Job Description
Senior Advisor to the Senior Vice President for Research and Partnerships Posting Number req26138 Department Research Innovation & Impact Department Website Link https://research.arizona.edu/ Location Tucson Campus Address Tucson, AZ USA Position Highlights The University of Arizona is seeking an accomplished technologist and industry leader to serve as Senior Advisor to the Senior Vice President for Research and Partnerships (SVPRP). In this role, the candidate will bring deep practitioner expertise from the private sector to help shape the University's new strategic research initiatives focused on mining and critical minerals, geothermal energy, and national security. This is a rare opportunity to bring real-world industry experience into one of the nation's premier research universities, situated at the nexus of the American Southwest's rich geological heritage, rapidly growing clean energy economy, and strategically vital defense and border security landscape. The Senior Advisor will help position the university as a national leader in subsurface science and technology by fostering convergence across engineering, geosciences, data science, artificial intelligence, environmental science, defense applications, and public policy. Working across the campus and institutional offices, the role will serve as a strategic connector between faculty, federal agencies, industry partners, national laboratories, state and tribal stakeholders, and international collaborators. This position will support the development of large-scale strategic initiatives, research institutes, public-private partnerships, and federally aligned programs that advance economic competitiveness, resource resilience, clean energy deployment, and national security priorities. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President for Research and Partnerships, the Senior Advisor will serve as a key strategic advisor on all matters related to earth sciences, underground science, and subsurface resources. The position works in close partnership with the Office of Research and Partnerships team, specifically with the Executive Director of the Mining and Earth Resources Innovation Institute, the President and CEO of the Kyl Institute for National Security, the Chief Research Partnerships Officer, the Chief of Staff, and others to align university research priorities, industry engagement, and federal partnerships with opportunities in the field. Moreover, this position also works closely with the Deans and Department Heads of all relevant colleges and departments across campus to ensure full faculty and academic leadership alignment with goals and execution plans. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of
A/ASU/NAU
tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here . Duties & Responsibilities The Senior Advisor to the Senior Vice President for Research and Partnerships will provide support to the development of the university-wide strategic research initiatives in Mining and Critical Minerals, National Security, and the Future of Energy by bringing industry-based expertise in these core thematic areas: Critical minerals and rare earth elements essential to clean energy technologies, defense systems, and domestic supply chain security. Geothermal energy systems and subsurface resource characterization, including applications for energy independence at military installations. Groundwater, basin hydrology, and water-energy-mineral nexus research in contested and strategically sensitive regions. Mining innovation, sustainable extraction technologies, and environmental remediation. Geospatial analytics, remote sensing, and AI-driven resource mapping for civilian and national security applications. Import dependency analysis and domestic sourcing strategies for defense-critical materials. Geoscience dimensions of border security, including subsurface infrastructure, terrain analysis, and sensor emplacement. The successful candidate will be a highly collaborative individual who will work with ORP and academic leadership and faculty across campus to help bridge the University of Arizona's strengths to address some of the most consequential earth resource and security challenges of the coming decades. Strategic Leadership and Program Development:
Advise the SVPRP and ORP's senior leadership team on strategic opportunities related to subsurface science, mining innovation, geothermal systems, critical minerals, and national security. Work with center and institute director, Deans, department heads, and faculty to help develop and implement university-wide strategies that align research strengths with emerging federal and industry priorities. Identify and cultivate opportunities for major research investments and consortia. Support the creation of interdisciplinary initiatives that integrate advanced sensing, AI, geospatial analytics, robotics, digital twins, advanced materials, and subsurface characterization technologies. Research and Partnership Development:
Work with ORP's center and institute directors and the university's government affairs team to build and strengthen relationships with federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Energy, Department of War, Department of the Interior, NSF, ARPA-E, DARPA, and national laboratories. Work with the Chief Research Partnerships Officer to engage with mining, energy, defense, aerospace, and technology industries to develop strategic partnerships and sponsored research opportunities. Facilitate collaboration among faculty, researchers, government stakeholders, tribal nations, and private-sector partners. Assist in developing proposals for major federal funding opportunities and public-private partnership initiatives. National Security and Strategic Resource Integration:
Advance university capabilities related to resource security, supply chain resilience, critical mineral independence, energy resilience, and strategic infrastructure protection. Support initiatives connecting subsurface technologies to defense, intelligence, space, and national preparedness missions. Help integrate subsurface sensing, autonomous systems, cyber-physical systems, and AI-enabled predictive modeling into security-related applications. Innovation and Economic Development:
