Vice President Research and Programs; Chief Research Officer

Department

Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP)

Full Time
Open until filled:
Yes
Requisition: ES

Terminal degree in appropriate field. Accomplished record of excellence in research and scholarly/creative activity eligible for appointment at the rank of tenured full professor. Proven and substantive administrative experience with record of accomplishments as an administrator at a senior educational institution or experience in a related field. Must have documented success in obtaining external research support. A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.

Provide strategic leadership for the university’s research enterprise, including oversight of external funding, research compliance, and intellectual property. Works collaboratively with the deans council and the president’s cabinet to strengthen the institution’s research capacity, visibility, and impact. Serves as a member of the provost’s leadership team, deans council, and the president’s extended cabinet. Advances institutional research priorities and establishes strategic partnerships with industry, government agencies, advisory boards, and system-level partners to further the university’s mission while supporting the needs of external stakeholders and the broader research community.

• Serves as the university’s Chief Research Officer and provides leadership for institutional research planning, coordination, and performance, including establishing high-impact research priorities, growth strategies, and measurable outcomes that advance the university’s research mission.
• Oversee the strategic alignment of fiscal resources that support the sponsored research enterprise, including start‑up funding, seed grants, and other internal funding mechanisms.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the university’s research policy portfolio (including IRB, IACUC, export controls, research integrity, and research security) and certify institutional compliance with all regulatory, ethical, and sponsor requirements.
• Foster continuous improvement of research administration, systems, and infrastructure.
• Lead efforts to expand externally funded research through interdisciplinary collaboration, strategic partnerships, and advocacy at the state and federal levels.
• Coordinate with the Texas State University System Office of Governmental Relations and TSUS-approved partners to elevate awareness of the university’s research strengths through engagement with Congress and federal agencies.
• Provide strategic oversight and coordination for the university’s research centers and institutes engaged in research, training, and public service.
• Support measurable growth in sponsored programs by fostering sponsor engagement, securing external funding, and aligning institutional expertise with priority funding areas.
• Lead innovation, technology transfer, and commercialization efforts by supporting the protection, development, and translation of intellectual property.
• Oversee the effective operation and advancement of the university’s vivarium and core laboratory facilities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Deep knowledge about diverse funding sources; experience fostering collaborative, interdisciplinary research between departments, schools, and colleges.
• Strong administrative leadership skills to bolster key infrastructure and enhance research capacity.
• Ability to advance an organization’s research mission and evidence of fostering internal and external collaborative partnerships.
• Experience working with a diverse range of research programs, including those in research centers, institutes, and academic programs.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities, excellent decision‑making and problem‑solving skills.
• Innovative and creative ideas for success in a changing landscape of research funding.
• Interest in mentoring faculty and creating new research opportunities through networking.
• Familiarity with federal grant finance and compliance issues.
• Experience in…