Center for Research Excellence

URCA Director Call for Applications

Eligibility: Full-time Tenure-Track Faculty
Term: 3-year appointment
Compensation: $4,000 annual stipend + one 3-credit course release each spring
Reports To: Director, Center for Research Excellence
Deadline: 23 March 2026

The Center for Research Excellence invites applications for the Faculty Director for Undergraduate Research, a three-year leadership role supporting and advancing undergraduate research and creative activity across campus.

Xavier University is seeking applications for a Faculty Director for Undergraduate Research who will work collaboratively with students, faculty mentors, and the Center for Research Excellence to lead undergraduate research and creative activity (URCA) efforts for Xavier. This role is central to fostering transformative experiences that develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills while contributing new knowledge to their disciplines.  

The Faculty Director for Undergraduate Research will serve as the primary resource for students and faculty establishing research collaborations and will coordinate university-wide activities pertaining to undergraduate scholarship.

The director will receive an annual stipend of $4,000.00 and is eligible for a teaching load reduction of one course per spring semester. The Faculty Director will serve a three-year term, once renewable, beginning July 1, 2026.

Primary Responsibilities (Priority Order)

  1. Event Leadership & Planning
  • Lead the planning of the following:
    • Celebration for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (120+ students)
      • Coordinate the event for late April, typically on a Wednesday afternoon from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, ensuring the date does not conflict with major external disciplinary conferences.
      • Organize the event in the University Library to accommodate a full poster session format.
      • Issue the call for abstracts in late March. Work closely with the Digital Librarian to manage submissions and archiving through the Exhibit system.
      • Oversee the procurement of event materials, including snacks, drinks, and student t-shirts.
    • The Summer Research Program  
      • Organize a hybrid (in-person and remote) Summer Research Symposium where students present their findings. Manage the event day, including room scheduling, moderators, and catering (typically an informal lunch setting), to wrap up the season’s work. Work with designated staff to manage the Exhibit system for student abstracts.
      • Organize introductory meetings and cohort-building activities (professional development/social) for students researching on and off campus during the summer.
    • Coordinate participation in The Big East Research Symposium
      • Serve as Xavier’s lead on the Big East Research Task Force, attending planning meetings and helping refine judging systems.
      • Coordinate airfare and hotel bookings for student presenters and faculty judges.
      • Serve as the primary university representative and chaperone for the Big East Symposium in New York City (typically during Spring Break), ensuring student safety and professional conduct.
  • Work with Research Round Up founders to transition ownership and leadership to the CRE under the direction of the URCA director.
  1. Manage URCA dedicated funds
  • Manage URCA operating budgets, donor-restricted funds, and College-specific contributions.
  • Oversee the call for proposals and ranking process for summer stipends and fellowships; coordinate with University staff to ensure student and faculty payroll/stipends are processed accurately.
  • Administer the year-round student travel request system, balancing department-specific reserves with general student needs.
  1. Leadership
  • Chair the URCA Advisory Board to review funding proposals and select award recipients.
  • Serve as the point of contact for faculty mentors, orienting them to summer research hour expectations (STEM vs. non-STEM) and payroll deadlines.
  • Maintain database records of all student presentations at professional conferences and produce a yearly report for the CRE Director.
  • Support and advocate for faculty and staff to the CRE Director.  
  • Prepare talking points for university leadership, order promotional materials, and push program news to the CRE director, Provost and Deans.

Qualifications

  • Full-time tenured faculty member
  • Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate research
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Experience with managing budgets and event planning

Application Process

Full-time, tenured faculty from all disciplines are eligible to apply. Applicants must submit proposals following the format outlined below. The Director for the Center of Research Excellence will have the final voice in selecting the Faculty Director for Undergraduate Research.

Statement of Qualification and Interest (no more than 1 page) Please describe your qualifications and interest in the Faculty Director for Undergraduate Research position. In your response, please address the following:

  • Mentorship Experience: Describe your history of supervising undergraduate researchers or senior theses, including any experience co-authoring work or coaching students through presentations.
  • Advocacy: Explain your philosophy on the value of undergraduate research for a diverse range of students, including those pursuing non-academic careers.
  • Professional Engagement: Highlight your experience with student research conferences (e.g., NCUR or disciplinary meetings), any professional development you have led or participated in regarding high-impact educational practices, and managing budgets and events.

Statement of Goals (no more than 1 page) Please describe your vision for the Undergraduate Research program at Xavier. What do you see as potential opportunities to enhance current programming or establish new directions? Please consider addressing:

  • Community Building: How you might foster a scholarly community among students and mentors, particularly during the summer research season and throughout the academic year.
  • Expansion & Inclusion: Strategies to support or increase participation in scholarship across all disciplines, including areas outside of the traditional lab sciences.
  • External Engagement: Your goals for student participation in off-campus opportunities, such as regional or national conferences and grant-funded research.

The following must be sent as one file to breloffs@xavier.edu by 23 March 2026:

  1. Cover Page, listing name, rank and department
  2. Statement of Qualification and Interest (no more than 1 page)
  3. Statement of Goals (no more than 1 page)
  4. Curriculum vitae
  5. A supporting letter from the Department Chair (can be an e-mail)

Support letters should attest to the candidate’s qualifications and the department’s ability to accommodate the needed release time.

Applicants should carbon copy their Department Chair on this application.

The appointment will be announced by the end of the spring 2026 semester.

For questions about the position or application process, contact Scott Breloff (breloffs@xavier.edu) or Kat Morris (morrisk10@xavier.edu).