Associate Director, STEM Proposal Specialist Research Development

Boston University • Boston, MA

20d

About The Position

The Associate Director, STEM Proposal Specialist will be a key member of Boston University's central Research Development (RD) team, focused on elevating the quality, clarity, and competitiveness of STEM proposals across engineering, physical sciences, computing, and emerging technology domains. Reporting to the Director of Research Development, this role will provide expert scientific editing, strategic writing support, and faculty development programming to strengthen proposals for large-scale, multidisciplinary funding opportunities (e.g., NSF Engineering Research Centers, DOE Energy Frontier Research Centers, DoD MURIs, DARPA programs, etc.). Working in close partnership with the RD program manager for large centers, the STEM Proposal Specialist will focus on narrative development, non-technical sections, and faculty readiness, ensuring proposals are not only compliant, but 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert scientific editing, strategic writing support, and faculty development programming to strengthen proposals for large-scale, multidisciplinary funding opportunities.
• Focus on narrative development, non-technical sections, and faculty readiness for proposals.
• Ensure proposals are compliant, compelling, and cohesive.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree