Texas Christian University
Vice Provost for Research

Texas Christian University is a world-class, values centered private university located in Fort Worth, Texas, the nation’s 12th largest and fast-growing metropolitan area. TCU is a top-ranked National University as classified by US News and World Report and currently has a Carnegie Classification of R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity. The Princeton Review named TCU as the #2 best-run university in the country, and TCU was the only school in Texas to receive an A+ financial rating by Forbes and was named #8 overall for financial health. The University has a $2.7 billion endowment.

In 2024 TCU launched its new strategic plan, Lead On: Values in Action, with research, scholarship, and creative activity as a cornerstone of our future. TCU will invest in university-wide research, scholarship, and creative activities over the next decade to elevate TCU’s national reputation and visibility of programs across all disciplines. Strategically investing in its research agenda will improve student readiness to enter the workforce, enhance the student experience, and elevate TCU’s ability to compete for top student, faculty, and staff talent. Elevating academic and research output will lay the groundwork for TCU to join leading institutions as a Carnegie Research 1 (R1) university and solidify its position as the premier academic partner for Fort Worth and the broader North Texas community. Over the next 10 years, TCU aims to become one of the top 200 U.S. universities for total R&D expenditures; award at least 100 research doctorates annually; become a top 150 U.S. university recognized for publications in the top 10 percent; increase faculty awards and recognition; and become a top institution in terms of innovation and licensing revenues.

Reporting to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Vice Provost for Research (VPR) will provide vision, direction, and strategic research planning to produce significant increases in extramural funding and scholarly productivity while contributing to the University’s national research agenda. The VPR will set and confirm policies and regulations and take appropriate action to ensure the University's commitment to conduct ethical research. The VPR will be expected to create a culture of research that incentivizes and increases the amount of collaborative research and extramural funding in support of the University’s mission.

The VPR will be responsible for driving internal research funding initiatives, including faculty research development programs to spur research activity. In addition, the VPR will enhance the research infrastructure, which includes facilitating the development and efficient use of research space. The VPR will also foster a culture of safety and will assure compliance in animal care and human subjects.

The VPR will oversee sponsor negotiations, program data, grants, and contracts and will work with a number of federal agencies to build strong research relationships to advance TCU and agency initiatives. The VPR will work closely with the Provost, the college and school deans, Graduate Studies, and the University Strategy and Innovation Office to expand TCU’s research enterprise and oversee the Office of Sponsored Programs, Research Compliance, Web Applications, and Compliance and Integrity.

The ideal candidate will have a track record of building research capacity at an R1 institution or experience aiding a university’s transition from an R2 to an R1 institution. In addition, the strongest candidates will have a proven record in securing funding from external organizations, such as government agencies, industry, and/or foundations. A strong service orientation and a passion for building are of the utmost importance. A Ph.D. is strongly preferred.

Texas Christian University invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Vice Provost for Research. Interested candidates should confidentially submit a curriculum vitae and letter of interest (Adobe PDF files preferred) to:

Joi Hayes-Scott
Russell Reynolds Associates
TCU.VPR@russellreynolds.com

For fullest consideration, materials should be received as soon as possible and preferably by April 7, 2025.