Independent Research

Criteria for appointment and promotion; tenure-ineligible

A doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent) and at least two years post- doctoral training in an area of study appropriate to the duties detailed in the letter of offer. A detailed position description or letter of offer with expectations is critical to establish criteria for promotion.  Time allocation: Majority of time devoted to research activity.

Academic general faculty who hold professorial rank at the level of assistant professor are generally eligible for promotion upon completing the sixth year of their appointment. A consistent record of excellence in the expectations outlined in the offer letter.

Documented excellence in research:

• Research: Recognition by scientific peers for original and independent investigation and by external funding. Substantial and critical contributions in team or collaborative science projects (with funded effort on external grants). Development of intellectual property are also recognized.

Scholarship: Publication, preferably as first or corresponding author, of original substantive work in high quality peer-reviewed journals. For team science, publications as middle author with significant contribution in collaborative projects are also recognized. Award of patents

Reputation: Developing regional and national reputation in scientific affairs by active and ongoing participation in symposia, professional society programs, and supported by letters from internal and external referees.  Exemplary demonstration of the UVa Health System’s ASPIRE values.

Service: Contribution in service to the department, School of Medicine, Health System, University, and/or to professional boards and organizations.

Academic general faculty who hold professorial rank at the level of associate professor are generally eligible for promotion upon completing the sixth year of their appointment. Sustained record of excellence, the demonstration of substantial scholarship, and achievement of national/international recognition.

Sustained excellence in research:

• Research: Recognition by peers as a premier investigator; continuation of productive, independent and original investigation and sustained external funding with substantial effort and funding of competitive peer-reviewed research projects. Substantial and critical contributions in team or collaborative science projects (with funded effort on external grants). Development of intellectual property are also recognized.

Scholarship: Sustained publication, preferably as first or senior author of original substantive work in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. For team science, publications as middle author with significant contribution in collaborative projects are also recognized. Award of patents.

Reputation: Established national and international reputation for research contributions supported by letters from external referees, and indicated by: invited lectureships, service on grant review panels, editorial boards of journals recognized in the faculty member’s field, or national/international advising boards, or leadership in professional societies governing boards.  Exemplary demonstration of the UVa Health System’s ASPIRE values.

Service: Contribution in service to the department, School of Medicine, Health System, University, and/or to professional boards and organizations.