Who can serve as a PI?
All faculty (tenured, tenure-track, research and clinical) are eligible to be Principal Investigators. Others requesting to submit proposals as the principal investigator for the first time must obtain special approval. There are two separate PI approvals needed 1) Proposal and Project Lead and 2) IRB - Human Subjects. Proposal and Project Lead requests are reviewed and approved by the Senior Director of Sponsored Program Services. IRB - Human Subject requests are reviewed and approved by the Associate Vice President for Research, Regulatory Affairs. Requests for approval should be communicated early in the process. This will allow time to review the situation for the appropriate approval. Blanket approval should only be requested for staff in regular positions where serving as PI is part of the position duties and responsibilities. PI approval in most cases will only be granted to individuals in paid appointments.
Non-Faculty Approved for PI Status
Authorization for Non-Faculty PI Status
To obtain authorization for any non-faculty staff member a request (https://form.jotform.com/90016242223139) must be submitted and approved by the Department Head. The request must also contain the following information:
- Name and username of Staff for whom the authorization is being requested
- Reason or justification the Staff member should be authorized to submit
- Individual’s staff classification
- Individual’s credentials (CV must be attached)
Requests should also answer the following questions:
- Is the request for 1) Proposal / Project Lead or 2) IRB - Human Subjects - Select one or both
- Is the request for a "blanket" authorization, for specific types of proposals, or for a specific proposal?
- Will graduate students be involved in the projects and who will provide supervision?
- Has space been allocated for the project?
Once approved by the Department Head the request will be sent to the following:
- Senior Director, Sponsored Program Services
- Associate Vice President for Research, Regulatory Affairs
Once PI status is obtained, insure you are familiar with what is expected for the Role as Principal Investigator
