Director, Inner Space Center (ISC)

https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/15302

The Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO) is one of the world’s premier academic institutions of oceanography and ocean exploration with a reputation for leadership in discovering the secrets of the world’s oceans. The Inner Space Center (ISC) at GSO is an international hub for ocean science exploration and education. Through its advanced facilities, the Inner Space Center expands the number of scientists engaged in live expeditions and inspires the next generation of ocean explorers. It is home to some of the largest ocean science education and outreach initiatives in the country.

Provide overall vision, direction, coordination, and management for the Inner Space Center (ISC) at the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO), including execution of all programs. Provide overall management of the ISC’s technical staff, equipment, facilities, and strategic vision. Support extensive research and field work for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including but not limited to the US$250M Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute (OECI) led by GSO. Strengthen existing relationships and leverage existing work to develop and implement a new vision and bridge opportunities with new partners and funding opportunities in research and education. Initially report to the NOAA OECI Director then transition to reporting to the URI/GSO Dean.

Develop a specific short- and long-term vision and business plan for the ISC, including service and revenue models and projections, and develop a plan to establish the ISC as a cost center within URI.

Supervise a team of core facility and operations personnel that is shared between sea-going operations and ISC hub operations. Operations personnel may rotate between shipboard and shore-based duty.

Liaise with university and client organizations to build new partnerships and programs including the Institute for Archaeological Oceanography/GSO, the Institute for Exploration, NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary Program, NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and NOAA’s Office of Education.

Coordinate with current and related NOAA development projects, specifically the conversion and deployment of the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, regarding the telepresence subsystems, programmatic development, and outreach.

Coordinate with related URI administration, academic departments, building committees, architects, vendors, and contractors to support the construction of the ISC facility within the Pell Marine Science Library.

Assess current operational needs of all ISC stakeholders; measure against prior planning, and draft specific vision and plans for ISC future operations as the national state of the art facility in telepresence.

Conduct scientific research related to ocean exploration.

Oversee daily operation of the Inner Space Center.

Develop an annual proposal, coordinated with OECI affiliate partners, to maximize ISC capabilities.

Develop additional proposals, outside of OECI activities, to enhance and expand ISC support for the ocean science communities.

Develop an annual budget and oversee the use of ISC funds. Develop an annual execution plan that aligns proposals with project requirements and timelines.

Develop a vision for the ISC and implement a plan to grow the ISC.

Develop and coordinate work priorities for the ISC staff.

Be prepared to serve as the OECI Executive Director for a limited period.