Associate Director, STEM Proposal Specialist Research Development

About the role

The Associate Director, STEM Proposal Specialist will be a key member of Boston University's central Research Development (RD) team, focusing on enhancing the quality, clarity, and competitiveness of STEM proposals in engineering, physical sciences, computing, and emerging technology domains.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert scientific editing, strategic writing support, and faculty development programming to strengthen proposals for large-scale, multidisciplinary funding opportunities such as NSF Engineering Research Centers, DOE Energy Frontier Research Centers, DoD MURIs, DARPA programs, etc.
• Work in close partnership with the RD program manager for large centers to focus on narrative development, non-technical sections, and faculty readiness, ensuring proposals are compliant, compelling, and cohesive.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (PhD or equivalent experience) in engineering, physical sciences, computing, or a closely related STEM field.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific writing, editing, and proposal development, particularly for federal funding agencies (e.g., NSF, DOE, DoD).
• Experience designing or delivering faculty development programs, workshops, or training initiatives.

Preferred Experience

• Supporting large-scale center proposals (e.g., ERCs, MURIs, EFRCs) or institutional training grants.
• Familiarity with NSF CAREER and other early-career funding mechanisms.
• Experience in a research development or research strategy role within an R1 institution or national lab.
• Understanding of convergence research and team science approaches.

Qualifications

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.