Assistant Director, Research & Business Development

Arizona State University•Tempe, AZ

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Compact X-ray Free-Electron Laser (CXFEL) initiative and ASU X-Beams Labs are seeking a strategic and results-driven professional to support research development, business development, and strategic partnerships. This position will support the continued growth of the CXFEL initiative and X-Beams Labs by identifying and pursuing external research funding opportunities, developing industry and institutional partnerships, and coordinating interdisciplinary research initiatives. The position will work closely with faculty, research teams, university leadership, industry partners, national laboratories, and academic institutions to advance strategic priorities and expand research opportunities. The successful candidate will combine an understanding of advanced scientific research with experience in research development, program management, and external engagement to support the scientific growth, financial sustainability, and commercialization opportunities of the CXFEL initiative and X-Beams Labs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field including two (2) years managerial experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
Progressive experience in research development, business development, technology transfer, or strategic program management in an academic, national laboratory, or high-tech industry setting.
Track record of successful proposal development and capture management for major federal sponsors (DOE, NSF, DOD, etc.).
Ability to build revenue-generating or collaborative partnerships with corporate R&D teams (particularly in microelectronics, quantum, or biotech).
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to technical experts, corporate executives, and funding agency officials.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or closely related fields, or a Business Administration degree with a STEM background.

Responsibilities

Identify and pursue federal funding opportunities across agencies such as DOE, NSF, DOD, and NIH that align with XBEAMS Labs' strategic priorities.
Lead and coordinate the development of complex, multi-investigator and interdisciplinary research proposals, ensuring technical, administrative, and sponsor requirements are met.
Develop and implement multi-year research development strategies in collaboration with faculty, leadership, and external sponsors.
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with industry, national laboratories, government agencies, research consortia, and academic institutions.
Identify opportunities for sponsored research, industry collaboration, technology translation, and commercialization, particularly within the semiconductor and biomedical sectors.
Lead and coordinate cross-functional research teams consisting of faculty, postdoctoral researchers, staff scientists, and external collaborators.
Establish processes for monitoring research activities, project milestones, deliverables, funding opportunities, and program outcomes.
Organize and facilitate workshops, industry roundtables, advisory board meetings, and other strategic engagement activities.
Provide programmatic leadership to support the continued development and growth of the CXFEL initiative and XBEAMS Labs.