Rise 100

Recruiting Innovative Scholars for Excellence

The University of Texas at Arlington’s excellence as a national research university is defined by the success of our faculty and their contributions to our mission.
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UTA President Cowley Announces RISE 100 Initiative

President Cowley is pleased to announce the launch of the first phase of the Recruiting Innovative Scholars for Excellence 100 initiative with a goal of amplifying our research success and positioning UTA to be recognized as a leader in key areas of research.

Hiring Phases

The hiring process will have multiple phases, enabling the hiring of 100 tenure-system faculty, 20-25 non-tenure track research faculty, and 40 postdocs.

Approximately half of the tenure-track positions will build off existing faculty research strengths enabling greater recognition through targeted investment. This growth in faculty will improve the undergraduate experience, enhance graduate education and amplify the impact of research in existing academic programs.

The other half of the tenure-track positions will enable the development of new academic programs and/or existing programs projected to see growth in alignment with workforce demands. This growth in faculty will continue to improve the undergraduate experience, enhance graduate education and amplify the impact of research.

The non-tenure track research faculty and postdocs will support our existing faculty in areas of significant research strength expanding the impact of our faculty.

An important aspect will be our focus on fostering greater collaboration among departments.

Approximately 35 tenure-system faculty searches will commence in the Fall of 2023. The positions selected are based on areas of critical need, aligned with college and university priorities, and enhance research reputation.

Faculty recruitment will be available at all ranks, with individual positions identifying the rank(s) authorized for search. There will be limited opportunities for Target of Excellence Scholars with the highest levels of accomplishment.

This phase uses existing facilities and instrumentation to the greatest extent possible.

Phase 1 hires includes:

10 positions for Targets of Excellence

12 positions for cluster hires in the following areas:

  • Brain Health
  • Community Engaged Research
  • Semiconductors

One position has been allocated to the following departments with critical needs:

  • Architecture
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Earth and Environmental Science
  • Educational Leadership
  • Kinesiology
  • Information Systems and Operations Management
  • Linguistics
  • Nursing
  • Psychology

Our second phase expands UTA's capacity to pursue research priorities defined in our UTA 2030 strategic plan, which will be complete in early 2024. These searches will be authorized to commence in the Fall of 2024. This phase of the hiring plan will include a mix of individual positions and clusters.

Individual Positions

Deans may submit prioritized proposals for consideration beginning November 1 with all submissions to be complete by December 31, 2023.

All proposals should include the following information as a PDF in an email to the respective dean and within a maximum of four pages:

  • Description of the research area for the proposed hire
  • How the proposed hire meets the evaluation criteria
  • Established, specific faculty member(s)/lab(s)/research group or area that would be strengthened through the proposed hire. Summary of current research productivity and grant funding of faculty member(s), lab(s), group, or area, plus potential for future grant funding
  • Peer and aspirational leaders in this discipline (if known)
  • Estimated startup needs, availability of the space (if known)
  • Potential candidates, with links to publicly available CVs or profile information (if known)
  • Intra-campus synergies (where applicable)
  • Proposals should include a brief note or acknowledgment of support from the department chair(s)/supervisor, not included in the page count limit.

Funding decisions will be based on the following criteria, as applicable:

  • Likelihood of further establishing UTA as a leader in the given area of expertise
  • Capacity to grow UTA's scholarship output
  • Potential for transformative and/or translational impact
  • Availability and scale of external funding for research in the specific research area
  • The ability of the new hire to attract (or bring) grant funding at a scale that is commensurate with the area (all reasonable scales will be considered eligible)
  • The ability of the new hire to support doctoral education
  • Ability to house the candidate in existing space

Proposals from across campus will be reviewed and prioritized by the RISE 100 committee. Decisions regarding positions are expected to be made by the end of April 2024.

Cluster Proposals

Clusters typically contain four (4) positions, but can range from 3-6 positions. Clusters advance one of the strategic research themes as part of the UTA strategic plan and are tied to research that is currently at UTA. Clusters are expected to include cross-college clusters developed in collaboration with faculty across the university.

