Call for Applications: Faculty Scholar-in-Residence for Advancing Research Competitiveness

The Division of Research and Economic Development invites applications for the Faculty Scholar-in-Residence for Advancing Research Competitiveness.

This position will serve as a bridge between the Division of Research and Economic Development, college leadership and faculty across campus. In this role, the Faculty Scholar-in-Residence will identify emerging research opportunities, research capacity and infrastructure needs, and challenges impacting research growth and competitiveness. The role will bring faculty perspectives to efforts aimed at advancing research capacity, competitiveness and growth across the university.

This position will report to Chad Watson, director of the Center for Research and Creative Activity.

Purposes of the role

• To connect campus faculty and academic leadership directly with the Division of Research and Economic Development
• To identify emerging research opportunities, capacity and infrastructure needs, and strategic growth pathways across the university
• To bring faculty-informed input and perspective to division operations, programs, and strategic planning
• To foster large-scale, multi-institutional and consortium-level research partnerships and initiatives aligned with area of expertise
• To establish a supportive faculty research mentoring program aimed at strengthening research competitiveness, collaboration and progression toward major funding

Expectations and term

• Term: An initial one-year appointment begins Jan. 2027 and is renewable for up to three years dependent upon available funding, satisfactory performance and mutual agreement among the Faculty Scholar-in-Residence, home college or department and the Division of Research and Economic Development.
• Effort: 25-50% effort is allocated throughout the 12-month calendar year. The specific level of effort, schedule and workload arrangement will be established in consultation with the Faculty Scholar-in-Residence, their department chair, college dean and the division prior to the start of the appointment.
• Compensation: This appointment may not be treated as overload. The division will coordinate with the Faculty Scholar-in-Residence home college or department to process a salary buyout in accordance with Policy 4560.
• Location and Mode: In person, co-located with the Division of Research and Economic Development.

Scope of Work

Internal to campus

• Engage colleges, associate deans of research and faculty to identify emerging research opportunities, research capacity and infrastructure needs and opportunities for research growth.
• Contribute to strategic planning and spearhead strategic initiatives based on division priorities and emerging needs and opportunities.
• Support large-scale proposals and research initiatives broadly aligned with topics of expertise.
• Provide faculty-informed input on division operations, programs and services, with a focus on improving research support.
• Develop and help establish a faculty research mentoring program focused on strengthening research capacity, competitiveness, collaboration and progression toward larger-scale funding.

External to campus

• Provide early intelligence in relevant STEM disciplines through professional networks, engagement with peer institutions, professional societies, agencies and other external partners.
• Identify consortium-level and multi-institutional partnership opportunities and work with the Division to assess fit, readiness and potential return on investment.

Qualifications

Required qualifications

• Tenured faculty member at the rank of associate professor or professor at Boise State University.
• PhD in a STEM discipline.
• Strong record of scholarly or professional achievement.
• Experience managing large teams or complex projects.
• Demonstrated experience working with a range of funding agencies.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Desired qualifications

• Experience working across academic units to achieve research outcomes.
• Experience working across interdisciplinary research themes and complex partnerships.
• Experience with large-scale, center-level or multi-institutional efforts.
• Knowledge of business development practices and financial principles in research.
• Experience with research compliance and regulation.
• Administrative leadership managing faculty and staff.

Application process

Please discuss your intent to apply with your supervisor and dean as they will receive a notification via Smartsheet to approve the application.

Submit your application materials through the Smartsheet Form by Oct. 30, 2026.

Materials include

• A current CV
• Response to the below questions:
  • Why are you interested in serving as a Faculty Scholar-in-Residence with the Division of Research and Economic Development? (500 words or less)
  • Please summarize the strengths, skills and experiences you bring to this role. How do your qualifications position you to contribute effectively to the initiative's goals? (500 words or less)
  • How do your professional goals align with your interest in academic leadership and research development? (500 words or less)
  • Based on your experience, where do you see the greatest opportunities to strengthen research competitiveness at Boise State? (500 words or less.)
• Please share any immediate workload considerations for spring semester 2027.
• Please include the name and email of your department chair or supervisor and dean.

Any questions about this position can be directed to [email protected].

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