Who can be a PI (principal investigator) on a grant?
Per the Faculty Handbook, a principal investigator on a grant must be employed full-time by the University and hold an appointment as assistant professor, associate professor, professor, research scientist/scholar, or senior research scientist/scholar. Exceptions require approval of the Provost, or where appropriate, the dean of the relevant professional school. (In some cases, the Provost or dean may delegate approval to the department chair.) See: Faculty Handbook, item X.B.1.f.
