Associate Director, Research Administration

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL) – Full-time staff position

About the Role

Lead development and execution of applied research programs at the ARNS Lab, focusing on core technical areas such as AI-enabled systems engineering, microelectronics and hardware security, space and radiation-tolerant systems, advanced materials, and biosecurity.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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, prototypes, and concepts.

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.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.