Understand PI Eligibility
At the University of Utah, Principal Investigator (PI) status is a privilege granted to individuals who meet specific qualifications and appointment requirements.
PI eligibility is defined in the Research Handbook and University policy and ensures that those directing sponsored projects have the appropriate expertise, accountability, and institutional connection required to manage externally funded research.
Who May Serve as a PI
Individuals holding regular or career-line faculty appointments may be designated
as a PI by their department chair with approval from the dean. Faculty members granted
PI status are responsible for the intellectual and logistical direction of their research
and scholarship, including the training and supervision of graduate students and postdoctoral
fellows.
In addition to regular and career-line faculty, individuals holding "Director" titles
within the University are also eligible to serve as PIs.
PI eligibility is restricted to those with ongoing, full-time appointments because PIs must maintain direct accountability to the University, to the sponsor, and to applicable regulatory bodies.
Who is Not Automatically Eligible
Individuals appointed as:
- Research Associates
- Postdoctoral Fellows
- Graduate Students
are not automatically eligible to serve as PIs unless the sponsor's program is specifically designed for such applicants (e.g., fellowships). In these cases, an eligible faculty member must provide appropriate oversight.
PI Eligibility by Exception
Individuals who do not automatically meet standard PI eligibility criteria may request approval to serve as PI. Approval may be granted by the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR). See PI Eligibility Waiver Request
PI Responsibilities
Although the University is the legal recipient of sponsored awards, PIs carry primary responsibility for the successful execution of funded projects. PI responsibilities include:
- Ensuring expenditures align with sponsor requirements, University policies, and federal regulations
- Overseeing all regulatory approvals (e.g., IRB, IACUC, IBC/Recombinant DNA)
- Completing all required technical, progress, and final reports
- Supervising all project personnel, consultants, and subcontractors
- Managing scientific, financial, and administrative aspects of the award
While administrative tasks may be delegated, the PI remains ultimately responsible for all aspects of the project.
Multiple PI (MPI) Projects
To support multidisciplinary and team-based approaches, the National Institutes of
Health (NIH) allows multiple PIs to share leadership on a single award.
In an MPI structure:
- Each PI shares responsibility and authority for the project as an equal partner
- Accountability is not diminished for any individual PI
- One PI is designated as the Contract PI for communications with the sponsor