All cluster concepts should include the following information in a PDF format within a maximum of four pages.

  • Description of the research area for the cluster
  • How the proposed cluster meets the evaluation criteria, listed below
  • The colleges that candidates would likely come from
  • Established intra-campus synergies, specific faculty member(s)/lab(s)/research group or area that would be strengthened through the proposed cluster. Summary of current research productivity and grant funding of faculty member(s), lab(s), group, or area, plus potential for future grant funding
  • Peer and aspirational universities that are leaders in this cluster area
  • Estimated startup needs, availability of the space (if known)
  • Note if this cluster would support a new proposed academic program (if applicable)
  • Proposals should include the point of contact for cluster concept communication.

A recommendation to advance to the proposal stage will be based on the following criteria:

  • Likelihood of further establishing UTA as a leader in the given area of expertise
  • Capacity to grow UTA's scholarship output
  • Potential for transformative and/or translational impact
  • Availability and scale of external funding for research in the specific research area
  • The ability of the cluster to attract (or bring) grant funding at a scale that is commensurate with the area (all reasonable scales will be considered eligible)
  • The ability of the cluster to support doctoral education
  • Ability to house the cluster in existing or anticipated to be available space

The RISE 100 committee will review all cluster concepts and select 5-6 for further development into a proposal by early February. The selected teams will be provided with guidance from the VPRI's office on further information needed for the full proposal. The full proposal will be due by March 18th.

The RISE 100 Committee will review the proposals, with input from the college deans. It is anticipated that up to three clusters will be selected by the end of April.

Expectations for Hires

  • The faculty member will support PhD mentorship.
  • The faculty member should be able to attract or bring grant funding, with the scale of funding commensurate with the area of scholarship.
  • The faculty member will further establish UTA as a leader in the given area of expertise.
  • The faculty member, at the rank of Professor, will serve as a leader in building research capacity within UTA.

Our third phase expands UTA's capacity to pursue research priorities defined in our UTA 2030 strategic plan through the addition of 20-25 non-tenure research track faculty. A portion of these searches will be authorized to commence in the Spring of 2024, with the remainder authorized for Fall of 2024.

Faculty recruitment will be available at all ranks on the non-tenure research track. These positions are three-year contracts, with 100% of the position funded in year one, 66% in year two and 40% in year three. The faculty member hired will be expected to bring in extramural funding to support the specified proportion of their salary in years two and three. The position will be eligible for renewal based on performance and the ability to financially sustain the position.

This phase uses existing facilities and instrumentation to the greatest extent possible.

The following colleges have been allocated positions:

  • Engineering (5 positions)
  • Nursing and Health Innovation (5 positions)
  • Science (5 positions)

Other colleges and University Institutes may submit proposals for consideration beginning March 15th. All proposals should include the following information as a PDF in an email to the respective dean of VP of Research and Innovation and within a maximum of four pages:

  • Description of the research area for the proposed hire
  • How the proposed hire meets the evaluation criteria
  • Established, specific faculty member(s)/lab(s)/research group or area that would be strengthened through the proposed hire. Summary of current research productivity and grant funding of faculty member(s), lab(s), group, or area, plus potential for future grant funding
  • Potential candidates, with links to publicly available CVs or profile information (if known)
  • Intra-campus synergies (where applicable)
  • Proposals should include a brief note or acknowledgment of support from the department chair(s)/supervisor, not included in the page count limit.

Funding decisions will be based on the following criteria, as applicable:

  • Availability and scale of external funding for research in the specific research area to sustain the position after the seed funding is complete.
  • Likelihood of further establishing UTA as a leader in the given area of expertise
  • Capacity to grow UTA's scholarship output
  • The ability of the position to support doctoral education
  • Ability to house the candidate in existing space

Proposals from across campus will be reviewed and prioritized by the RISE 100 committee with decisions released by the end of the spring semester.

