Research Program Associate Director

Universities of Wisconsin•Superior, WI

3d•$82,000 - $88,000

About The Position

The Research Program Associate Director assists with oversight and strategic planning for the Lake Superior Research Institute (LSRI), and may direct a variety of research activities. In partnership with the Research Center Director, the Associate Director develops and implements research priorities, expands external funding, cultivates strategic partnerships, and strengthens the Institute’s portfolio of externally funded research programs. The role supports competitive proposal development, program implementation and performance, and effective management of financial, personnel, and institutional resources. LSRI conducts applied environmental research and provides scientific and technical services addressing environmental challenges, with particular emphasis on the Great Lakes region. Its mission also includes providing undergraduate students with meaningful research and experiential learning opportunities, advancing environmental education, and promoting public engagement. The Associate Director collaborates with research program managers, scientists, university administration, funding agencies, Tribal Nations, governmental organizations, industry, nonprofit organizations, and other partners to develop research opportunities and deliver high-quality scientific outcomes. The position also supports student research, professional development, environmental education, and outreach consistent with LSRI’s mission and UW-Superior’s educational priorities. This is a 100% full-time, 12-month ongoing Academic Staff appointment. The salary range is $82,000–$88,000 annually. The expected start is Spring 2027, with the exact date negotiable based on the selected candidate’s availability. The University does not offer H-1B or other work authorization immigration sponsorship for this position.

Requirements

Master’s degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, aquatic ecology, natural resources, engineering, environmental policy, or a closely related discipline.
At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in environmental research, applied science, research program management, or a related field.
Experience as a principal investigator, co-principal investigator, or research program leader on externally funded projects.
Experience identifying funding opportunities, developing research proposals, securing external funding, and managing or overseeing externally funded projects.
Experience coordinating complex projects, managing competing priorities, and collaborating with scientific, administrative, and external partner organizations.
Knowledge of applied environmental research, scientific program development, and research administration.
Ability to develop and implement strategic plans that create or expand research programs and advance institutional priorities.
Ability to evaluate program performance, financial sustainability, resource requirements, and operational risks.
Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with funding agencies, Tribal Nations, governmental organizations, industry, academic institutions, and community partners.
Ability to lead collaborative teams, supervise personnel, support staff development, resolve problems, and manage competing priorities.
Expert ability to exercise sound judgment, work independently, and make decisions in a dynamic, externally funded research environment.
Ability to collaborate across scientific research, administration, education, and operational functions in a small university setting, with a proven record of coordinating cross-functional initiatives, aligning resources, and achieving shared institutional goals.
Commitment to student research, experiential learning, environmental education, and public engagement.
Valid driver’s license, ability to drive for university business, and ability to meet the criteria for operating state-owned vehicles under Policy 615.
Must be independently and legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization without UW-Superior’s support. UW-Superior does not employ individuals on the STEM OPT extension.
Employment requires a criminal background check. Certain candidates may also be subject to a personnel file review, reference checks regarding employee misconduct, sexual violence, and sexual harassment, and verification of identity and legal work authorization.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in an environmental or natural science discipline or a closely related field.
Sustained record of peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and other significant research accomplishments.
Experience building new research programs, cultivating strategic partnerships, or expanding an organization’s research portfolio.
Familiarity with Great Lakes environmental issues, freshwater science, aquatic ecosystems, water quality, invasive species, pollution prevention, environmental monitoring, or related disciplines.
Experience supporting undergraduate research, internships, workforce development, environmental education, or public outreach.
Experience in a university, research institute, or other organization substantially dependent on extramural funding.

Responsibilities

Manage large research projects for a center or program.
Assist with planning, implementation, and management of strategic initiatives for a center or program.
Serve as Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator for grants related to teaching, research, and/or outreach.
Serve as a unit liaison to internal stakeholder groups to foster cross-unit partnerships regarding research programs and activities.
Consult with project directors and provide technical expertise to research and operational personnel.
Produce works of academic scholarship.
Exercise supervisory authority over at least 2.0 full-time equivalent employees, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked.
Determine unit personnel needs and the unit personnel resource allocation plan.
Collaborate with project directors and clients whose knowledge and expertise vary.
Develop and implement research priorities in partnership with the Director.
Support competitive research proposal development, program implementation and performance, and the management of financial, personnel, and institutional resources.
Cultivate strategic partnerships and expand external funding and the Institute’s externally funded research portfolio.
Support student research, professional development, environmental education, and outreach.
Complete required trainings and professional development as assigned, and perform other duties as assigned.