Dean of Research and Innovation

LOCATION:

Research Office, United States Naval Academy

OPEN TO:

Current Department of Navy civilian employees (USNA, NAPS, NWC, NPS, NRL, etc.)

APPLICATION TIMELINE:

This position does not have a specific application deadline. Review of applications will begin on March 2, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

ABOUT THE U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY:

The United States Naval Academy is a unique institution of higher learning located in Annapolis, Maryland. As a service academy and premier undergraduate college, the United States Naval Academy has its own distinctive niche amongst American higher education institutions. Our talented faculty and staff are united by a common purpose to develop the next generation of officers to be exceptional  leaders in our naval service. 

Every year more than one million people tour "the Yard" to experience what our employees already know, which is that the United States Naval Academy is a special place, with a special purpose. Employees will find challenging and rewarding work; state-of-the-art facilities which inspire academic and athletic excellence; the benefits of Federal employment; and exceptional quality-of-life.

ABOUT THE RESEARCH OFFICE:

The USNA Research Office is the hub for many of the Naval Academy’s research activities, overseen by the Dean of Research and Innovation and including a staff of six civilian employees.  The Research Office plays a critical role for faculty members across the wide range of academic disciplines represented at the Naval Academy, providing services in support of external grants, administering internal research funding, and offering numerous other activities.  The Research Office also manages or supports a wide range of midshipman research programs, such as the Trident and Bowman Scholar programs and summer internships.  The Research Office interacts regularly with many units across the Yard and with other institutions across the country.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Provost of the U.S. Naval Academy invites applications for the Dean of Research and Innovation to begin as early as Summer 2026.  To be competitive, candidates should have experience with at least some of the various research activities taking place at the Naval Academy, as described in the Preferred Qualifications below.   The successful candidate will need to develop a strong commitment to the success of the broad research enterprise of the Naval Academy as it pertains to the Mission of the Naval Academy.

Administrative faculty members manage and govern academic programs.  The Dean of Research and Innovation serves under the direction of the Provost, providing and maintaining an environment in which research activities contribute to the professional growth of both faculty and midshipmen.

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Serves as the primary manager for all Provost Cost Center research activities at the Naval Academy.
• Serves as the supervisor for all civilian employees in the Research Office and oversees the budget.
• Provides vision and direction for Research Office programs to ensure that tools and applications are easily accessible to faculty and midshipmen in a timely and cost effective manner.
• Coordinates with other units within the Naval Academy, e.g., the Comptroller’s Office and the Internal Review Board, on research-related matters.
• Cultivates partnerships and expands opportunities in support of research at the Naval Academy from other government, educational, nonprofit, and industry partners.
• Serves in a variety of specific technical roles, e.g., Technology Transfer Officer and Chair of the Faculty Research Excellence Committee, and serves as a consultant to the Promotion and Tenure Committee on issues related to assessment of research and scholarship.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

This is an onsite, 12-month compensation model, excepted service federal position with an initial appointment of approximately 3-years with anticipation of renewal, a highly competitive salary, and full federal benefits.  Position is only open to current Department of Navy civilian employees (USNA, NAPS, NWC, NPS, NRL, etc.).

Salary Details:  

• • Pay Band: AD-09 - Classification 14

• • Approximate Starting Salary Range: $130,000 – $150,000 annually 

• • Final salary will be determined based on experience and qualifications of the selected candidate.

MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher advanced degree
  • Required completion prior to application  
• 5 years of experience managing and developing research projects
•  

Preferred Qualifications (We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience or demonstrated interest in some or all of the following areas):

• PhD in a technical discipline of particular interest to the USNA, e.g., a discipline represented in a USNA academic department
• Scholarly achievements commensurate with the title of Professor
• Educational or experiential background appropriate to leading research activities among university-level faculty at USNA, including but not limited to:
  • Supervisory or management experience in a professional setting, preferably an academic setting
  • Experience with securing external funding or otherwise interacting with funding agencies
  • Experience with student research advising
  • Experience with budgeting; especially in a federal environment
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across organizational boundaries, lead effective teams, and mentor colleagues
  • Strong service orientation and commitment to the USNA Mission.

FINAL SELECTION FOR POSITION WILL BE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING ASSESSMENTS: 

• Review of all application documents
• On campus interview
• Executive level interview

HOW TO APPLY FOR POSITION:

Interested candidates should send an application package to the hiring manager and Dean of Research Search Committee, at dor-search-26-group@usna.edu.

• Application Packages need to contain:
  • Cover Letter
    • Please clearly indicate your status as a U.S. citizen in the cover letter, as this is required for the position.
    • Please carefully describe why you believe that you are a good candidate for this position, paying close attention to the qualifications and duties listed above.
  • 1-2 page resume (we can only accept resumes up to two pages in length)
    • This document must be sufficient on its own to assess whether the applicant meets all “Required Minimum Qualifications.”
    • Your long-form CV is considered a “supplemental material” as listed below.
  • Contact information for three professional references
  • Supplemental materials 
    • Full curriculum vita or resume (no page limit)
    • Additional supporting documentation the candidate would like to submit

Please note: This position does not have a specific application deadline. Review of applications will begin on March 2, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.  Additionally, the ability to fill this position is contingent upon the availability of funding.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Two-year trial period will typically be required.
• All civilian positions at USNA are subject to a background investigation. The selected candidate will be subject to a security investigation leading to successful completion of a background investigation with a favorable adjudication. The selectee's failure to meet this requirement will be grounds for termination. More information about the background investigation  process can be found at the Academic Dean and Provost’s website, https://www.usna.edu/Academics/Faculty-Information/Background-Investigation-Info.php. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The U.S. Naval Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer