A simple model to optimize resource allocations when expanding the faculty research base: A case study

Construction of new biomedical research facilities has outpaced the funding sources for faculty to occupy those facilities. This puts a premium on the efficient allocation of central resources for faculty recruitment. The author developed a mathematical model to determine the optimal structure (dollars, space) for allocating resource packages when recruiting new faculty, based on expected financial returns from those faculty. Surprisingly, the optimal strategy was to allocate homogeneous recruitment packages, independent of the recruited faculty member's rank or the individual's expected revenue generation. Optimization results were used to allocate recruitment packages to new department head and center directors in the University of Arizona College of Medicine during the last four years (2005-2008). At any institution that uses this model, appropriate distribution of facilities and administrative revenues at the institution is needed to equitably balance the costs and benefits associated with faculty expansion.