Senior Associate Vice President, Research & Innovation

As part of the Texas University Fund, Texas Tech University will invest $44 million annually to support the university’s research activities. 

Resilience is the key to a thriving future for Texas. Progress relies on research into some of the most critical and complex issues facing our state, nation, and world.

The success of Texas Tech is possible through the hard work of our outstanding faculty and students. The Texas University Fund allows us to:

• Hire more faculty
• Provide faculty support
• Prepare students for the workforce through increased graduate and undergraduate research opportunities
• Increase the number of research doctoral graduates in Texas

Texas Tech is dedicated to building a vibrant future for Texas by continuing to hire world-class faculty, equipping them with state-of-the-art research facilities, and empowering them to train the next generation of leaders.

We are searching for a vital member of this team:

Senior Associate Vice President, Research & Innovation

The Office of Research & Innovation at Texas Tech University is looking for a Senior Associate Vice President to join our leadership team. In this role, you’ll oversee the operations of our research centers and institutes, help guide strategic research initiatives and work closely with university leadership to grow our research capabilities. You’ll play a key part in shaping the future of research at Texas Tech, and you’ll also hold a 25% faculty appointment as a tenured Associate Professor or Professor.

What You’ll Do: 

• Manage the operations of existing research centers and institutes that report to the Vice President for Research & Innovation (VPRI). This includes working on budgets and staffing.
• Lead efforts to create new centers and institutes that support our research mission, when needed.
• Regularly meet with center and institute directors to ensure everything is on track.
• Play a key role in implementing the University’s Strategic Research Plan.
• Help allocate research funding for current and new initiatives in line with our strategic research goals.
• Assist with securing research resources from federal agencies, private partners, and philanthropists.
• Identify potential faculty recruits who align with our strategic research goals.
• Facilitate collaboration between faculty, research teams, and external partners to capitalize on federal funding opportunities and drive new research initiatives.
• Serve as Officer in Charge when the Vice President for Research is unavailable.
• Organize seminars and dialogues that foster collaboration between universities, industry partners, and research teams.
• Keep in touch with Associate Vice Presidents for Research and Associate Deans for Research to monitor progress.
• Work closely with university leadership to identify policy changes that will help advance research efforts.
• Represent the Vice President for Research in meetings and events when necessary.
• Promote our research vision and highlight the great work of our faculty, staff, and students.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Nine years of professional experience in management or a related area. Additional job-related education may substitute for the experience requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• A Ph.D. or equivalent academic degree.
• Tenure eligibility within any academic department at Texas Tech University.
• A global view of the university’s research mission with a strong record of securing competitive funding, mentoring faculty, and leading interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Experience handling research administration and compliance in complex organizations.
• The ability to balance regulations with practical needs while leading large teams and projects.
• Experience working with private-public partnerships and federal, private sector, and philanthropic granting agencies.
• Proven leadership in managing multidisciplinary centers or institutes and building successful international research partnerships.

About the Office of Research & Innovation: 

The Office of Research & Innovation supports faculty research by guiding them through the process—from finding funding to commercializing their work. Our office includes several key units such as Research Services, Research Development & Communications, the Innovation Hub, and Environmental Health & Safety.

About Texas Tech University: 

Texas Tech University is one of only 20 schools in the nation classified as a Carnegie “Very High Research Activity” institution and a Hispanic Serving Institution. Following 13 years of record enrollment growth, Texas Tech is now home to a diverse community of more than 40,000 students. Founded in 1923, Texas Tech began with a mission of serving the needs of West Texas, but our impact has always reached far beyond. Built on the values of West Texas — hard work, grit, and authenticity — we graduate students who are well positioned to succeed in the world.

Our 1,800-acre campus features beautiful Spanish Renaissance architecture and home to one of the largest collections of public art in the country. Our 13 colleges offer more than 150 undergraduate, 100 graduate and 50 doctoral degree programs. Our students are involved in more than 550 student organizations and clubs, participate in robust study abroad and international programs, and are deeply engaged in service to our communities. Our main campus in Lubbock is home to the College of Architecture, College of Arts & Sciences, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, College of Education, College of Human Sciences, College of Media and Communications, Rawls College of Business, J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts, School of Law, and Whitacre College of Engineering as well as the Honors College and the Graduate College. The Texas Tech University College of Veterinary Medicine, the first new school of veterinary medicine in the state in more than 100 years, is located in Amarillo, Texas. Athletics also play a central role at Texas Tech, with 15 varsity teams competing in the Big XII Conference.

About Lubbock, TX: 

Lubbock is known as the “Hub City” of the South Plains region. It’s a family-friendly community with a population of over 300,000, offering a low cost of living, highly rated schools, and a rich arts and music scene. Lubbock’s central location also makes it a short drive from cities like Dallas and Austin.

Compensation: 

Pay is based on qualifications and budgetary guidelines.

Travel Requirement: 

Up to 25%

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: 

Texas Tech University is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.