The California Energy Research Center (CERC) at California State University, Bakersfield plays a critical role in shaping the future research landscape in energy related areas in Kern County and in translating research to education and community activities. With the recent investment of $83M from the State of California, a new Energy Innovation Building (EIB) is now under construction. The EIB will offer modernized space and facilities to enhance the capacity of CERC, which will serve as a regional hub to connect researchers, educators, energy-related industries, and government agencies. More information about CSUB and CERC can be found here: https://www.csub.edu/cerc/ .
The Executive Director for Energy Research will provide leadership to advance the mission of CERC by cultivating interdisciplinary research in energy areas, developing external collaboration with industry, organizations, and communities to drive future energy solutions, and bringing new opportunities to faculty and students at CSUB. Directly reporting to the Dean of the School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering (NSME), the CERC Director is an essential member in the school leadership team with the following roles and responsibilities: 1) Steward the growth direction of CERC; 2) Cultivate interdisciplinary research; 3) Lead efforts to solicit external funding; 4) Foster and enhance collaborations with industry partners, academic institutions, community organizations, and government agencies; 5) Increase student and faculty opportunities in research, education, and professional development; 6) Position CERC as a hub to drive energy innovation for the region. A $2.5 million endowment provides on-going funding support for the executive director to carry out the work.
Qualifications and Characteristics
The successful candidate should have a broad vision of future energy solutions, a proven record of leading collaborative projects, a demonstrated commitment to supporting faculty and students, and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and administration across campus as well as various stakeholders outside of CSUB. The ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications:
· A doctorate degree is preferred but not required. An advanced degree and substantial experiences and expertise in science/engineering related to energy is required;
· Leadership and managerial experience in either academic or industry settings;
· A proven record of successfully obtaining and managing external grants;
· Strong interpersonal skills, including demonstrated skills in communication, both written and oral, and interaction with diverse groups and populations;
· Ability to develop positive, productive relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders;
· A strong work ethic and the ability to independently set and achieve milestones and goals, meet deadlines, and follow through on commitments;
· Ability to build and maintain effective cross-disciplinary teams;
· A demonstrated dedication to the principles of diversity, inclusion, equity, accessibility, and justice.
· A commitment to undergraduate and graduate student research, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Application Process
Interested applicants are welcomed to submit application through this link: CSUB Employment Site | California State University, Bakersfield. Inquiry about the position may be directed to the NSME dean at: nsme@csub.edu. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The review of applications will begin after December 10, 2024.
Centrally located on a 375-acre site in the southern San Joaquin Valley, California State University, Bakersfield is home to the Roadrunners — moving forward at lightning speed and championing intellectual progress. CSUB has continuously risen in national rankings over the past decade for its economic value and commitment to student success. Its students are brilliant and increasingly diverse — with most graduates remaining in the Valley to solve our region’s complex challenges.
The university serves approximately 10,000 students at either the main campus in Bakersfield or at its CSUB Antelope Valley extension campus and counts approximately 60,000 alumni from its four colleges:
The university offers 57 undergraduate and graduate programs. In addition, CSUB Extended Education offers many professional development opportunities, certificates and degree programs to the community.
As part of NCAA Division I, the university is home to 16 athletics teams competing in the Big West Conference.
CSUB is the only public university within 100 miles of its southern San Juaquin Valley location. It is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). As a designated Hispanic Serving Institution, the university is committed to diversity, social justice, and equity. Many of its students are the first generation in their families to attend college, and they are known as trailblazers achieving new heights of success.