Our university just completed a search for the Dean of Research. Following are the interview questions created by the search committee. Based on my experiences in talking with each candidate is personal commentary associated with each question. Note: at other universities this would be analogous to job interview questions for the Vice Chancellor of Research or job interview questions for the Vice Provost of Research.
1. Why are you interested in this position at our university and why at this point in your career?
Commentary: A softball question, but surprisingly not many answer this well. This is a chance to make a connection to the university through geography (i.e. I grew up in a location near the university, or my spouse’s family is from the area) or through academic association (i.e. I was on a review team that visited your campus, I am good friends with Professor X from your university, or your university is known for X in my academic circles and this has always created a connection for me.)
2. What is your vision for the role and aspirations of research at our university?
Commentary: Here is your chance to demonstrate some knowledge of our university. Is the university looking for someone to bring in big dollars for research? Is the university looking for someone with NSF and NIH connections? Are the aspirations of the university much broader than this? Suggestion – take a look at the composition of the search committee. What are their backgrounds? If the committee is from a broad range of disciplines from across the campus this might suggest that the university is looking for someone who can represent research, scholarship and creative activities to a broad range of constituents.
3. How do you envision engaging the university community and its other stakeholders in developing a broadly accepted position on this vision?
Commentary: Can you identify key stakeholders? Can you give examples of how you have engaged stakeholders in previous positions? Will you listen before ‘charging forward’?
4. How do you define diversity and what role does it play in scholarship at our university?
Commentary: You should be ready for this one. Anyone applying for a leadership position in academia should be prepared to answer a question along these lines. Universally candidates provide a broad definition of diversity – a definition that includes diversity of thought and ideas. Surprisingly, few can give concrete examples of how they have played a role in embracing diversity on their campuses.
5. What are three leadership competencies you possess? Please provide an example of when you have used these to provide effective leadership during a difficult time.
Commentary: Wow! It is clear that not many academic leaders have taken the time to think about their leadership. Taking the time to reflect on one’s strengths and weaknesses as an academic leader is essential – particularly if we are looking to advance.
6. If people who are supportive of your work and those who are not as supportive of your work were randomly called, what would they be likely to say about your strengths and areas for improvement?
Commentary: See question 5. This one is perhaps a bit harder to answer, but if you’re ready for it, you can knock the ball out of the park.
7. With the current financial challenges facing higher education and federal agencies, discuss how you can help build our resources to support research and scholarship. Please provide examples of how these strategies have been effective in your current work.
Commentary: Now we are in the wheelhouse for most candidates for a Dean of Research position. However, the examples that you provide should align with the university. If you are interviewing for a position at an engineering-focused university, provide at least one engineering example, even if you are not an engineer.
8. Please provide an example of an ethical decision you have made in your professional life.
Commentary: Best answer came from a candidate who said ‘All of the decisions that I make have an ethical dimension.’ Give an example of the process you use to reach an answer. Do you consult others? Do you consult ethical guidelines for the university? For the profession?
9. What questions do you have for us?
Commentary: Two of our candidates dropped out the running by not having questions for us. Seriously? Here is another opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the university, but seek additional knowledge. For example, ‘I see from your strategic plan that your are increasing your scholarship in the biological sciences, how do you envision that impacting the Dean of Research?’ or ‘I see that this is a new position at your university, how do you envision this role effecting the different colleges of the university?’
I hope that you find the questions and commentary to be of interest.
– from the pen of Dr. Percy Trappe
p.s. If you would like to learn from two unsuccessful VP for Research Candidates, please read the following post “Academic Job Search Campus Visit – Mistakes to Avoid”.
The Academic Anchor 
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