Qualifying as a Principal Investigator

As set forth in Academic Senate policy S18-5, faculty members at SJSU on the tenure-line having the rank of assistant, associate or full professor as described in their letter of appointment are eligible to be a PI on sponsored projects.
Additionally, individuals in the following groups may serve as PI upon approval:

• Faculty Early Retirement Program (FERP),
• Emeriti, temporary (lecturers),
• Adjunct, visiting, and volunteer faculty,
• University or auxiliary employees

To begin the PI status approval process, the employee must complete and submit their request using one of the two forms listed below:

• Principal Investigator (PI) / co-PI Status Request [DocuSign] (if you have an SJSU email address)
• Principal Investigator (PI) / co-PI Status Request [DocuSign] (if you do NOT have an SJSU email address)

The employee's request will need to include:

• the type of grant
• time period
• copy of their current curriculum vitae or resume

When submitted, faculty forms will be automatically routed to the appropriate department  chair and college dean; staff forms will be automatically routed to the appropriate administrator and division vice president. The final decision rests with the associate vice president for the Office of Research. The PI Status Approval Request Form is also available on the Office of Research Forms web page.

Related Topics

Principal Investigator Responsibilities

Academic Senate Policy S18-5 Research, Scholarship, & Creative Activity