Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs (Chief Research Officer)
Job Details
Requisition: 202600010ES
Title: Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs (Chief Research Officer)
FLSA status: Exempt
Hiring Salary: Commensurate with education and experience
Department: Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP)
Division: Division of Academic Affairs
Open Date: 02/23/2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Educational and Experience Requirement:
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.
Nature & Purpose of Position:
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.
Primary Responsibilities:
Serves as the university’s Chief Research Officer and provides leadership for institutional research planning, coordination, and performance. This includes establishing high-impact research priorities, growth strategies, and measurable outcomes that advance the university’s research mission. Will oversee the strategic alignment of fiscal resources that support the sponsored research enterprise, including start-up funding, seed grants, and other internal funding mechanisms. The Vice President develops, implements, and maintains the university’s research policy portfolio (including IRB, IACUC, export controls, research integrity, and research security) and certifies institutional compliance with all regulatory, ethical, and sponsor requirements. Fosters continuous improvement of research administration, systems, and infrastructure. Leads efforts to expand externally funded research through interdisciplinary collaboration, strategic partnerships, and advocacy at the state and federal levels. This includes close coordination with the Texas State University System (TSUS) Office of Governmental Relations and TSUS approved partners to elevate awareness of the university’s research strengths through engagement with Congress and federal agencies. Provides strategic oversight and coordination for the university’s research centers and institutes engaged in research, training, and public service, particularly in areas of demonstrated and emerging strength such as forensics, cybersecurity, homeland security and resiliency, invasive species, and entrepreneurship. Supports measurable growth in sponsored programs by fostering sponsor engagement, securing external funding, and aligning institutional expertise with priority funding areas across federal agencies, state initiatives, and industry partners. Leads innovation, technology transfer, and commercialization efforts by supporting the protection, development, and translation of intellectual property. Oversees the effective operation and advancement of the university’s vivarium and core laboratory facilities. Performs other related duties as assigned.
