Vice Chancellor/Vice President of Research

The University of Houston (UH or the University) – a vibrant, Carnegie Tier One research university aspiring to double its research footprint – invites nominations, expressions of interest, and applications for the position of Vice Chancellor/Vice President of Research (VPR). A dual appointment as the chief research officer leading research efforts for the University of Houston System and the University of Houston, the VPR is a compelling opportunity for a visionary, strategic and dynamic leader to join an institution with a thriving ecosystem of research innovation at its core. Centered in the values of excellence, integrity, innovation, and responsiveness and based on the foundation of teaching, research and service, the University of Houston is an engine for discovery with a bold vision for building a top 50 public university. 

Reporting directly to the President, the VPR will join the Division of Research (DOR) at a historic time for the University and the state of Texas. With UH total research expenditures more than doubling in the past decade, the new Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine that opened in 2020, an ambitious faculty hiring initiative, and growing community-centered programs and initiatives with the greater Houston area, the impact is limitless. Looking ahead, a proposed bill in the Texas legislature would create an endowment fund of about $1.3 billion to the University of Houston, contingent on voter approval in November. This new multibillion-dollar funding stream will help the University of Houston to better compete on the national stage as a research powerhouse by enhancing the research infrastructure and hiring.

UH is a dynamic research enterprise where discoveries fuel innovation that address society’s most urgent challenges. The VPR will have the opportunity to further build, create, and imagine a strategic vision that positions UH at the forefront of international research productivity and impact. The next VPR will work collaboratively with the President, Provost, administrative leadership, faculty and staff to envision and implement a strategy for the University to accelerate growth of the research enterprise, paying close attention to building robust operations to support the University’s growing research ambitions. The VPR will lead a research culture that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and amplifies human-centered design; serve as an externally engaged representative for the UH research enterprise; and bolster economic development through expanded federal funding and industry partnerships.

All applications, inquiries, and nominations, which will remain confidential, should be directed to the search firm electronically below. 

The policy of the University of Houston (UH) is to ensure equal opportunity in all its educational programs and activities, and all terms and conditions of employment without regard to age, race, color, disability, religion, national origin, veteran's status, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy), except where such a distinction is required by law. Additionally, UH prohibits discrimination in all aspects of employment and educational programs on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.