Research faculty appointments are intended to increase the quality and productivity of research programs at the Feinberg School of Medicine by permitting appointment of scholars to the faculty on a non-tenure basis in order to participate in and cooperate with the research efforts of faculty with tenure-track appointments.  Individuals appointed as research faculty should hold terminal degrees and intend to concentrate on research.  They are not subject to teaching responsibilities, though they may participate in the training of students in an area of expertise in which they are uniquely qualified.  They are not eligible for tenure and cannot participate in the governance of the University.  Research faculty do not normally move to positions on the tenure-track faculty, and may do so only in conjunction with a national search.

Appointments as research faculty (as research assistant professor, research associate professor and research professor) designate professional research personnel whose principal duties fall into one of two categories, independent research programs or research support activities.  The principal criterion for promotion of research faculty shall be excellence in the performance of independent research or in research support activities.  The extent and quality of any teaching or service activities shall be taken into account when the research faculty member is evaluated for promotion.  Promotion to research professor requires demonstration of scholarship in addition to the promotion criteria mentioned above.

The portfolio for research faculty promotion will be initiated by the head of the appropriate medical school unit and shall include a current curriculum vitae, a letter of nomination, and external references to review the research faculty member’s achievements.  The portfolio will be evaluated by the Appointments, Promotions and Tenure Committee of the medical school and the dean before being referred to the Vice President for Research of the University for final approval.

Related Links

Ranks and Titles

Terms of Appointment

Secondary Appointment