Director of Research Data Science - Stanford University at Another Source in Palo Alto, California

Job Description:

Another Source’s client, Stanford University, is recruiting a Director of Research Data Science in Palo Alto, CA.  

This position is part of a new initiative incubated within Stanford Data Science, part of the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Research. For more than four years, SDS has sought to advance data science and its application to all fields of study. Our community ranges broadly across all seven schools on campus, consisting of esteemed alumni, world class faculty, post-doctoral fellows and PhD students, dynamic staff and administrators. In realizing our mission, our staff are critical to supporting our organization’s goals and enabling Stanford faculty and students to accomplish their mission conducting cutting-edge research and innovation around how we learn from data, the tools we use, and the new methods needed to tackle the data-intensive future.   

Learn more about Stanford Data Science: https://datascience.stanford.edu/about/about-stanford-data-science 

Meet the Team: https://datascience.stanford.edu/about/people/leadership 

The expected pay range for this position is $213,000 to $242,000 per annum. Relocation assistance is offered for those moving from out of the area.  

Benefits:   

Stanford recognizes that living in the Bay Area comes with a high cost of living. Because of this, they are doing their absolute best to offer a total compensation package that creates an opportunity for you to thrive in a career at Stanford AND enjoy the beautiful Bay Area! How do they do that?   

Being on campus means the opportunity to utilize world-class exercise facilities where you can grab a lunchtime workout to sustainability and environmental responsibility programs that make it easy to live your values:    

• 20+ recreational facilities    

• 18+ Mental health and wellness programs    

• 7+ On-site childcare facilities available to you   

A caring culture! We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources:    

• $6,000+ in tuition and training assistance annually   

• Up to 50% of Stanford's annual tuition cost applied to your child's undergraduate tuition across the nation https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards/tgp   

• 18+ PTO/Vacation days per year    

• Up to 5% of your base pay contributed automatically to your 403(b) + a generous match    

• 100% of your retirement account is fully vested immediately    

• 17+ Transportation programs and resources   

Learn more about the benefits of working at Stanford:    

https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards 

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Stanford University is planning a major investment in a GPU-centric system to enable large-scale and broad data-intensive research requiring advanced machine learning techniques, including large language models. A system like this requires specialized skills to effectively harness the hardware to enable new scientific discoveries. Stanford seeks an individual to launch the design and eventually build the team of research data scientists needed to (a) teach groups how to take advantage of the system and (b) design and optimize the hardware and software architectures. Ideal candidates must combine expertise in high-performance computing, software engineering, and large-scale systems with a deep understanding of academic research practices. 

The position will provide strategic leadership for the new GPU-centric computing infrastructure, manage affiliated research data scientists, and exercise the delegated authority for policy and programmatic decisions. The candidate will achieve teaching and research goals and partner with faculty leadership on the larger data science mission at Stanford. 

 CORE DUTIES: 

• Provide strategic direction for a major function or center; create strategic plans of considerable complexity and scope; set long-range direction and make high-level decisions; propose and manage the implementation of significant programmatic changes; establish policies as needed. 

• Direct and oversee the overall scientific, engineering or technical research function for a major function or center. Collaborate with senior management, faculty and/or others to develop, communicate and manage a central strategic plan aligned with the larger organization’s goals and consistent with the university’s overall mission. 

• Identify, clarify, and resolve issues with strategic impact and substantial significance, which span multiple areas, using advanced technical and professional knowledge requiring broad discretion and judgment. 

• Responsible for ensuring that state-of-the-art scientific, engineering or technical research is adequately funded, staffed, equipped, and housed. 

• Accountable for ensuring finance, budget, personnel, and facilities resources are used appropriately. 

• Manage the adoption and adaptation of emerging technologies to meet changing requirements, capabilities, and opportunities. 

• Lead high-level scientific, engineering, or technical research programs and initiatives through technical design, development, integration and outreach. 

• Advise university/school-wide senior management on technical futures. 

• Collaborate with university leaders on scientific, engineering or technical research project decisions. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

Education & Experience: 

Bachelor’s degree and ten years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.  

Preferred:  

Ph.D. and ten years of relevant experience in machine learning, data science, artificial intelligence, research computing systems, and people management, or a combination of education and relevant experience. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Extensive experience leading and managing a large organization of technical staff through subordinate managers. 

• Demonstrated experience leading large, complex scientific, engineering or technical research projects or programs. 

• In-depth understanding of relevant business and technical disciplines. 

• In-depth knowledge of emerging technologies, trends, methodologies, and resource management principles. 

• Ability to synthesize and articulate technical and scientific methodologies, specifications, and information. 

• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with others. 

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and deliver results. 

• Exceptional customer relationship and consensus building skills. 

• Ability to influence and establish effective working relationships in a diverse environment. Motivate and mentor staff. 

• Resolve complex issues quickly and make decisions that meet university objectives in a collaborative culture 

   
Why Stanford is for You:  

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with: 

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak. 

• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources. 

• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits. 

• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums. 

• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more! 

This is a 100% FTE, benefits-eligible position. All final candidates must complete a background check. 

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs. 

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
 

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis.  We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.