberal arts, or social sciences discipline on equivalent professional experience.

• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience directly related to developing and managing an applied research organization or equivalent experience managing complex organizations under Department of Defense requirements.

• Demonstrated knowledge of Department of Defense programs, applied research laboratory organizational structures, workflow, and operating procedures, including the relationship between university research faculty and federal task orders.

• Knowledge of management principles and practices, including recruitment, staffing, performance management, policy development, and organizational change in complex research or defense environments.

• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and practices that impact applied research and research service support provided by universities, including export control International Traffic in Arms Regulations/Export Administration Regulations (ITAR/EAR) and related federal requirements.

• Knowledge of current technological developments and directions in at least one of ARL at UH’s core technical domains (e.g., Ocean Environmental Effects, Astronomical Research; Advanced Electro-Optical Systems, Detectors, Arrays and Instrumentation; Environmental Sensor Research and Remote Sensing; New Renewable Energy; and Mission-Related and Public-Services-Oriented Research and Development).

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills; ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse Department of Defense and university community and to communicate and interact with officials at all levels of government.

• Demonstrated ability to examine and re-engineer operations and procedures, formulate policy, and develop and implement new strategies and procedures; ability to develop and implement short- and long-range goals for complex organizations.

• Demonstrated skills in business development, including identifying and securing alternative funding/revenue sources.

• Demonstrated ability to supervise and train staff, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments and supporting employee development and performance management.

• Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management; ability to develop and deliver effective presentations to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance based on a tier 5 background investigation.

• Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner.  This requirement may be fulfilled by possession of a valid driver’s license or use of other means of transportation which meets the position’s needs.

VIII.DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of University of Hawai'i and RCUH policies and procedures.

• Established working relationships with U.S. Navy commands and senior command-level personnel, and experience interacting with NAVSEA, other DoD program offices, and high-technology defense industry partners.

• Experience leading a university-based applied research or laboratory organization, or equivalent program at a major research institution, including supervision of technical directors and senior engineering staff.

• Experience integrating university research capabilities into Department of Defense task orders and contracts.

To Apply:

Click on the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and upload required documents. Required documents include: (1) cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications; (2) resume; (3) the names and contact information of at least three professional references; and (4) transcripts showing degree and coursework to date appropriate to the position (original official transcripts will be required at the time of hire.) NOTE: Please create a new account if this is your first time applying for a position using NEOGOV.

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status.  For more information, visit:  https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
 
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
 
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/