Accelerating Research Translation Project Director

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $62,300 - Midpoint: $81,000 (Salaried E10)

Department/Organization: 702109 - Innovation & Commercialization

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for hyrbid work subject to University policy .

Job Summary: The Accelerating Research Translation Project Director translates needs to technical requirements, communicates with stakeholders, and coordinates teams of business leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, faculty, and students. Defines project goals, aligns goals to project budget, and tracks project performance. May supervise project personnel and/or technical personnel.

Additional Department Summary: The Accelerating Research Translation Project Director will direct and manage the activities of a federally funded project, NSF’s ART (Accelerating Research Translation) Program. The project aims to accelerate the capacity for translational research at The University of Alabama, while strengthening its role in innovation in a flourishing regional ecosystem. A main objective is to foster innovation and entrepreneurial culture on campus to increase technology commercialization that is supported by training and university led private-public partnerships. The activities of the project will result in increasing the number of inventors, patents, licenses, startups, and other forms of technology commercialization, generating high-quality jobs, fostering U.S. global competitiveness, and strengthening the U.S. economy. Training programs will foster growth of globally competitive and diverse research workforce and advance scientific and innovation skills. This role spans a broad spectrum of responsibilities encompassing project direction and coordination, leadership administrative duties, financial management, educating and training entrepreneurs, and overall program support. The PD will lead in the management of a diverse range of duties including directing and coordinating weekly meetings, directing and overseeing daily project activities, creating and preparing meeting agendas, and preparing and generating progress reports. Additionally, the PD will fulfill other essential responsibilities, such as strategically planning seminars and training workshops, collaborating closely with co-PIs, senior personnel, and outside federal, business, and scholarly partners. Furthermore, this role entails fulfilling all the reporting prerequisites mandated by NSF. Close collaboration with the contract and grant administrator is pivotal for the disbursement of award funds and meticulous budget tracking. The Accelerating Research Translation Project Director will report to the Project Principal Investigator. Specific responsibilities will include: Directing and coordinating ART project activities to ensure the project’s goals and objectives are met. Directing and coordinating with the mentoring institution and partners to steer research projects toward research translation. Evaluate project performance and prepare relevant project reports to various stakeholders. Direct data collection and management to ensure project data collection and management are performed according to the Data Management Plan required by NSF. Direct the design, implement, and maintain the project’s website, marketing, and social media. Liaise with UA’s Office for Sponsored Programs, Contract & Grant Accounting, Business partners and NSF as well as other relevant departments and units on and off campus. Promote culture change toward research translation.

Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in a STEM field, business, research, or related field and five (5) years of research experience; OR Ph.D. in a STEM field, business, research, or related field and three (3) years of research experience Experience with NSF I-CORPs training program. Experience in working at a higher education institution setting. Working knowledge of UA policies and procedures as they apply to funded educational and research programs. Demonstrated ability to embrace rapid technological changes. Familiarity with the federal progress report forms and guidelines and the ability needed to produce drafts of progress reports.

Skills and Knowledge: Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally and effectively with a variety of individuals and groups including faculty, staff, students, partners, and participants. Evidence of the development of productive collaborative partnerships between industry and university. Organizational and time management skills sufficient to prioritize multiple tasks, keep materials in order, track various projects, maintain accurate records, and schedule meetings. Ability to multitask, work independently, and meet deadlines. Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment based on changing priorities and frequent interruptions. Demonstrated effective supervisory skills. Experience in training technology commercialization and startup is a plus. Has a team-oriented experience and approach to fostering professional relationships. Performs duties at the highest level possible consistently. Demonstrates the ability and temperament to work with sensitive and confidential information. Ability to think outside of the box to keep tasks and critical items moving forward. Self-awareness and ability to keep calm and productive under stress. Ability to bring innovative suggestions forward that will impact the team, partners, and organization positively.

Preferred Qualifications: Project Management Certificate.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster