"Director of Research and Institutional Programs - Critical Materials Crossroads, 74473"

Hiring Department

The department of Critical Materials Crossroads (CMC) in the Office of Strategic Innovation (OSIN) and the University of Kansas City-Missouri (UMKC).

Job Description

The Director of Research will co-lead, manage, coordinate and participate in the technical vision, strategy and implementation of Critical Materials Crossroads (CMC) solutions. Economic- and proposal development are expected as enabling implementations. The position reports directly to the Vice Chancellor of Strategic Initiatives and works synergistically with the other Directors of the CMC Team.

Directing includes:

• In-depth analysis of all chemical processes as part of techno-economic analysis and feasibility assessments, both at the low-TRL and high-TRL maturation levels.
• Lead assessor for Process flow design and Front-End Engineering Design for all chemical manufacturers partnering with the CMC.
• Provides chemistry and chemical engineering support to business partners where appropriate.
• Assigning research priorities.
• Leading CMC programmatic Integration with National Laboratories.

Co-leading includes:

• Oversees all technical components of the CMC Proposal Program, providing scientific writing and review for all grants and other funding mechanisms.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of funding solicitations (RFPs/FOAs) to deconstruct complex requirements into actionable checklists, compliance matrices, and writing outlines.
• Provide primary writing for all chemistry components, supports other technical writing, and review proposal drafts against the solicitation's rubric to identify gaps in logic or responsiveness before the proposal reaches the final review stage.
• Integrates other specialists into non-chemistry related technical components or proposals.
• Assist faculty in translating complex scientific information into value propositions clear to corporate R&D leads and foundation boards.

Technical oversight of economic development packages

• Develop relationships and long-term teaming agreements with potential partners.
• Integrates chemical manufacturing partners with KCEDC/KCADC and other appropriate economic development agencies.
• Provides expertise and support to regional economic development agencies.

Oversight of all technology related subawards from the CMC to partner organizations.

• Collects data and metrics of subawards and CMC partners in the chemical processing space.
• Integrates metrics into Critical Materials Exchange.
• Provides metrics and initial analysis to internal evaluators.
• Prepares progress reports, dashboard data, and summaries to CMC leadership.

NOTE: This position is 100% grant funded and contingent on continued funding.

NOTE: This position may require travel.

Minimum Qualifications

A Master's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 7 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Ability to gain and maintain a United States security clearance at the Secret level or higher.

Preferred Qualifications

Strongly Preferred Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• At least 9 years of experience in Chemistry with a focus on economic development, research, process flow design and grant writing, proposal development, or technical communication, or a combination thereof.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with National labs, corporate sponsors, and economic development agencies.
• Strong ability to write for diverse audiences (scientific, corporate, lay public).
• Knowledge of federal innovation programs (e.g., NSF TIP, I-Corps, SBIR/STTR).
• Practical experience with chemical metallurgy.

Anticipated Hiring Range

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $95,000 to $120,000 annually. Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: 14

University Title: DIRECTOR RESEARCH AND INSTITUTE PROGRAMS

To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Deadline

Open until filled, for best consideration apply by February 15, 2026