Job Description

About Brown

Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world. Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more.

About the Opportunity

The Assistant Director, Research Development (School of Engineering and Physical Sciences) is a member of the Research Strategy and Development team (RSD) within the Division of Research. The purpose of RSD is to catalyze creative scholarship by empowering individuals and teams to lead strategic research endeavors with global impact.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Research Development, the Assistant Director, in coordination with senior leadership within the units, will support the research goals of faculty of the School of Engineering and the Departments within the Physical Sciences, including Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences.

Faculty relationship management: establish collaborative relationships with faculty who are eligible to submit federal funding proposals; reach out to new faculty to provide guidance on a career in research; support current individual faculty proposals; learn about faculty research agendas in assigned portfolio, and identify potential funding targets.

Proposal development: provide research development support and coaching for proposals in assigned disciplines; identify federal funding opportunities, assist in the writing of non-technical components; develop broader impacts, community engagement, and recruitment strategies by liaising with other offices and community partners.

Institutional relationships: support the RSD leadership in building and strengthening relationships with mission-driven agencies, such as NASA, DoD and DoE and their affiliate laboratories.

Technical workshops: assist in the creation of workshops, support and coaching for faculty research and teaming; focus on skills such as NSF proposal writing, broader impacts, proposal writing for mission-driven agencies.

Job Qualifications

Education and Experience

Graduate degree in the physical sciences, engineering, or related field required: PhD preferred.
At least 5+ years of related experience in a university, federal agency, or research institute.
Experiential knowledge (proposal writing, program management, agency experience) of federal funding agencies (NSF, NASA, DoD, DoE) required.

Job Competencies

Microsoft and Google suite tools; competent with spreadsheets and databases.
Ability to work independently, coordinating and prioritizing multiple projects.
Strong organizational and customer service skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex health research concepts for non-technical components of a grant.