Associate Director, Research AdministrationJob no: 539629
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Executive/Director/Management, Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support, Grant or Research Administration
Department:11010000 - RE-VP FOR RESEARCH
Classification Title:
Associate Director, Research Administration
Classification Minimum Requirements:
Master's degree in an appropriate area and four years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience.
Job Description:
Research Program Development & Execution- Lead development of applied research programs aligned with ARNS Lab core technical areas, including AI-enabled systems engineering, microelectronics and hardware security, space and radiation-tolerant systems, advanced materials, and biosecurity.
- Translate sponsor priorities and mission needs into executable research concepts and program plans.
- Coordinate faculty engagement across UF to assemble interdisciplinary teams aligned with sponsor-driven opportunities.
- Support early-stage program planning for secure research activities in coordination with security and compliance leadership.
- Participate in planning of the laboratory physical space and critical technology capabilities
Proposal Development & Capture Support- Support and, where appropriate, lead the development of complex, multi-investigator proposals, white papers, RFIs, and concept papers for federal sponsors, including DoD and Intelligence Community partners.
- Provide strategic input on proposal framing, technical narratives, teaming structures, and alignment with sponsor mission priorities.
- Coordinate proposal timelines, inputs, and reviews in collaboration with UF Research, Sponsored Research, and Contracts offices.
- Assist in developing reusable proposal materials, technical capability descriptions, and standard content for ARNS Lab submissions.
Sponsor, Industry, and Partner Engagement- Support engagement with government sponsors, defense primes, and small businesses to identify collaboration opportunities and shape future programs.
- Participate in meetings, briefings, and site visits with external partners as a representative of the ARNS Lab.
- Help structure collaborative research models, including partnerships, consortia, CRADAs, and MOUs, in coordination with ARNS Lab leadership.
- Serve as a bridge between external partners and internal UF research capabilities.
Strategic Planning & Internal Coordination- Support the Executive Director in refining and updating the ARNS Lab's short- and long-term research strategy.
- Assist in defining research priorities, sequencing program growth, and identifying capability gaps.
- Coordinate with internal UF partners (UF Research, Compliance, Security, HR, Communications) to ensure research programs are executable and compliant.
- Contribute to internal planning documents, briefings, and leadership updates.
Expected Salary:
Commensurate with Education and Experience.
Required Qualifications:
Master's degree in an appropriate area and four years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Preferred:
- Experience supporting or managing federally funded research programs, particularly within the national security, defense, or intelligence domains.
- Demonstrated experience with proposal development for DoD, IC, or other federal sponsors.
- Familiarity with applied research environments, systems engineering, or technology transition.
- Experience with DoD or other government contracting mechanisms
- Strong strategic thinking, writing, and communication skills.
- Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, evolving organizational environment.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
In order to be considered, applicants mut provide a cover letter, resume and list of professional references.
A criminal background check is required.
This is not a remote work position, and it is located on the University of Florida's main campus in Gainesville, FL.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
This requisition has been reposted. Previous applicants are still under consideration and need not reapply.
Health Assessment Required:No
Advertised: 31 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 07 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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