The authors of this paper discuss selected literature pertaining to the development of research expertise in university lecturers. Subsequent to this discussion, the authors argue that a model is required to pull together the disparate parts of the literature. They propose that this unifying model draw on three key elements or facets: "selective affinity," "maximal grip," and "at the edge of chaos." These facets are aligned with three broad dimensions of giftedness (namely functional, temporal and developmental) as described by Dai and Renzulli (2008) in the context of the development of gifted individuals. The authors conclude the paper by showing illustrations of the unifying model and noting implications for further investigation, theorising, and practice. (Contains 2 figures.)