Research Program Analyst-EOSL-Open Rank (Entry-Junior Level)

Overview:

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry. GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.   

Georgia Tech's Mission and Values

Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do: 

1. Students are our top priority.
2. We strive for excellence.
3. We thrive on diversity.
4. We celebrate collaboration.
5. We champion innovation.
6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.
7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community.
8. We act ethically.
9. We are responsible stewards.

Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.

Project/Unit Description

As one of eight GTRI laboratories, the Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory (EOSL) focuses on optical systems engineering research for sponsors across the Department of Defense. Additionally, the EOSL research portfolio includes lidar; sensing and seekers; photonic devices and microelectronics; and survivability-related modeling, simulation, and analysis for multi-spectral applications.

The EOSL has over 150 researchers and staff, with three main divisions: the Electromagnetic Warfare & Survivability Modeling & Simulation Division, the Electro-Optical Infrared Systems Division, and the Photonics & Microelectronics Division.

Job Purpose

The Research Program Analyst may serve as a co-Project Director or Task Lead and plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth execution of technical government programs, overseeing all stages from initiation to closeout. This involves the development of comprehensive project plans, meticulous coordination of resources, and diligent monitoring of program budgets. A key responsibility is serving as the primary (or alternate) point of contact for sponsors, facilitating clear communication between the sponsor and the project stakeholders, and managing expectations.

Furthermore, the analyst contributes to financial management by providing detailed reports and validating expenditures, ensuring projects remain on track. In higher-level positions, the role may also include assisting in business development, identifying funding opportunities, and contributing to research proposals, demonstrating a blend of project management and technical research work.

Ultimately, the Research Program Analyst is instrumental in driving project, task order, or IDIQ level success and fostering strong relationships with sponsors and research teams.

Key Responsibilities

• 1. Project Management and Oversight:
  • Works closely with a senior Research Program Manager who provides oversight, direction, and mentorship.
  • Directs low-risk, low-complexity technical government programs or portions of larger programs.
    • This includes overseeing technical performance, technical deliverables, schedule and cost for each project.
  • Ensure availability of required resources, including engineering expertise, manpower, production, computer infrastructure, research security, and facilities.
  • Serve as the primary (or alternate) sponsor contact for program information inquiries.
    • This requires adept ability to interface with GTRI technical project leads as well as government technical personnel.
  • Must be able to understand complex engineering concepts and to effectively communicate them to a variety of audiences. Must understand complexities related to managing classified projects and be able to deconflict as necessary.
  • Coordinate schedules, briefing materials, minutes, and logistics associated with project meetings.
  • In coordination with the Project Management Office, provide purchasing support and inventory management for projects.
  • Coordinate logistics and scheduling for project activities.
• 2. Financial Management:
  • Maintain pr