Associate Director, Research Administration

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.

Lead DIU sponsored Innovating for Defense program

• Serve as the program champion for UF’s Innovating for Defense program and develop a strategy for execution locally at UF and across the state university system (SUS).
• Interface with DIU stakeholders and Program Director and lead program administration.
• Participate in sourcing student projects from National Security stakeholders.
• Interface with student groups to advance innovative products, prototype and concepts.

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