Position Overview for Vice Chancellor of Research

Application review begins March 1, 2024. Submit application materials through the WittKieffer website.

The University of Kansas (KU) seeks a visionary, strategic and entrepreneurial leader to serve as Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR). The Vice Chancellor will inspire a renewed commitment to discovery across the University, catalyzing research and the generation of new knowledge that will distinguish KU as a leading research institution nationally and on the world stage.

Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor and working closely with the Chancellor and KU senior leadership team, the Vice Chancellor for Research stewards KU’s research enterprise on the Lawrence and Edwards campuses, including oversight of research administration. A champion and advocate for research and scholarship, the Vice Chancellor provides leadership and strategy to the Office of Research in alignment with the University’s mission and strategic priorities.

Research at KU addresses opportunities and challenges of worldwide significance, delivers solutions that make a difference to Kansas and the region, and promotes an inclusive community of responsible inquiry and innovation for students and scholars. The Vice Chancellor for Research leads the Lawrence and Edwards campuses in pursuit of that mission, working in partnership with academic leaders, faculty and staff and in close collaboration with business and community partners and the KU Medical Center campus.

The next Vice Chancellor for Research will have a unique and exciting opportunity to champion a bold and unifying vision for the future of research, creative activity and engaged scholarship at KU. The VCR will diversify and grow KU’s research portfolio and optimize research administration, operations and infrastructure.

As the state’s flagship institution, the University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university that serves as a center for learning, scholarship and creative endeavor. A Carnegie-classified R1 Doctoral University, KU is one of only 69 in the U.S. and the only state university in Kansas to hold membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU).

KU enrolls more than 29,000 students taught by over 3,300 faculty across 14 schools on five campuses. Its diverse elements are united by a mission to educate leaders, build healthy communities, and make discoveries that change the world.

The University seeks a Vice Chancellor with a commitment to multidisciplinary research, the capacity to inspire and catalyze scholarly achievement in all its diversity, and the ability to ensure administrative and operational excellence across KU’s research enterprise.

The successful candidate will have a distinguished research record in their own discipline; extensive professional experience in research and research administration; and a demonstrated understanding of federal appropriations processes and the roles of federal and other sponsors in research development. An earned doctorate or terminal degree and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance is required.

View full position description, including required and preferred qualifications

Additional Candidate Instructions

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV and letter of interest describing relevant experience and addressing the themes in the leadership profile.

Candidates will be considered until an appointment is made.

WittKieffer is assisting the University of Kansas in this search. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal.

Confidential nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Lucy Leske, Philip Tang, and Natalie Song at KUResearch@wittkieffer.com

Application Review Begins:

Friday March 1, 2024