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Research Chair Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The department chair must be committed to high-quality, student-centered teaching, curricular and pedagogical development, applied research, and faculty mentoring and professional development. The ...

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Research Chair information

What is the difference between Research Chair vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch ChairResearch Scientist
CredentialsDoctorate degree often required, with recognition in the fieldTypically holds a PhD or equivalent
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institution, often with leadership responsibilitiesResearch labs, industry, or academic settings, focused on specific projects
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, research institutesCorporations, government agencies, academia
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership and funding roles in researchFocus on technical research and project contributions

The main difference is that a Research Chair typically holds a leadership position with funding responsibilities and recognition in academia, while a Research Scientist focuses on conducting research and technical work within organizations. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their scope and responsibilities differ significantly.

What is a Research Chair?

A Research Chair is a prestigious academic position awarded to an individual recognized for excellence in research within a specific field. The role typically involves leading research initiatives, securing funding, mentoring junior researchers, and advancing knowledge in their area of expertise. Research Chairs are often appointed by universities or research institutions and may be funded by government programs or private organizations. They play a key role in shaping research priorities and fostering innovation within their institutions.

How does a Research Chair typically balance administrative duties with research leadership responsibilities?

A Research Chair often manages a combination of research, administrative, and leadership tasks. Balancing these can be challenging, as the role requires overseeing research projects, mentoring team members, managing budgets, and sometimes teaching or public outreach. Time management and delegation are key; many Chairs rely on strong support staff and clear communication within their teams. This structure allows them to focus on advancing their field while ensuring the smooth operation of their research program and fulfilling institutional goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Chair, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Chair, you need an advanced academic degree (typically a PhD), a strong research track record, and proven leadership experience in academia. Familiarity with research management systems, grant application platforms, and analytical tools is essential, along with recognized scholarly publications. Exceptional communication, mentorship, and strategic planning skills help drive research teams and foster collaborative environments. These capabilities ensure impactful research, effective team leadership, and sustainable growth in institutional research excellence.
More about Research Chair jobs
What states have the most Research Chair jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Chair jobs include:
Infographic showing various Research Chair job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.
Endowed Chair in Water Research

Endowed Chair in Water Research

Texas State University

San Marcos, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Texas State University rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 532 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Information
Posting Information
Position Title
Endowed Chair in Water Research
Job Posting Number
2026072TTL
Job Location
San Marcos
Department
Office of the Provost and EVPAA
Position Description
Texas State University seeks applications for an endowed chair at the rank of Professor to conduct research on any aspect of water. Texas State University is a leader in water research with strengths in policy, resource management, conservation, and sustainability. Texas State is also home to the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, located on Spring Lake and the San Marco River runs right through campus.
Texas State University hosted a town hall on October 7 to discuss areas of impact for hiring in water research and to bring together the dynamic water research community, which includes more than seventy-five researchers in a range of departments and schools including Physics, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, Biology, Geography and Environmental Studies, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Human Performance, English, History, and Philosophy and Religion.
Texas State University receives a full share of the Texas University Fund (TUF) and plans to invest funds in recruitment and substantial start-up support for strategic hires with established research programs and active external funding in historic and emerging areas of research strength, including water.
We seek to hire dynamic and innovative scholars with an exceptionally strong research record supported by external funding. An applicant's scholarly focus should complement and enhance the water scholarship and teaching strengths of Texas State, such as:
  • Conservation and Sustainable Water Use: Using scientific, technological, and/or policy-based methods to steward water resources.
  • Civil Engineering and Water Infrastructure: Building, upgrading and maintaining drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and other water infrastructure.
  • Water Purification and Treatment: Examining contaminants, treating pollution, and creating reusable water from wastewater through a variety of methods.
  • Aquatic Ecosystem Research: Addressing threatened or endangered species, ecological health, and sustainability within aquatic habitats.
  • Data Science: Representing, analyzing, and combining complex data sets in a variety of formats in relation to water research.
  • Policy, Society, and Public Engagement: Addressing the political, economic, and social dimensions of water resources and cultivating an understanding of water's role in society, history and governance.
  • Archaeology and Environmental History: Examining histories of water use and the relationship between people and aquatic environments across time.
  • Art and Storytelling: Creating and analyzing art that is inspired by and speaks to water and aquatic life.

Responsibilities:
  • Seek external funding and coordinate interdisciplinary grants with both internal and external collaborators.
  • Conduct and publish original research on water.
  • Lead interdisciplinary collaboration with faculty across the university.
  • Develop and maintain an active research agenda.
  • Teach undergraduate and graduate courses on water and related subjects.
  • Mentor and advise students.
  • Contribute to the development of the water curriculum.
  • Participate in service activities at the department, college, and university levels.

The successful candidate will join the department(s) appropriate to their area of scholarly focus. The successful candidate will be expected to bring a research group supported by existing external grants and have the opportunity to negotiate additional hires in related areas to support their research.
Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. or terminal degree.
  • Evidence of a scholarly focus and sustained record of research excellence on water.
  • Evidence of sustained record of excellence in teaching and mentoring students.
  • Evidence of a sustained record of obtaining external funding.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Evidence of activity in organizing conferences and sessions on water.
  • Experience in teaching and mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Experience supporting experiential learning for undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Evidence of community engagement for scholarship and teaching.

Application Procedures
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Only applications submitted through the Texas State University website will be accepted and considered:
https://jobs.hr.txstate.edu/postings/55782For additional information, view the search profile here.
Interested applicants should submit the following materials:
  • A cover letter highlighting scholarly focus, publications, teaching, and external funding.
  • A detailed curriculum vitae.
  • Unofficial transcripts (all in one document).
  • The names and contact information of three references.

The selected candidate will be required to provide official transcripts from all degree granting universities.
Proposed Start Date
Fall 2026 (negotiable)
Posting Date
01/16/2026
Review Date
07/31/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled?
Yes
Legal Notices
Texas State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law in employment, educational programs, and activities and admissions.
Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications.
This position may conduct research on critical infrastructure depending on the research focus of a hire. Consistent with the requirements of the State of Texas, individuals conducting research on critical infrastructure will be subject to pre-employment, and then subsequent routine background checks/cybersecurity screenings. Employment will at all times be contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings in accordance with State and University requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation
If you experience accessibility issues or require alternative formatting during the application process due to a disability or underlying condition, we request that you contact Talent Acquisition for assistance. A representative from Talent Acquisition will respond to you as soon as possible.
Record Checks and Verifications
Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications.
Eligibility for Employment
In accordance with federal law, all new employees must complete the Form I-9 and provide acceptable documentation verifying their identity and authorization to work in the United States. Texas State University participates in E-Verify, and employment is contingent upon the successful verification of work authorization. Employees are required to maintain valid work authorization to satisfy the conditions of Form I9 at all times during their employment and the university makes no implicit or explicit promises to financially support visa or permanent residency applications.
Why Work at Texas State?
Texas State University is a large, student-centered public research institution serving more than 40,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in San Marcos and Round Rock. Classified as a Carnegie Doctoral University with High Research Activity (R2), TXST is actively advancing its ambitious Run to R1 strategy, demonstrating sustained growth in research activity, doctoral education, and scholarly impact.
Faculty at TXST join a vibrant academic community of over 5,000 faculty and staff committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. The university offers a collaborative, supportive environment, and interdisciplinary scholarship. Outstanding faculty are drawn to TXST for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact-advancing research, mentoring a growing student body, and helping shape the future of a rapidly growing research university.
Quick Link
https://jobs.hr.txstate.edu/postings/55782

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