Michigan State University
Vice President for Research and Innovation
Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States, 48823
Overview
Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI) at Michigan State University (MSU). MSU is a leading global research university and the first land-grant institution in the U.S. The VPRI serves as MSU’s chief research officer, providing visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for a research enterprise with substantial annual expenditures and a strong commitment to the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan. The MSU Innovation Center functions as the hub for translating scholarship and innovation into products and services with tangible impact. The VPRI leads a bold, inclusive, and forward-looking research agenda, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, drives innovation and commercialization, expands external partnerships, and supports faculty and students across the research continuum from discovery to application. The VPRI reports to the President and collaborates with the Provost, deans, and university leadership to align the research enterprise with institutional priorities and elevate MSU’s national and international visibility as a land-grant research university. Responsibilities
Provide strategic and operational oversight for MSU’s research, innovation, and creative activity, including research infrastructure, administration, faculty and student development, regulatory compliance, industry and community partnerships, and economic development initiatives. Align the research portfolio with institutional priorities and enhance operational efficiency; cultivate strategic partnerships with government and industry; expand external funding and partnerships to advance MSU’s research mission. Lead and build high-performing teams; delegate effectively and foster a collaborative environment; communicate a clear vision and ensure timely execution of initiatives. Enhance MSU’s external visibility and reputation while increasing internal awareness of research opportunities and successes; translate the impact of MSU research on communities and economies. Contribute to MSU’s stature as a Big Ten, AAU, and R1 institution and support enterprise-wide innovation and commercialization activities through the Office of Research & Innovation (OR&I). Qualifications
Required Doctorate (PhD, MD, DO, DVM, ScD, or equivalent) and eligibility for appointment at the rank of Professor. Progressive research and administrative leadership at a research-intensive organization. Distinguished record of scholarship and research leadership with national recognition. Demonstrated experience managing personnel, budgets, and facilities. Experience with federal research funding, compliance requirements, and risk management. Demonstrated ability to build inclusive, collaborative, and innovative research cultures. Desired Prior experience as a senior research administrator (associate/vice provost, associate/vice president, or equivalent). Successful track record of securing major funding and leading large-scale interdisciplinary initiatives. Experience with industry partnerships, technology transfer, and commercialization. Evidence of effective leadership in advancing access to research in alignment with MSU’s land-grant mission. Required Application Materials
Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. Interested candidates should submit confidentially, in electronic form (Word or PDF), a curriculum vitae and letter of interest to Dr. Jett Pihakis. The contact email is MSU.VPRI@russellreynolds.com and a phone number is (202) 654-7800. For fullest consideration, materials should be received as soon as possible and preferably by October 20, 2025. Special Instructions
Michigan State University will conduct a professional misconduct review of all individuals seeking employment in executive and academic management positions. A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for all finalists and includes questions about pending investigations, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Finalists will sign an authorization and release at the interview stage to allow the University to contact former employers for up to 7 years prior to the date of application. The existence of misconduct history does not automatically disqualify a candidate; decisions are made based on the information available. Records from external employers are kept secure and separate from personnel files. Review of Applications
Begins on 10/20/2025 Website
https://research.msu.edu/ MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years, pursuing discovery and partnerships to solve global challenges and provide opportunities within a diverse and inclusive community.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI) at Michigan State University (MSU). MSU is a leading global research university and the first land-grant institution in the U.S. The VPRI serves as MSU’s chief research officer, providing visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for a research enterprise with substantial annual expenditures and a strong commitment to the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan. The MSU Innovation Center functions as the hub for translating scholarship and innovation into products and services with tangible impact. The VPRI leads a bold, inclusive, and forward-looking research agenda, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, drives innovation and commercialization, expands external partnerships, and supports faculty and students across the research continuum from discovery to application. The VPRI reports to the President and collaborates with the Provost, deans, and university leadership to align the research enterprise with institutional priorities and elevate MSU’s national and international visibility as a land-grant research university. Responsibilities
Provide strategic and operational oversight for MSU’s research, innovation, and creative activity, including research infrastructure, administration, faculty and student development, regulatory compliance, industry and community partnerships, and economic development initiatives. Align the research portfolio with institutional priorities and enhance operational efficiency; cultivate strategic partnerships with government and industry; expand external funding and partnerships to advance MSU’s research mission. Lead and build high-performing teams; delegate effectively and foster a collaborative environment; communicate a clear vision and ensure timely execution of initiatives. Enhance MSU’s external visibility and reputation while increasing internal awareness of research opportunities and successes; translate the impact of MSU research on communities and economies. Contribute to MSU’s stature as a Big Ten, AAU, and R1 institution and support enterprise-wide innovation and commercialization activities through the Office of Research & Innovation (OR&I). Qualifications
Required Doctorate (PhD, MD, DO, DVM, ScD, or equivalent) and eligibility for appointment at the rank of Professor. Progressive research and administrative leadership at a research-intensive organization. Distinguished record of scholarship and research leadership with national recognition. Demonstrated experience managing personnel, budgets, and facilities. Experience with federal research funding, compliance requirements, and risk management. Demonstrated ability to build inclusive, collaborative, and innovative research cultures. Desired Prior experience as a senior research administrator (associate/vice provost, associate/vice president, or equivalent). Successful track record of securing major funding and leading large-scale interdisciplinary initiatives. Experience with industry partnerships, technology transfer, and commercialization. Evidence of effective leadership in advancing access to research in alignment with MSU’s land-grant mission. Required Application Materials
Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. Interested candidates should submit confidentially, in electronic form (Word or PDF), a curriculum vitae and letter of interest to Dr. Jett Pihakis. The contact email is MSU.VPRI@russellreynolds.com and a phone number is (202) 654-7800. For fullest consideration, materials should be received as soon as possible and preferably by October 20, 2025. Special Instructions
Michigan State University will conduct a professional misconduct review of all individuals seeking employment in executive and academic management positions. A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for all finalists and includes questions about pending investigations, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Finalists will sign an authorization and release at the interview stage to allow the University to contact former employers for up to 7 years prior to the date of application. The existence of misconduct history does not automatically disqualify a candidate; decisions are made based on the information available. Records from external employers are kept secure and separate from personnel files. Review of Applications
Begins on 10/20/2025 Website
https://research.msu.edu/ MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years, pursuing discovery and partnerships to solve global challenges and provide opportunities within a diverse and inclusive community.
#J-18808-Ljbffr