Lead Researcher/Principal Investigator Eligibility
Lead Researcher/Principal Investigator (LR/PI) is a role in which an individual leads a research protocol that is reviewed, approved, and overseen by UCI’s Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Human Stem Cell Oversight Committee (hSCRO), or Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC).
Any UCI employee who is eligible to be a Principal Investigator may serve as PI in ZOT IRB.  Enrolled students and UCI employees who are not eligible to be a Principal Investigator may only serve as PI in ZOT IRB under the oversight and guidance of a Faculty Advisor (formerly referred to as Faculty Sponsor).
Eligibility Table
| Appointment/Affiliation | Principal Investigator Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Academic Senate Members | Yes (regular or emeritus status) |
| Adjunct Professor Series | Yes, if salaried at 50% or more. If less than 50%, Faculty Advisor is required. (1) |
| Health Science Clinical Professor Series | Yes, if salaried at 50% or more. If less than 50%, Faculty Advisor is required. (1) |
| Professional Research Series | Yes, if salaried at 50% or more. If less than 50%, Faculty Advisor is required. (1) |
| All other Academic Appointments and Staff Titles | Only with a Faculty Advisor. (1) |
| Enrolled UCI Students | Only with a Faculty Advisor. (1) |
(1) The Faculty Advisor must be eligible to be a Principal Investigator.