Associate Director, Research Administration

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director, Research Administration will lead the development of applied research programs aligned with ARNS Lab's core technical areas, including AI-enabled systems engineering, microelectronics and hardware security, space and radiation-tolerant systems, advanced materials, and biosecurity. This role involves translating sponsor priorities into executable research concepts, coordinating faculty engagement for interdisciplinary teams, and supporting early-stage program planning for secure research activities. The position also requires participation in the planning of laboratory physical space and critical technology capabilities. Additionally, the Associate Director will support and lead the development of complex proposals for federal sponsors, provide strategic input on proposal framing and technical narratives, and coordinate proposal timelines with relevant UF offices. Engagement with government sponsors, industry partners, and small businesses to identify collaboration opportunities and shape future programs is also a key responsibility. The role includes supporting the Executive Director in refining the lab's research strategy, defining research priorities, and coordinating with internal UF partners to ensure research programs are executable and compliant. A significant part of the role involves leading the DIU sponsored Innovating for Defense program, including developing a strategy for execution, interfacing with DIU stakeholders, sourcing student projects, and advancing innovative products and concepts.

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Lead development of applied research programs aligned with ARNS Lab core technical areas.
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.
Support and, where appropriate, lead the development of complex, multi-investigator proposals, white papers, RFIs, and concept papers for federal sponsors.
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.
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.
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.
Serve as the program champion for UF’s Innovating for Defense program and develop a strategy for execution locally at UF and across the state university system (SUS).
Interface with DIU stakeholders and Program Director and lead program administration.
Participate in sourcing student projects from National Security stakeholders.
Interface with student groups to advance innovative products, prototype and concepts.