Introduction and Purpose:
Research staff positions are classified into three categories: 1) Research Faculty; 2) Center Directors, and 3) Other Research Professionals (e.g. Post-Doctoral Research Associates, Research Scientist, Research Engineer).
Authority:
The Vice Chancellor of Research is responsible for maintaining this policy.
University Policy:
Research Faculty: The non-tenurable Research Faculty positions are: Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor, Research Professor, and Distinguished Research Professor. Individuals holding Research Faculty positions, encompassing four distinct classifications, are assigned to a host department within either the Lance College of Mines and Engineering or the College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies. In this capacity, they adhere to the established departmental standards of the host department with allowances for the enhanced research and reduced instructional requirements, and work under the direction of the sponsoring faculty researcher (Principal Investigator, PI) and Department Head. Their duties, performance, and responsibilities are also subject to general oversight by the college Dean and the Provost to ensure alignment with the academic and research objectives of the respective college. When institutional needs and goals allow, Research Faculty may be assigned to teach a maximum of six credits hours per year.
The Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR) role in oversight to ensure that individuals' research activities are consistent with the policies of the Office of Sponsored Research and the terms of applicable sponsored research agreements. The VCR's oversight ensures that these standards are maintained, working collaboratively with the Deans and the Provost to foster a thriving academic and research environment.
University Research Center Directors: University Research Centers at Montana Tech are established by Board of Regents (BOR) Policy 218 - Institutional Organization (mus.edu), and are recognized institutional organizations, as listed on BOR Policy 218.5 (mus.edu). Establishment of new University centers must undergo both campus and BOR review, per Policy 218. University Research Center Directors report to the Vice Chancellor of Research, with the Vice Chancellor of Research serving as hiring authority. In the appointment of a Center Director, the VCR will consult other campus constituents and the Chancellor; the Provost will approve appointments that involve tenure-track or research faculty.
Other Research Personnel: Montana Tech will employ, as needed, research personnel on contract work funded by state, federal, and private agencies. These contracts will be limited term, non-tenured, and subject to renewal based on the continued availability of funding. The Chancellor, Provost, Vice Chancellor of Research (VCR), and Directors of Human Resources and Sponsored Programs are signatories on these appointments. Research personnel will generally not have teaching or advising responsibilities within the scope of their contract, unless approval is obtained following the procedures corresponding to this policy. Research Personnel will be assigned to a host department within (a) the Lance College of Mines and Engineering, (b) the College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies, or (c) BOR approved research center listed in Policy 218 - Institutional Organization (mus.edu). Students enrolled in greater than a half-time credit load in their degree program are ineligible for these positions, but may be eligible for other forms of student employment.
Internal control: This policy has been approved subject to the Policy on Policies.
Please note that there is a detailed procedure associated with this policy.
Signed by Chancellor Les P. Cook, 09/10/2024