Call for applications: Faculty Fellows in the Division of Research and Economic Development

Academic Year 2026-2027

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 2026-2027 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 the 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/or university operations

Expectations

The faculty fellow will contribute up to five hours a week and contribute directly to one of the focus areas listed below in partnership with the vice president for research and economic development and associate vice presidents for research. There may be a need to attend selected meetings related to the topical area.

This faculty fellow appointment will be from Sept. 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, with a presentation the week of March 29, 2027. Fellow positions are structured as overload and fellows are expected to maintain faculty responsibilities while balancing the administrative responsibilities of this position. A stipend of $7,500 will be provided. The fellowship will be awarded for a one-year term. Renewal for a second year may be considered only in exceptional cases where substantial progress has been made and critical work remains.

Initiatives for 2026-2027

1. Industry marketing plan

The Division of Research and Economic Development invites applications for a faculty fellow to advance campus engagement and communication pathways with industry partners. With a focus on business-to-business communication strategies and audience identification, this fellowship will identify where Boise State's research and technology expertise aligns with industry needs, and on building the support structures that help faculty, research scholars/scientists, and postdocs initiate and sustain sponsored research partnerships. With the goal of seeking ways to diversify research support and identifying meaningful industry partnership opportunities, this role offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of research engagement at Boise State by aligning academic innovation with industry needs. This role will collaborate with division economic development and communications staff and regular progress reports are expected. The final deliverable is a guidance document with findings and recommendations.

2. 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/or pilot initiatives aimed at growing and sustaining a vibrant research faculty ecosystem aligned with Boise State's research mission.

3. AI in research administration

The Division of Research and Economic Development invites applications for a faculty fellow to lead the integration of artificial intelligence into research administration workflows to streamline processes to benefit research administrators and investigators and their teams. The fellow will engage closely with our subject matter experts to evaluate administrative tasks and deploy practical AI solutions.

Leveraging their applied technical proficiency in Large Language Models, prompt engineering and workflow automation, the fellow will serve as a technical translator to help staff implement user-friendly tools consistent with our division's AI shared values and compliance standards. There is a specific emphasis on utilizing boisestate.ai and Gemini for Workspace for Education for these workflows. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of university research operations by aligning technical AI capabilities with administrative needs. Regular progress reports are expected, and the final deliverables include at least two implemented AI workflows along with brief guidance documentation for sustained use.

4. Research centers and institutes

The Division of Research and Economic Development invites applications for a faculty fellow to advance the effectiveness, visibility, and sustainability of Boise State's research centers and institutes. The fellow will assess the current landscape of centers and institutes and models from peer institutions, and ultimately provide recommendations for sustainable research centers and institutes at Boise State. This work will include gathering baseline information including our recent 3-year review, policy information, and input from campus engagement. Building on this foundation, the fellow will identify key operational barriers and opportunities for growth. Particular attention will be given to challenges related to sustainable funding, administrative burden, staffing support and inconsistencies in policies and practices across colleges.

The fellow will also explore strategies to strengthen coordination and shared infrastructure, including opportunities for centralized support, improved processes, and more consistent guidance for center and institute leadership. In addition, the fellow will examine ways to enhance collaboration, connectivity, and visibility across centers and institutes and externally. The fellow will also consider approaches to improved evaluation. This work will also involve collaboration with center and institute directors, Academic Affairs and colleges. Outcomes may include a set of recommendations, proposed policy or process improvements, and/or pilot initiatives aimed at strengthening a cohesive, well-supported and strategically aligned ecosystem of research centers and institutes at Boise State.

Application process

Eligibility

Full-time faculty members: tenured/tenure-track; research, clinical, lecturer faculty; department/program leaders.

Selection criteria

• Demonstrated interest/experience/expertise in one of the initiatives/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 Fellowship Application form by June 1, 2026. Decisions will be made in mid-June 2026, with the intent to begin no later than Sept. 1, 2026.

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? (300 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? (300 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? (300 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 [email protected].

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