Overview

The University of Texas at Arlington is dedicating approximately $9M in one-time Regents Research Excellence Program funding to support postdoctoral fellows as Phase 4 of the RISE 100 initiative. This funding will support three cohorts of postdoctoral fellows. Each cohort will include between 8-15 postdoctoral fellows.

Awards will be made to faculty to support the hiring of a postdoc for two years to conduct research in an area of interest to the faculty mentor. Mentors will be expected to develop their protégé’s capability as an independent researcher and scholar who will be competitive for prestigious academic or non-academic opportunities. Awards will support:

  • Salary of up to $55,000 (suggested as a competitive amount)
  • Comprehensive employee benefits
  • A discretionary research, travel, and professional development budget of $5,000 – $10,000 for the 2-year term will be expected from the PI or their department as a cost-share.

Eligibility & Criteria

All tenured and tenure-track faculty who have successfully passed their third year review are eligible to apply. Approvals will preference postdoctoral placements that meet the following criteria:

 

  • Research area aligns with one of the five strategic research areas: Health and the Human Condition, Sustainable Communities, Culture and Societal Transformations, Data-Driven Discovery, and Global Environmental Impact.
  • Faculty mentor has already been successful in securing competitive, external research funding and is poised to move to an even higher level of success with additional support from a postdoc.
  • Faculty mentor (or their department) has adequate resources for the postdoc to have office space, a computer, and access to equipment and supplies as appropriate to the research.
  • Proposed work will lead to a new or greatly expanded funding stream for the faculty mentor.
  • The postdoc position may include an opportunity to engage in teaching. If so, please indicate what the teaching experience is proposed to be. Teaching should be limited to no more than one course per year.
  • Faculty mentor agrees to be accountable for the new position resulting in increased external funding for their research program, including possible continued support for the postdoc position beyond the 2-year "startup" period.
  • Faculty mentor commits to submitting at least one major proposal each year. A major proposal should include at least one fully funded doctoral GRA position and full IDC returns.
  • Faculty mentor commits to providing career-enhancing mentoring through an individual development plan, with 10% of postdoc time available for professional development activities that enhance skills, job market knowledge, and career success.
  • Commitment to funding travel, professional development and providing needed technology such as a computer.

Application Process

To apply for Postdoc Cohort #1, please provide an application letter (3-page maximum) addressing the above criteria and providing the postdoctoral candidate’s resume or, if not know, the eligibility criteria. An application letter template may be found here. These materials should be combined into a single PDF file and emailed to grover@uta.edu with a copy to andrea.thomas2@uta.edu. To receive full consideration, submit your application before 8:00 am on March 4, 2024.

Selection Process

We are currently prioritizing anticipated start dates between June 1 and August 1, 2024 start date for the postdoc. Applications will be reviewed, and awardees will be selected by the Vice President for Research and Innovation in consultation with the Dean of the Graduate School, and relevant Dean(s) or their designee(s). All applicants will be notified of a decision via email by March 12, 2024.

 

 

FAQ

Am I eligible to apply?

The only eligibility criteria is that the applicant must hold a tenure-track or tenured faculty position.

What is the required format of the application?

A single pdf is required that includes a cover letter and either the CV of your top postdoc candidate or your list of criteria. An application letter template has been provided here; however, there is no required format for either the cover letter or CV. It is suggested that your cover letter addresses the four preferential criteria for selection:

  • Research area aligns with one of the strategic initiatives described here.
  • Faculty mentor has already been successful in securing competitive, external research funding and is poised to move to an even higher level of success with additional support from a postdoc.
  • Envisioned work will lead to a new or greatly expanded funding stream for the faculty member.
  • Faculty mentor agrees to be accountable for accomplishing increased external funding for their research program, and for the mentoring and development of their protégé.
  • The source of funding to support travel, professional development and equipment.

Am I required to pre-select my postdoc candidate to apply?

