Job Details

Vice President for Research & Innovation

Position Number: 6645059
Location: Lubbock, TX
Position Type: Executive - Other Executive

Vice President for Research & Innovation
Lubbock
42650BR
VP Research

Position Description
At a moment of unprecedented opportunity in its already impressive trajectory, Texas Tech University (TTU) seeks a Vice President for Research & Innovation (VPRI) to advance impact and excellence across the breadth of the university's research enterprise. The VPRI will harness Texas Tech's recent momentum to foster a culture of innovation that serves and effectively engages faculty, researchers, students, and staff in pursuit of the university's significant aspirations.

As Texas Tech's principal research officer, the VPRI reports directly to the President and serves as a member of the President's cabinet. Working collaboratively across the research enterprise, the VPRI is responsible for developing a dynamic strategic plan to advance the university's top tier research status; fostering collaboration across the university and System to enhance cooperative, interdisciplinary research programs and opportunities; developing new and nurturing existing external partnerships that maximize Texas Tech's research resources; promoting and supporting a culture that values compliance with all regulatory bodies; developing strategies for the investment of institutional resources in research; fostering a culture of safety; and managing all resources associated with the Office of Research & Innovation. The VPRI is responsible for the administration, management, and planning of the university's policies, programs, and services within the assigned area(s). All activities are performed under the administration of the President.

Additional information about this position can be found here.

Major/Essential Functions
The VPRI role represents an unparalleled opportunity for a distinguished scholar-leader to join a well-regarded university that has been on the rise, at an inflection point in its growth trajectory. With significant support from the state, demonstrated by its recent partnership in TUF, and clear strategic buy-in across the institution to achieve AAU status, there is an optimistic, tangible, and actionable buzz around the opportunities for the incoming VPRI. This leader will partner across the institution amongst the following areas of opportunity and responsibility:

Strategic Vision:

Define and communicate a bold research agenda that leverages Texas Tech's student-centric culture, regional strengths, and AAU aspirations.
Translate vision into actionable strategies, measurable goals, and sustainable infrastructure, engaging faculty and leadership across disciplines.

Leveraging Momentum:

Build on TTU's recent investments and upward trajectory to expand research capacity, diversify funding, and accelerate interdisciplinary growth.
Foster partnerships with government, industry, and alumni to advance innovation, workforce development, and community impact.

Champion of Collaboration:

Foster a culture of inclusion and collaboration, ensuring that all disciplines across campus are engaged in the research mission.
Build bridges across administrative units, unify stakeholders around shared goals and drive transformative change. Champion clear and consistent communication, and cultivate an environment of trust and transparency.

Infrastructure and Operational Excellence:

Modernize research infrastructure and streamline administrative processes to empower faculty and staff.
Prioritize talent recruitment, retention, and professional development, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment.
Seek and be responsive to input from faculty and staff about the needs, conditions and approaches that may further facilitate research enterprise at Texas Tech.

Advocacy and External Engagement:

Serve as a visible ambassador, advocating for TTU's research mission at the state, federal, and community levels.
Navigate the political landscape with diplomacy, promoting TTU's strengths and securing resources for long-term success.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in appropriate field relating to area of responsibility plus ten years of professional and management experience in similar area. Additional job-related education may substitute for required experience on a year-for-year basis.

The ability to obtain Personnel Industrial Security Clearance by the Department of Defense is required.

This position is designated as involving access to critical infrastructure systems and/or research, as defined by Texas Executive Order GA-48. As such, candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background check prior to employment. Employees are required to comply with all applicable state and federal regulations related to the protection of critical infrastructure. Ongoing employment is dependent upon maintaining eligibility for access and successfully passing periodic security and compliance reviews.

Preferred Qualifications
Texas Tech University seeks an innovative, strategic, and organizationally savvy leader with substantial experience managing an operationally complex institution through change. The next Vice President for Research & Innovation will be responsible for developing a compelling vision to amplify Texas Tech's culture of research excellence and competitive innovation. Leading through influence and collaboration, the VPRI will champion ambition and excellence, foster interdisciplinary initiatives, and generate excitement, enthusiasm, and buy-in to advance the educational and research missions of Texas Tech University.

Ideal candidates will have demonstrated experience in many of the following areas:

A terminal degree, along with relevant leadership experience advancing research at a research-intensive university or institute, with a record of distinguished scholarship and funded research.
Proven track record of supporting technology transfer, commercialization, and industry partnerships.
A history of promoting research interests and collaborations across an institution or System and with external partners.
Keen understanding of federal funding processes, advocacy, and compliance.
A leadership style characterized by the highest personal integrity and ethics, transparency, accessibility, and openness to a team-centered environment.
An enthusiasm for collaborating with other departments and infrastructure development with multiple siloed constituencies; demonstrated capacity to create cross-campus partnerships.
A demonstrated ability to mentor and support staff and provide successful development of people; a track record for inspiring a diverse staff with energy and dedication to their professional advancement, as well as commitment to clarity and accountability.
A track record of effective oversight of budgets, infrastructure, and space of commensurate complexity and scope.
A commitment to service coupled with excellent interpersonal skills.
Outstanding communication skills, demonstrated by the ability to interact comfortably with a wide range of diverse people.

Special Instructions to Applicant
Spencer Stuart, a global executive search and leadership advisory firm, has been retained by Texas Tech to help identify and recruit the new Vice President for Research & Innovation. For confidential nominations and expressions of interest, please contact Spencer Stuart at TTUVPRI@spencerstuart.com.

Minimum Hire Rate

To apply, visit workattexastech.com

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.