Director, Center for Research Excellence
Xavier University is seeking an inaugural director for its new Center for Research Excellence (CRE). Animated by a mission to promote the growth and success of research, scholarly, and creative activities across all colleges at Xavier, the CRE will provide a centralized office responsive to the needs of the campus community. Goals of the CRE include :
- Strengthen scholarly activity by building collaborative networks internally and with external partners
- Identify and expand external grant funding supporting scholarship and programmatic activities
- Encourage the participation of undergraduate and graduate students in research, scholarly, and creative activity
- Support professional development related to research and scholarly activities, including by providing training, consultation and mentorship
- Foster a university culture that recognizes scholarly and creative activity
- Contribute to creating and sustaining a culture of ethics and robust policies supporting research integrity
The Director provides leadership to the CRE, promoting a shared vision for research excellence that reflects Xavier's Jesuit mission and is responsive to the needs and aspirations of faculty, staff, and students across disciplines. In this role, the Director fosters a thriving research environment by coordinating support structures, advocating for resources, and promoting ethical and responsible research practices. The Director builds capacity and expertise in research through mentorship, training, and collaboration; supports student engagement in research and creative work; and leads efforts to enhance the visibility and impact of Xavier's scholarly contributions. A key priority for this role is fostering collaboration among Xavier's academic programs and external partners to advance multidisciplinary research, including related to interprofessional education (IPE).
Responsibilities
1. Provide strategic leadership and vision for research and scholarship
Articulate and promote a cohesive vision for research and creative activity at Xavier that aligns with the University's Jesuit mission, academic priorities, and commitment to interprofessional and interdisciplinary learning.Engage regularly with faculty, staff, and students to assess research needs and identify institutional prioritiesAdvise institutional leadership, contributing to strategic and academic planningEnhance the visibility and impact of research at Xavier, including developing strategies to raise the University's research profile regionally and nationallyAdvocate for resources, internal and external, to strengthen the infrastructure supporting scholarly activityOversee and coordinate collection and communication of data on research activity, including for the annual NCES HERD survey2. Build capacity and promote collaboration in research and scholarly activity
Develop and coordinate professional development programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunitiesOversee programs that provide internal funding and resources to support faculty researchFacilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration among faculty through research interest groups, writing communities, networking tools, etc.Catalyze new research and IPE-focused initiatives by convening groups and facilitating planning around strategic priorities or opportunitiesGuide faculty teams through the proposal development processesPartner with the Office of Grant Services to strengthen faculty success in securing external funding, including both small and large-scale, multidisciplinary projects, community-engaged projects, and research around interprofessional education and practices.3. Promote and support student research scholarship, and creative activity
Provide direction to the Director of Undergraduate ResearchTrack the participation of students in research, scholarly, and creative activityPromote research as means to recruit and retain talented, diverse studentsCoordinate training and resources to foster student research skills, including ethical and responsible research practicesIn collaboration with others, showcase and celebrate student research and creative activity4. Foster and sustain a culture of ethics and research integrity
Lead efforts to ensure that Xavier's research practices reflect the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and regulatory compliance.Develop and implement policies consistent with federal and state regulations, and emerging best practices in responsible research conductMonitor regulatory developments that impact funding, compliance, or research practicesEffectively communicate relevant internal policies and federal and state guidelines and regulations, including by providing or coordinating training5. Provide leadership to offices and areas supporting research, including Grant Services, IRB and Undergraduate Research, and coordination with additional campus partners, including the Center for Teaching Excellence, University Library and Development Office
This is a 12-month, on-campus position. Typical work hours are in-person M-F 8 : 30 am 5 : 00 pm, with occasional need for earlier or later hours. Hybrid scheduling may be available during the summer.
Required Qualifications
Master's degreeExperience in higher educationSuccess as a PI or leader of an independent research programExperience mentoring faculty and / or students, particularly related to scholarly activityA solid understanding of sponsored research and competitiveness strategies, particularly in the context of a predominantly undergraduate institutionFirm knowledge of grant writing best practicesStrong ability to communicate effectively and work with members of the academic and research communityExperience with meeting deadlines, prioritizing responsibilities, attending to details, taking initiative, and working independently and with a team to carry out challenging assignmentsExperience providing project management support in a team context or successfully managing complex projectsPreferred Qualifications
Doctoral degreeExperience designing and delivering training, particularly on topics related to research project development and grant-seekingDemonstrated success in shepherding interdisciplinary strategic initiatives for external fundingExperience mentoring faculty and / or students, particularly related to scholarly activityExperience collaborating with community, industry, or foundation partnersExperience managing a center, including staff and a budgetTo ensure consideration, interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three professional references on Xavier University's website. Review of applications will start on November 4, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position closes at the University's discretion.
Xavier University offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and employment class.
Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.Tax advantaged accounts including health savings account, flexible spending accounts, and dependent care account.Financial security via life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.Tuition remission for employees and their eligible dependents.