Proposals that have identified a candidate will receive priority, especially if they make a case for the individual’s high potential. However, faculty are eligible to apply without having to pre-select a postdoctoral candidate. If an application does not include a CV, please briefly list what qualifications would be required in a candidate. Upon award notification, the PI will be approved to run a job announcement and advertisement, if needed. Future cohorts will permit the submission of a recruitment plan for consideration as part of the review process.

Is my existing postdoc eligible for funding under the Postdoctoral Hiring Program?

The intent of the postdoctoral hiring program is to grow research expenditures AND the number of postdocs doing research at UTA. Thus, an application for a new postdoc represents a higher priority than one requesting continued support for a current employee.

Is the postdoctoral hiring program for STEM-only fields?

Although one of our goals is to add substantially to the "Science & Engineering Research Staff," including postdocs, the postdoctoral hiring program is not limited to those fields. The postdoc must be research-focused and dedicated to enhancing your productivity and directly increasing your annual research expenditures.

When will the second call for proposals under this program be issued?

Proposals for Cohort #2 will be accepted in Fall 2024.

RISE 100 Faculty Review Committee

The role of the RISE 100 review committee will be to aid in the prioritization of Phase 2 hiring proposals. And aid in the identification of and recruitment of Target of Excellence Scholars.

RISE 100 Faculty Review Committee Membership:

  • Tamara L. Brown, Provost and Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs
  • Kate Miller, Vice President for Research and Innovation
  • Minerva Cordero, Interim Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
  • Andy Milson, Chair of Faculty Senate, Professor of History
  • Peter Crouch, Dean of the College of Engineering
  • Todd Castoe, Associate Dean of Research of the College of Science
  • Chengkai Li, Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, Co-Director for the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Big Data
  • Florence Haseltine, Member of the National Academy of Medicine, Presidential Distinguished Professor of Nursing
  • Daniel Armstrong, ACS Award for Chromatography, Robert A. Welch Distinguished Professor of Chemistry
  • Larry Chonko, UTA Academy of Distinguished Scholars, Professor of Marketing
  • Carla Amaro-Jimenez, UTA Academy of Distinguished Teachers, Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction

Target of Excellence Recruiting

As part of the RISE 100 hiring plan, 10 positions will be held for Target of Excellence Scholars. The purpose of which is to accelerate our success in recruiting highly accomplished full-time tenure-system faculty who will advance UTA's research excellence in alignment with the University's strategic plan. Candidates suitable for consideration are required to meet the highest AAU/Carnegie R1 standards for academic accomplishment, which may be demonstrated by having received a National Council of Research Highly Prestigious Award, as well as contribute to the college's programmatic needs.

  • Requests for Target of Excellence Scholars, should be submitted online.
  • The request should include a written candidate nomination and CV. The written nomination should describe the candidate's background, experience and other qualifications that will advance research excellence at UTA.
    • Colleges and departments will actively work together to identify candidates and make nominations, which will be received by the Provost's Office and reviewed by the RISE 100 committee.
    • The RISE 100 committee may also make nominations which will be reviewed by the provost and sent to college for consideration and response.
  • The RISE 100 committee will review and make a recommendation to the provost on whether Target of Excellence Scholar nominees should move forward to recruitment.
  • Should the nominee be recommended, the Provost's Office will consider the recommendation, including conferring with the College/Unit regarding anticipated space, startup and other resource needs prior to making a determination of whether the recruitment process may proceed.
  • Target of Excellence Scholar nominees will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
    • If an authorized recruitment fails, then the position will be authorized for the next currently awaiting prioritized request.

Submit Ideas

We invite our current faculty to submit ideas on our phase two hiring plans, based on UTA’s strategic research areas, which our committee and leadership will use to help guide them. Note that all hiring requests must be submitted through an Academic Dean for consideration.

Submit an Idea

Questions

Questions on the RISE 100 initiative can be sent to rise100@uta.edu.