Assistant Director for Research

Job Posting Title:

Assistant Director for Research

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Hiring Department:

Molecular Biosciences

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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Job Details:

General Notes
Strategically lead the grants team in the Department of Molecular Biosciences (MBS) in the College of Natural Sciences (CNS). The Department of Molecular Biosciences is a leader in research and education spanning molecular, microbial, cellular, developmental, chemical, plant, structural and systems biology. We are a large department with a broad range of science, faculty, students, staff, and researchers who work together to generate discoveries that change the world.

There are many benefits to working at UT-Austin and the Department of Molecular Biosciences that include:
● 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
● Retirement contributions
● Paid vacation and sick time
● Paid holidays
● Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.
● Must be eligible to work in the US on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship

Purpose

The Department of Molecular Biosciences seeks a forward-thinking leader, innovative collaborator, and motivational manager for the key leadership position of Assistant Director for Research. Engaging directly with MBS Faculty, Staff, Management Team and CNS Research Team, this position works to innovate, design, pilot, implement, and promote strategies to support excellence in research. In addition, this position will manage a strong grants and contracts team with vision and process improvement.

Responsibilities

Research Development: Reporting to the Director for Molecular Bioscience, this position will
collaborate with the department leadership team to expand the grant portfolio of MBS faculty.
Work to secure additional research funding to MBS; develop and implement strategies to
improve success rates of grant applications.

Strategic planning: Work with MBS leadership and individual faculty to develop strategic
planning processes related to current funding and plans for future applications. Collect and
assess departmental data on grant applications, funding rates, and related topics. Increase
efficiency in application processing. Guide faculty via a multi-year onboarding process and
mentorship by guiding them in securing funding, establishing strategic financial practices, and
implementing a strategy for lab maintenance and/or growth. Create vision, strategies, and
develop best practices to improve efficiency, planning, and communication for MBS leadership,
faculty and grant staff. Act as the liaison with the CNS Dean’s Office, UT Office of Sponsored
Projects (OSP) and other central offices to best support the department.

Leadership: Manage MBS grants team. Assess grants team processes, their efficiencies,
constituencies, pre/post award submission processes and utilize data to make changes to
improve grants submission and success rates. Assess grants team integration with other MBS
administrative units and suggest improvements to maximize efficiency. Stay abreast of external
sponsor policies, funding trends and other changes that impact research funding . Assist and
guide researchers and MBS staff with all award maintenance needs that arise throughout a
project, including sponsor policy interpretation, compliance with award terms and conditions,
continuation funding processes, progress reports, no-cost extensions, credit requests, and cost-
share documentation. Assist and guide researchers and departmental staff with guidance
regarding all