Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

The McKelvey School of Engineering is looking for a dynamic and entrepreneurial research development professional to lead research proposal development in engineering, with a particular focus on new interdisciplinary research initiatives informed by the WashU and the School of Engineeringâ™s strategic plan. The primary supervisor of the Senior Research Development Associate (SSRDA) is the Vice Dean of Research in Engineering. In addition, the SSRDA will work collaboratively with a range of faculty leaders, individual faculty, the Research Development Office (RDO), WashUâ™s government relations, and the school of engineeringâ™s industrial liaison, to support the development of multiple complex grant proposals and programs by providing the highest level of service possible. As this is a new position, the SSRDA will work closely with the Vice Dean of Research to identify the key priorities in building out research development services in Engineering.

The SSRDA will initially spend a significant portion of time in direct support of the McKelveyâ™s research centers and in facilitating new capabilities and capacity building. The SRDA will work closely with the McKelvey center directors and team members, as well as with WashUâ™s RDO and the faculty across the institution to support the mission of advancing impactful engineering-related research targeting the greatest challenges facing St. Louis, the nation, and the world.

Job Description

• Provide comprehensive research development services to large teams of principal investigators (PIs) pursuing external research funding; work closely with the Vice Dean of Research on leading the development of large-scale interdisciplinary grant proposals and other strategic institutional programs: obtain competitive intelligence on funding programs, facilitate PI team building and ideation, write and edit proposal sections, and coordinate external review of proposals. Identify additional campus expertise and resources to support the research development process, including cross-campus and external collaborators in areas of scientific expertise, workforce development, and outreach and education, among others.  Assist PIs in the development of the management plan for the project. Provide leadership and develop project strategy and coordination of site visit and follow-up inquiries. Provide comprehensive guidance to faculty and other personnel for the application and a high-impact level of mentorship/expertise to faculty as well as integrated knowledge in project management, science, scientific communication/editing, sponsorsâ™ requirements, and WashU requirements and resources.   Work with McKelvey leadership to design and administer an internal seed grant/planning grant funding program.
• Work with government agencies and private sponsors to understand funding strategies and initiatives and to identify needs and synergies with university researchers in engineering. Develop and maintain relationships with funding agency personnel on behalf of WashU. Work closely with external consultants providing project development support to research faculty identified areas. Analyze data, create tables and reports, review trends, and make data-driven recommendations that contribute to proposal writing, strategic planning, outreach to federal sponsors and partners, and competitive intelligence for upcoming funding opportunities.
• The SRDA will organize and host workshops, seminars, and events to further cultivate and develop focused research teams, lead communication efforts both within and outside the university, and manage staff, postdocs, and graduate students placed under their supervision. Develop training and outreach activities, including workshops for faculty and students wishing to build skills and knowledge in computational and data sciences, and training for improved grantsmanship to targeted programs. Produce content for and lead periodic team development lectures and workshops.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions

• Normal office environment

Physical Effort

• Typically sitting at a desk or table

Equipment

• Office equipment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Master's degree

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Research Development, Managing Large Proposal Teams Seeking $1M Or More (5 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, or scientific and technical writing.
• Experience with federal grants websites and award databases.
• Experience in higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

Developing Or Writing Proposals To Or For Federal, State, Or Private Agencies (5 Years)

Skills:

Agenda Development, Critical Thinking, Deadline Management, Document Creation, Editing Text, Event Planning, Facilitation, Grant Applications, Interpersonal Communication, Large Team Management, Multitasking, Oral Communications, Organizational Savvy, Organizing Seminars, Prioritization, Relationship Building, Scientific Editing, Scientific Writing, Stress Management, Teamwork, Work Collaboratively, Writing, Written Communication

Grade

G14

Salary Range

$75,200.00 - $128,800.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? Weâ™ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the Universityâ™s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment â“ fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

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