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.

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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.

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About the Role

The next Vice President for Research (VPR) will join USF at a time of great change and opportunity. The VPR will serve as a strategic thought partner as the President and Provost seek to transform USF Research, connect the university’s academic units in creative ways, and fulfill the most ambitious research goals in USF’s history. In keeping with a strong history of shared governance and excellence, the VPR will balance decisiveness with a consultative approach, leveraging the strengths of USF’s leaders and setting a strategic vision to advance USF’s emergent and established strengths.

As the Chief Research Officer, the VPR will establish themselves as a national figure, actively networking with federal agencies, industry partners, and nonprofit funders to stay abreast of emerging areas of national priority and to center and expand USF’s influence in its drive toward grander impact and innovation. They must bring both a strong record of research excellence in their own field and a deep and active curiosity for the breadth of research and scholarship across all disciplines at USF.

Review the position profile. 

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Applications, Inquiries, & Nominations

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the search process is completed. Applications, inquiries, and nominations should be submitted confidentially to the search team via the Isaacson, Miller website: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-southflorida/
vice-president-research.

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Listening Sessions

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

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Meetings & Minutes

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

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