Search begins for Vanderbilt’s new vice provost for research and innovation, committee named

A national search is underway for Vanderbilt's next vice provost for research and innovation. Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs C. Cybele Raverhas appointed a committee to identify candidates for the university's new chief research officer, who will begin their appointment early in 2026.

Reporting directly to the provost, the vice provost is responsible for defining and implementing the future of discovery at Vanderbilt, including supporting faculty through pre- and post-award funding and technological infrastructure, developing strategic partnerships and driving growth in licensing and tech transfer.

"Vanderbilt has grown rapidly from the region's top research university to a global research powerhouse that punches far beyond its size, thanks to our world-class faculty and an administration that is deeply committed to funding and supporting transformational research," Raver said. "The next vice provost for research and innovation will lead us to the next level, and I am confident this search committee's collective expertise, leadership and reputation will identify the very best candidates for my consideration."

The Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovationwas established in 2016 after the administrative separation of Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. OVPRI has grown from a small team focused only on biomedical research to a staff of over 200 that supports more than $1 billion in annual R&D expenditure and activity across all 11 schools and colleges. Multiple teams provide direct support at every step in the research enterprise, including pre- and post-award administration, high-performance computing and research IT services, regulatory compliance, and licensing and patenting faculty discoveries through the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization.

The next vice provost for research and innovation will be tasked with defining a vision for-and driving-the next generation of growth in Vanderbilt's research enterprise. In line with those goals, candidates with a proven track record of championing sponsored research and accelerating the process of discovery-from concept to funding to implementation and commercialization-will be strongly considered. The next vice provost will also be instrumental in working with university leadership to forge innovative partnerships with funding agencies, foundations and private industry.

"From resourcing the latest in drug discovery and computing to building a vision and infrastructure for national leadership in interdisciplinary research, the next vice provost for research and innovation will shape the future of discovery at Vanderbilt," said Tracey George, deputy provost and committee chair. "We've assembled a phenomenal team of experts in research, technology, finance and administration to ensure that the next vice provost is positioned to unify the university around an ambitious trajectory for discovery and innovation for years to come."

The search follows the news that Padma Raghavan, who held the role for nine years, was appointed to a new positionas the chancellor's executive director for science and technology strategy, working closely on specific growth initiatives like the university's proposed expansion in West Palm Beach, Florida. In the interim, OVPRI is being led by senior associate provostsLiz Zechmeister, Richard Willis and Bob Webster, who are collaborating to provide timely support for Vanderbilt faculty in the areas of research and development, operations, and commercialization and tech transfer, respectively.

The search committee comprises faculty and administrative leaders, each with deep area expertise related to part of the OVPRI portfolio. They will be supported by Spencer Stuart, a leading executive search firm with extensive experience in higher education and commercialization and industry partnerships. The committee members are:

• Tracey George(chair), deputy provost
• Eric Bymaster, associate vice chancellor for finance and treasurer
• Megan Sargent, director of space planning and interim chief of staff, Office of the Provost
• Michelle Tellock, deputy general counsel
• Shane Callahan, chief information officer
• Larry Marnett, dean emeritus of the School of Medicine Basic Sciences; University Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Mary Geddes Stahlman Chair in Cancer Research; professor of pharmacology
• Kate Humphreys, associate professor of psychology and human development, Peabody College; director of Vanderbilt Stress and Early Adversity Laboratory
• Kimberly Welch, associate professor of history, College of Arts and Science
• Abhishek Dubey, associate professor of computer science and electrical and computer engineering, School of Engineering

For questions about the search committee or process, please email the Office of the Deputy Provost at [email protected]. Interested candidates can learn more via the job listing.