Associate Director, Research Administration

Classification

Associate Director, Research Administration

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
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

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

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