Research Engagement Manager

About the role

The Georgia Tech Institute for Matter and Systems (IMS) is seeking a Research Engagement Manager to help build partnerships that advance groundbreaking research, workforce development, and innovation. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys connecting people, ideas, and opportunities across academia, industry, government, and philanthropy. As a member of the IMS team, you'll work alongside leading researchers and faculty to identify emerging opportunities, cultivate strategic partnerships, and communicate the value of Georgia Tech's research strengths to external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with faculty, researchers, and staff to develop a strong understanding of IMS research capabilities, emerging initiatives, workforce programs, and shared facilities.
• Identify opportunities where IMS expertise can align with industry, government, foundation, or philanthropic needs.
• Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships that support sponsored research, collaborative projects, education initiatives, and workforce development programs.
• Work with faculty and leadership to shape partnership strategies and position IMS for new funding and collaboration opportunities.
• Develop engagement materials, presentations, and briefings that communicate the impact and potential applications of IMS research.
• Coordinate with partners across Georgia Tech, including corporate engagement, research development, sponsored programs, commercialization, and advancement teams.
• Track partnership activities, proposals, funding opportunities, and outcomes, and provide strategic updates to leadership.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives that have the potential to grow into large-scale research programs and centers.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five or more years of experience in research development, academic research, industry R&D, corporate engagement, technology partnerships, government research programs, or a related field.
• Ability to develop a high-level understanding of scientific and engineering research across a wide range of disciplines.
• Demonstrated success building relationships with researchers, technical professionals, organizational leaders, and external stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Experience advancing projects and partnerships from concept through implementation.

Preferred:

• Experience working in a research university, national laboratory, government research organization, or technology-focused company.
• Experience developing university-industry partnerships and collaborative research programs.
• Familiarity with sponsored research, intellectual property, technology transfer, government funding, and philanthropic engagement.
• Experience supporting interdisciplinary teams, proposals, or large-scale initiatives.
• Advanced degree or equivalent professional experience in science, engineering, business, public policy, or a related field.

Benefits

At IMS, you'll have the opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge research, industry engagement, and innovation. You'll help connect Georgia Tech researchers with partners who can accelerate discovery, advance technology, develop talent, and create real-world impact.