Leadership Searches

Vice President for Research Search

The University of South Florida (USF) seeks a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader and scholar who will work across colleges and disciplines to accelerate USF’s research enterprise and amplify its impact. This role is pivotal in building on the university’s existing strengths and unlocking new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and discovery—advancing USF toward its goal of becoming a top 25 public research university.

Through strategic partnerships and support for both faculty and student research, the Vice President for Research will champion initiatives that drive breakthroughs, foster interdisciplinary solutions, and strengthen USF’s position as a leader in addressing global challenges.

Jump to listening sessions and meetings.

About USF Research

USF is committed to bold research with real impact. As a vital component of one of the nation’s leading research universities, USF Research delivers high-quality service, proactive guidance, and solution-oriented resources that empower researchers to pursue ambitious projects and collaborations. These efforts also create opportunities for students to engage in undergraduate research that enhances experiential learning and better prepares them for careers that shape the future.

At USF, research and innovation drive progress—from breakthroughs in health care, AI, and environmental resilience to humanities scholarship that deepens cultural understanding, informs ethical decision-making, and strengthens civic life. Last year, USF secured a record amount of research funding, fueling discoveries and technologies that improve quality of life and strengthen economic vitality. Our researchers are shaping a better future for Tampa Bay, Florida, and the nation. Learn more about USF’s research impact.

Procedures for Inquiries, Nominations and Candidacy to come

Listening Sessions

Faculty Listening Session
February 5, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Via MS Teams

Meetings & Minutes

Search Advisory Committee Kickoff Meeting
January 26, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Dial In: +1 813-694-2079,,521226467# 

Search Advisory Committee Members

  • Dr. Sudeep Sarkar, Committee Chair, Dean, Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing
  • Dr. Thomas Frazer, Dean, College of Marine Science
  • Dr. AnnMarie Gunn, Professor, College of Education
  • Dr. Richard Heller, Professor, College of Engineering and Morsani College of Medicine
  • Dr. Tim Holcomb, Chief Executive Officer, Embarc Collective
  • Dr. Brett Kemker, Interim Regional Chancellor and Vice Provost, Academic Affairs      and Student Success
  • Dr. Charles Lockwood, Executive Vice President, USF Health Dean, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
  • Dr. Sunil Mithas, Professor, Muma College of Business
  • Dr. Lindsey "Les" Shaw, Professor & Associate Chair, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Dr. Elizabeth Spiller, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Mr. Jay Stroman, Senior Vice President of Advancement & Alumni Affairs and CEO, USF Foundation
  • Dr. Levi Thompson, Dean, College of Engineering
  • Ms. Nancy Watkins, USF Trustee, Robert Watkins & Company
  • Ms. Dena-Rose Wilson, Director, Institutional Research Effectiveness & Assessment; Research Integrity Officer