Vice Chancellor

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has retained Buffkin/Baker, a national executive search firm, to assist in this search. All inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed in strict confidence to:

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research ( OVCR ) oversees, develops, supports, and grows UNC –Chapel Hill's $1 billion research enterprise. The offices reporting to the OVCR set strategic priorities for research, manage proposals and awards, provide research infrastructure, identify funding opportunities, develop research teams and partnerships, oversee regulatory compliance, and communicate the impact and value of the University's research enterprise. The OVCR enables research endeavors for faculty, students, and scholars; encourages interdisciplinary research collaboration across campus; and fosters expansion and diversification of the University's sponsored research portfolio by collaborating with foundations, federal agencies, corporations, and the state and federal governments. The Vice Chancellor for Research also oversees multiple pan–University, multidisciplinary research centers and institutes.

Position Summary

The Vice Chancellor for Research ( VCR ) plays a central leadership role at the University, overseeing the research enterprise across the entire campus. The VCR sets strategic priorities for research and establishes a vision for future growth and success. The VCR directs a team of faculty leaders and staff to build, operate, support, plan and lead research infrastructure, future research directions, and central investments. The VCR also directs management of proposals and awards and oversees regulatory compliance and ethics management. In addition, 13 directors of pan–campus multidisciplinary research centers report to the VCR . The VCR regularly convenes the research deans from all UNC –CH schools to secure input into research operations and strategy and works closely with the Provost and Chancellor to lead UNC's research endeavors.

The VCR leverages the collegial interactions and diverse expertise of UNC –CH's faculty to create new multi–disciplinary research teams and partnerships that can tackle the nation's top scientific challenges and solve complex societal problems. The Office of the VCR ( OVCR ) maintains a full knowledge of the faculty and the campus' expertise and seeds interaction to enable the University to compete successfully for major research funding opportunities that expand the frontiers of knowledge and benefit our society.

The OVCR must develop adaptive strategies that prepare individual schools and teams to amplify their portfolios and compete effectively for a broad range of funding through foundations, industry, and other partnerships. Both strategy and operational enhancements will be needed to improve our attractiveness to a wider range of funders.

The VCR oversees faculty and staff training and the development of a workforce that understands the issues of rural, urban, and individuals from all backgrounds. In this manner, the University will be able to bring the brightest minds into its research enterprise and ensure it has the capacity and structures needed to better compete for funding from multiple sources and to serve the state. The VCR also leads education about and promotion of equitable research methods across the university.

The VCR is expected to be a strong advocate for faculty in the development and protection of intellectual property (IP), and works closely with the Office of Technology Commercialization. In particular, the VCR is a key partner in helping faculty balance decisions to license IP or pursue further in–house development to optimize value to faculty and the university, and assure that ideas do not lack a development path due to corporate changes.

The VCR will work with other UNC –CH Offices and leaders to enhance research collaborations and funding on the global stage and prepare future generations to work together to advance knowledge and solve the world's most pressing problems.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

An earned terminal degree, record of exceptional leadership success, and evidence of scholarly, professional, or creative achievement is required.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

A PhD, M.D. or equivalent terminal degree is required with at least ten years relevant professional experience directing a nationally recognized research program at least part of which is in a research–intensive university setting; direct experience with federal, foundation and/or industry funding mechanisms; experience managing complex budgets; record of leadership success; familiarity with research ethics and regulation; and evidence of distinguished scholarship and professional achievement is required.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

The successful candidate will have: A strong vision for and commitment to research in a large, public, research university; Excellent administrative skills including strategic planning and evaluation, budgeting, personnel management, and facilities management; An ability to work collaboratively and effectively with multiple administrative units throughout the campus, nationally and globally; A distinguished record of scholarship and leadership in an academic setting; Excellent communication skills; Knowledge of major research issues facing global research universities

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.

Special Instructions

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has retained Buffkin/Baker, a national executive search firm, to assist in this search. All inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed in strict confidence to:

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at or send an email to
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

Required Documents

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk ( ).

• Please select the response below that describes your level of education that best or mostly closely satisfies the education requirements for this position.
  • Bachelor's degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Bachelor's degree in any field/discipline
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in any field/discipline
  • None of the above