Dean of Research

PARKER UNIVERSITY•Dallas, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Are you interested in building a career that makes a difference and creates a legacy? Parker University, the fourth-fastest growing college in Texas and the fastest-growing college in Dallas, is currently searching for a Dean of Research to join our rapidly expanding team! We are seeking individuals who desire to use their unique skills to innovate and make an impact. The Dean of Research provides strategic vision, leadership, and oversight for Parker University’s research enterprise. The Dean is responsible for advancing a culture of innovation, scholarship, and interdisciplinary research aligned with the University’s mission, vision, and strategic plan. This position fosters collaboration across colleges and departments; develops and implements institutional research policies; promotes compliance and ethical conduct; and expands external partnerships and funding opportunities. The Dean serves as the senior academic officer for research and scholarly activity, ensuring that Parker’s research programs contribute to clinical excellence, human performance, integrative health, and the advancement of evidence-based practice.

Requirements

Doctoral degree (Ph.D., D.C. Sc.D., or equivalent) in a life or physical science, health-related discipline, or related field.
Minimum eight (8) years of progressive experience in research leadership in higher education or a health sciences environment.
Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications and extramural funding.
Experience managing compliance with federal, state, and institutional research regulations (e.g., IRB, IACUC, financial conflicts of interest).
Proven ability to lead diverse teams of faculty, staff, and students in scholarly activities.
Evidence of successful collaborations with external partners such as universities, health systems, and funding agencies
Deep understanding of research administration, grants management, and compliance.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated fiscal and strategic planning ability.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Proficiency in data analysis, grant management systems, and statistical software.
Ability to work collaboratively and lead through influence across academic and operational divisions.
Professional demeanor and the ability to represent Parker University nationally and internationally.
Professional appearance and demeanor.
Professional communication skills, both written and verbal.
Problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Ability to effectively utilize software applications common in higher education and research environments, such as Microsoft Office.
Ability to effectively utilize common software for statistical analysis, data, and reference management.
Periodic travel to attend and/or present at scientific and professional conferences.
Minimum 40-hour per week commitment, remote work and in person (Hybrid).
In person work on campus is required at least 3 times per year and is to be funded by the employee (not the university).

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Planning
Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive institutional research strategy consistent with Parker’s mission and strategic plan.
Collaborate with Deans, Chairs, and faculty to expand research capacity across academic programs.
Set measurable research performance indicators and report progress to the Provost and Board of Trustees.
Guide the integration of research into the Human Performance Center, Parker Performance Institute, and other Centers of Excellence.
Research Infrastructure and Culture
Build and sustain a robust infrastructure supporting faculty, student, and clinical research.
Foster a culture of inquiry, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Develop research training and mentorship programs for faculty and graduate students.
Oversee internal grant programs, seed funding, and faculty development initiatives.
Compliance and Integrity
Ensure adherence to all ethical, legal, and institutional standards related to human and animal research.
Serve as the Institutional Official for research compliance, including oversight of the IRB.
Promote transparency, accountability, and research integrity across all projects and units.
External Relations and Funding
Cultivate relationships with external research partners, granting agencies, and philanthropic organizations.
Expand Parker’s visibility through strategic collaborations, publications, and presentations.
Oversee grant development, submission, and management processes in coordination with Finance and Advancement.
Seek new revenue sources and partnerships that support Parker’s strategic initiatives.
Leadership and Personnel Management
Supervise and evaluate research leadership personnel (Director of Research, Research Administrator, etc.).
Facilitate professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.
Manage departmental budgets and ensure fiscal accountability.
Represent the research division on the Provost’s Council and institutional committees.
Budgetary Management: The Dean of Research develops and manages the budget necessary to execute the departmental plan and is supported by the Research Administrator in the following:
Develop budgets based on the strategic plan and submit timely requests.
Weekly monitoring of departmental spending to stay within the budget for the fiscal year.
Adhere to Parker University policies for all expenditures.
Manage grant monies consistent with applicable institutional and regulatory requirements.