The Division of Research and Economic Development is soliciting applications for a Faculty Fellows Program for the 2025-2026 academic year. This program offers faculty members a focused experience in research administration, fostering leadership development and supporting the institution’s strategic research goals.
Overview
The Division of Research and Economic Development Faculty Fellows Program allows faculty to explore an academic leadership role in research administration by providing a focused experience that embeds faculty members in the Division of Research and Economic Development. This program enables selected faculty to collaborate closely with Division leadership on projects aligning with their interests and expertise, thereby fostering their development as leaders in research administration and supporting the institution’s strategic research goals.
The Division invites faculty to submit an application for the 2025-2026 academic year, with the aim of promoting leadership in research administration and modernizing campus research approaches. Faculty Fellows will work with both Division staff and other campus leaders to achieve project goals throughout the academic year.
Purposes of the Program
- To provide a leadership experience in research administration for interested members of the faculty
- To increase the understanding within the faculty of the practices and procedures of research administration at Boise State
- To provide ongoing faculty involvement and input into Division of Research and Economic Development decision-making
- To extend and strengthen staff resources available for the research administration of the University
- To assist in the development of specific projects and University operations.
Expectations
1. Faculty Compensation
The Division of Research and Economic Development invites applications for a faculty fellow to lead an initiative focused on modernizing faculty compensation practices related to sponsored projects.
Working with our division, Provost’s Office, HR, and colleges, the fellow will develop campus-wide guidance for compensating faculty who are strongly research-active, particularly those leading large, complex, externally funded projects.
There is particular interest in exploring approaches to adapting our existing compensation strategies. For example, the fellow will explore alternatives to the current Faculty Incentive Pay Program (FIPP) for highly productive researchers and ensure proposed solutions align with federal regulations and institutional policy.
Key activities include reviewing, and where appropriate, proposing amendments to existing university policies, guidelines and models distributed across campus. This work will help shape a consistent, equitable framework for recognizing and rewarding faculty contributions to Boise State’s research mission. Regular progress reports are expected and the final deliverable is a guidance document with findings and recommendations.
2. Industry
The Division of Research and Economic Development invites applications for a faculty fellow to advance campus engagement with industry partners. This fellowship will focus on identifying the support structures of faculty, research scholar, scientist, and post-doc needs to initiate and sustain industry-sponsored research, as well as mapping Boise State’s research strengths to potential high-impact industry collaborators.
In collaboration with the Graduate College, the fellow will also explore strategies to expand graduate student involvement in industry-facing research and experiential learning opportunities, with a special emphasis on doctoral education. This includes investigating scalable models for university-industry collaboration that address challenges such as intellectual property (including in relation to dissertations), project timelines and the development of sustainable, long-term partnerships.
This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of research engagement at Boise State by aligning academic innovation with industry needs. Regular progress reports are expected and the final deliverable is a guidance document with findings and recommendations.
3. Research Faculty
The Division of Research and Economic Development invites applications for a faculty fellow to advance understanding, structures, pathways and engagement for research faculty positions on Boise State Campus.
The fellow will review existing policies, titles and appointment practices, and compile baseline data on the demographics, roles and needs of current research faculty across colleges and units. They will benchmark national models and best practices, identify institutional barriers and growth opportunities, and propose strategies to increase the number and impact of research faculty.
The fellow will also explore ways to strengthen the research faculty community — fostering an inclusive, supportive culture through recognition, career pathways, onboarding and mentorship. This work will involve collaboration with Academic Affairs, Human Resources, the Graduate College, and other key campus stakeholders.
Outcomes may include a set of recommendations, proposed policy changes, and pilot initiatives aimed at growing and sustaining a vibrant research faculty ecosystem aligned with Boise State’s research mission.
Application Process
Eligibility
Full-time faculty members (tenured or tenure-track; research, clinical, lecturer faculty; department and program leaders).
Selection Criteria
- Demonstrated interest, experience or expertise in one of the initiatives or focus areas identified above
- Demonstrated leadership qualities and career aspirations, specifically experience and interest in research administration leadership
- Strong record of planning and executing projects
- Strong organizational and collaboration skills
- Demonstrated commitment to the appropriate university strategic priorities
Application
Please discuss your intent to apply with your supervisor and fill out the form by August 29, 2025. Decisions will be made in mid-September 2025, with the intent to begin no later than October 1, 2025.
Application materials include:
- A current CV
- Supervisor and dean approval (prompted through the Smartsheet form)
- Response to the below questions:
- Why are you interested in serving as a Division of Research and Economic Development Fellow? (500 words or less)
- Please summarize the strengths, skills and experiences you bring to the specific fellow focus area you are applying for. 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 how would serving as a Division of Research and Economic Development Fellow support both your growth and Boise State’s strategic initiatives? (500 words or less)
Finalists may be contacted with requests for an interview or additional information. Any questions about the call for applications can be directed to boisestateresarch@boisestate.edu.