Vice President Research & Innovation

Vice President for Research & Innovation

Texas Tech University (TTU) invites a Vice President for Research & Innovation (VPRI) to advance impact and excellence across the research enterprise. The VPRI will harness TTU’s momentum to foster a culture of innovation that serves and effectively engages faculty, researchers, students, and staff in pursuit of institutional aspirations.

The VPRI reports directly to the President and serves as a member of the President’s cabinet.

The VPRI is responsible for:

• Developing a dynamic strategic plan to advance TTU’s top tier research status.
• Fostering collaboration across the university and system to enhance cooperative, interdisciplinary research programs.
• Developing new and nurturing existing external partnerships that maximize research resources.
• Promoting a culture that values compliance with regulatory bodies.
• Developing strategies for the investment of institutional resources in research.
• Fostering a culture of safety.
• Managing all resources associated with the Office of Research & Innovation.

All activities are performed under the administration of the President.

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 research institution and Hispanic Serving institution. Located on a 1,850‑acre campus in Lubbock, Texas, the university enrolls over 40,000 students and is home to 10 colleges. TTU is committed to student success, enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world. TTU is building momentum toward membership in the Association of American Universities (AAU) and is a comprehensive research institution with global reach.

The Office of Research & Innovation (OR&I) supports a culture of creativity, discovery, innovation, and collaboration. OR&I comprises the Office of Research Commercialization, Office of Research Development & Communications, Strategic Research Intelligence, Office of Research Services, Innovation Hub at Research Park, Research Facilities, Responsible Conduct of Research, Environmental Health & Safety, and Export Control & Security. OR&I fosters partnerships, disseminates research, and ensures compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

The VPRI role represents an unparalleled opportunity for a distinguished scholar‑leader to join a well-regarded university at an inflection point in its growth trajectory.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Vision – Define and communicate a bold research agenda that leverages regional strengths and AAU aspirations; translate vision into actionable strategies and measurable goals.
• Leveraging Momentum – Build on TTU’s recent investments to expand research capacity, diversify funding, and accelerate interdisciplinary growth; foster partnerships with government, industry and alumni.
• Champion of Collaboration – Foster inclusion and collaboration across disciplines; build bridges across administrative units and unify stakeholders around shared goals.
• Infrastructure and Operational Excellence – Modernize research infrastructure and streamline processes; prioritize talent recruitment, retention, and professional development.
• Advocacy and External Engagement – Serve as a visible ambassador and advocate for TTU’s research mission at the state, federal, and community levels; navigate the political landscape with diplomacy.

CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

• Strategic Thinking – Advocate for the research mission; strengthen capacity to address changes in priorities, compliance and global challenges.
• Change Leadership – Bring visionary leadership to the office; establish processes to encourage and reinforce innovation; lead change consistent with university strategy and gain buy‑in.
• Collaborating and Influencing – Serve as an intellectual leader; collaborate with faculty, deans, the president, provost and other colleagues; build partnerships and enhance reputation.

Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field plus ten years of professional and management experience in a similar area. Additional education may substitute for required…