Research Program Manager - Materials Research Laboratory at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois

Job Description:

Research Program Manager


Materials Research Laboratory


The Grainger College of Engineering


University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign


The Materials Research Laboratory (MRL) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an opening for a Research Program Manager to develop and lead the education, outreach, and professional development efforts of large research centers housed within the MRL. We invite individuals who excel in a fast-paced setting, are comfortable working independently as well as collaboratively within a team, and show a strong dedication to their work. To learn more about the MRL, please visit us online at https://mrl.illinois.edu/ .



DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage education activities required by grant agencies including summer research experience for undergraduate students. Organize workshops for MRL research teams of faculty, post-docs, and graduate students on topics such as science communication, public engagement, and best practices in STEM outreach.


• Lead design, management, implementation, and evaluation of outreach, education, and professional development activities such as curriculum development, module development, and science outreach activities, as well as the design of evaluation programs. Work with faculty, departments, and other units to develop new outreach and professional development efforts and provide improvements to existing programs. Create and manage content and curricular materials for educational programs for external audiences and community engagement activities for diverse public audiences. Manage engagement of faculty, students, and staff involved for organizational and logistical decisions for all outreach activities.

• Implement a Diversity Strategic Plan to recruit, retain, and advance students underrepresented in STEM. Travel occasionally for recruitment and other grant mission-related tasks. Manage activities related to Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) grant partners.


• Assist with annual grant reports, summaries, and renewals as required by grant agencies. Make recommendations for budgets related to Outreach and Educational activities and ensure that programs stay within budget. Track outreach and education participation within the center. Assist with re-competition proposals.


• Manage scientific engagement, including suggesting scientific visitors, helping with training activities, and assisting with scientific workshops.

• Work with Illinois I-STEM to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of materials developed; ensure program leads have information to make informed, data-driven decisions for content creation. Analyze data from past programs to evaluate impact for future outreach and education. Manage the collection of data for outreach/education projects and participate in data analysis and center reporting activities.


• Assume other appropriate related outreach activities to further the mission of the laboratory, including extending selected educational, outreach, and diversity-related opportunities to the Materials Research Laboratory and the broader campus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS


Bachelor's degree in engineering or a field related to the position.


A total of three (3) years (36 months) in education, training and/or work experience in research administration and or project management. (Note: Master's degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience).


Demonstrated experience working with federally funded scientific and engineering programs (such as physics, chemistry, math, computer science, and materials science).


Possession of Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance (SPaRC) series certification, or enrollment with active progression, within the probationary period.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Engineering, Physical Science, Mathematics, or a field related to the position.


• 3-5 years of experience working in a technical field, with at least two years with research administration/project management responsibilities.


• Track record of establishing cooperative relationships with internal and external colleagues and collaborators from academia, government, and industry.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Proficient in Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Google Drive and Slack.


• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.


• Excellent oral communication skills.


• Ability to organize meetings, schedules, and events.


• Ability to follow multiple detailed directions of various protocols and meet deadlines.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality.


• Strong organizational, planning, problem solving and project management skills.


• Ability to work independently and creatively.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION


This is a full-time Civil Service Program Coordinator position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $75,000 - $90,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy .



APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION


Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on January 13, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references as a single PDF . In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Summer Redman at sredman@illinois.edu . For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .


Requisition ID: 1028284
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
Apply Now