Research Professional Faculty Leveling Project reaches implementation

From: Office of Research and Innovation

Effective July 27, 2026, Virginia Tech will begin implementation of the new Research Professional Faculty classification structure. This will mark a significant milestone in a multi-year initiative to strengthen career opportunities, improve classification consistency, and enhance support for the university’s research enterprise.

Over the past two years, the Office of Research and Innovation has partnered with the Provost's Office, Division of Human Resources, and representatives from colleges, institutes, and research unit across the university to design a job architecture that better reflects today’s research workforce.

The new structure replaces the previous research associate and research scientist rank framework with a consistent classification model that organizes positions by specialization and career level based on the essential functions, scope, complexity, expertise, and accountability of the position. It is designed to support career development, improve workforce planning, and provide greater consistency in recruitment and position management across the university.

What employees can expect

Implementation of the new structure does not change an employee’s appointment, working title, benefits, or salary. Position classifications have been determined using a consistent methodology focused on the work performed by the position.

The new framework provides:

• Clearly defined Research Professional Faculty career levels and specializations
• Standardized job profiles and qualifications
• Improved career pathing and workforce development resources
• Reliable external market data to better inform future compensation decisions
• Greater consistency in recruiting and classifying research positions across the university

Over the coming weeks, supervisors will begin meeting with Research Professional Faculty employees to discuss their positions’ assigned classifications. Supervisors and area HR representatives will be available to answer questions about the new structure.

Resources

Additional resources are available on the Research Professional Faculty website, including:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Research Professional Faculty Job Catalog
• Position structure and specializations
• Implementation resources for employees and supervisors
• Faculty Handbook, Chapter 6

Employees with questions are encouraged to speak with their supervisor, HR representative, or contact the Office of Research and Innovation human resources (ovpr-hr@vt.edu) for additional information and resources.

The Office of Research and Innovation recognizes and appreciates the contributions of the many stakeholder groups whose collaboration and feedback helped shape this important initiative.