Research Program Associate Director

University of Wisconsin Stout•Superior, WI

About The Position

The Research Program Associate Director assists with oversight and strategic planning for the Lake Superior Research Institute (LSRI), and may help direct research activities. In partnership with the Research Center Director, the Associate Director helps develop and implement research priorities, expand external funding, cultivate strategic partnerships, and strengthen the Institute’s portfolio of externally funded research programs. The role supports competitive research 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, particularly in the Great Lakes region. Its mission also includes undergraduate research and experiential learning, environmental education, and 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 and professional development, environmental education, and outreach in keeping with LSRI’s mission and UW-Superior’s educational priorities. The successful candidate will bring scientific credibility, research program leadership, funding development experience, sound financial and organizational judgment, and the ability to translate institutional priorities into sustainable research programs. The role is a 100% full-time, 12-month ongoing Academic Staff appointment. The anticipated starting period is Spring 2027, with the exact date negotiable based on the selected candidate’s availability.

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.
Proven skill in developing and maintaining 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.
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 record of coordinating cross-functional initiatives, aligning resources, and achieving shared goals.
Commitment to student research, experiential learning, environmental education, and public engagement.
Ability to drive for university business and meet the criteria for operating state-owned vehicles.
Valid driver’s license and eligibility to operate state-owned vehicles.
Must be independently and legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization without UW-Superior sponsorship or assistance.

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

Assist with oversight and strategic planning for the Institute and its research programs.
Help develop and implement research priorities, expand external funding, cultivate strategic partnerships, and strengthen the portfolio of externally funded programs.
Support the development of competitive research proposals and oversee program implementation and performance.
Promote effective management of financial, personnel, and institutional resources.
Manage large research projects for a center or program.
Plan, implement, and manage 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 related to 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 FTE employees, including personnel actions and management of conduct and performance.
Determine unit personnel needs and personnel resource allocation plans.
Collaborate with project directors and clients with a range of knowledge and expertise.
Work 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 scientific outcomes.
Support student research, professional development, environmental education, and outreach.
Complete required trainings and professional development; perform other duties as assigned.