Work closely with the Director of Tech Launch Arizona (ORP) to promote translation of university research into commercialization, startup formation, workforce development, and regional economic growth. Support initiatives that accelerate deployment of advanced mining, geothermal, and subsurface technologies. Contribute to state and national strategies related to energy transition, critical materials supply chains, and sustainable resource development. Stakeholder Engagement and Representation:
Represent the Office of Research and Partnerships in strategic meetings, conferences, federal engagements, and industry forums. Assist with executive communications, briefing materials, strategic plans, and external relations activities. Help articulate the university's vision and leadership role in subsurface science and technology. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Strategic Vision:
Ability to see and articulate a compelling future for earth sciences research and translate it into institutional action. Collaborative Orientation:
Commitment to breaking down disciplinary silos and building genuinely interdisciplinary programs. Entrepreneurial Drive:
Confidence in pursuing ambitious funding targets and forging novel partnerships. Integrity and Transparency:
Trusted by stakeholders across academia, industry, and government. Comprehensive Leadership:
Deep commitment to broadening participation in the geosciences workforce. Familiarity with federal national security and energy policy priorities. Knowledge of AI, digital twins, advanced computation, or autonomous systems as applied to subsurface environments. Proven ability to develop strategic partnerships and interdisciplinary collaborations. Strong understanding of federal research funding landscapes and technology transition pathways. Excellent communication, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement skills. Highly collaborative and skilled at bridging disciplines and sectors. Entrepreneurial in identifying emerging opportunities and building impactful partnerships. Effective at translating complex technical concepts into strategic initiatives and actionable programs. Passionate about advancing research that strengthens economic competitiveness, energy security, environmental stewardship, and national resilience. Familiarity with U.S. import dependency and supply chain vulnerability issues for defense-critical materials, and related federal policy (e.g., Defense Production Act, Executive Orders on critical minerals). Knowledge of the geological, commercial, military, and regulatory landscape of the American Southwest, including the U.S.-Mexico border region. This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve. Minimum Qualifications Ph.D. or equivalent degree in geosciences, engineering, earth systems science, energy systems, mining, or a related field. Significant leadership experience in research administration, federal programs, industry, national laboratories, and/or strategic technology initiatives. Demonstrated leadership skills that show aptitude in identifying and promoting ideas beyond their own by working closely with faculty across academic boundaries to promote the university's strategic initiatives. Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas: Geosciences Mining and critical minerals Geothermal energy systems Subsurface science and engineering National security applications of earth and energy systems Advanced sensing and digital technologies Preferred Qualifications An integrative, strategic and visionary leader capable of connecting scientific discovery with national priorities. Experience working with tribal, state, federal, and international stakeholders. Career history primarily or entirely in the private sector, with senior leadership experience at a mining company, energy firm, engineering consultancy, defense contractor, or resource-focused investment or advisory organization. Direct technical expertise in critical minerals, rare earth elements, geothermal systems, or subsurface resource characterization. Experience as a founder, executive, or senior technical leader with a record of building organizations, partnerships, or programs from the ground up. Prior engagement with defense agencies (DoD, DHS, DARPA, ARPA-E) or national security-oriented programs related to resource supply chains or subsurface science. Experience with technology transfer, venture-backed startups, or commercialization of subsurface or resource technologies. Relationships with relevant federal agencies (DOE, USGS, DoD, DHS) and with major mining, energy, and defense industry players. Demonstrated success in technology commercialization or innovation ecosystem development. FLSA Exempt Full Time/Part Time Full Time Number of Hours Worked per Week 40 Job FTE 1.0 Work Calendar Fiscal Job Category Research Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay DOE Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE) Grade 00 Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity. The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator . Career Stream and Level PC6 Job Family Researchers & Scientists Job Function Research Type of criminal background check required: Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to job duties) Number of Vacancies 1 Target Hire Date Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates Kim Patten I kjpatten@arizona.edu Open Date 5/29/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and Three Additional Documents Special Instructions to Applicant Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates are invited to submit the following materials: Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter describing qualifications, relevant experience, and vision for the role (not to exceed three pages). Professional Accomplishments Statement describing career highlights, major projects, programs built, or partnerships developed (not to exceed two pages). Statement on Industry, Government, and Cross-Sector Engagement — key relationships, initiatives led, and approach to bridging the private sector with research and policy (not to exceed two pages). Contact information for five professional references (references will not be contacted without prior notice). Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu. © 2024 The Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of The University of Arizona Equal Opportunity Employer Vets/Disabled
