Research Director, External Contracts – Select Agent Program

• Identify, develop, and manage a portfolio of funded research projects through research program design, implementation, and evaluation
• Supervise research scientists, project coordinators, postdoctoral fellows, and students, including performance management and professional development
• Support pilot plant operations and related research activities
• Serve as Alternate Responsible Official (ARO) for the Moffett Campus Select Agent Program and support regulatory, security, and compliance requirements
• Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed journals and national and international conferences
• Develop reports, briefs, and presentations for stakeholders
• Guide project budgets and resource allocation
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and reporting obligations
• Provide scientific and operational leadership aligned with IFSH strategic initiatives and funded research projects
• Provide scientific advice to the IFSH Executive Director and research team

• Ph.D. in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field or related discipline, with 15+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience serving as a Principal Investigator (PI) on significant grants and/or managing multiple contract research projects
• Demonstrated success securing external research funding and publishing scholarly work
• Experience supervising and developing research personnel
• Strong problem-solving, communication, organizational, and project management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and scientific documentation
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in research records and reporting
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Must satisfy and maintain all applicable security clearance and access requirements for employment in a secure research facility
• Ability to perform regular computer and documentation work and walk throughout research facilities
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds
• May operate or oversee specialized research and pilot plant equipment, including high-pressure processing (HPP) systems and thermal processing retorts

Demonstrates expertise in managing funded research projects, including design, implementation, and evaluation, while providing scientific leadership and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Proficient in securing research funding, supervising personnel, and disseminating findings through publications and presentations.

• Ph.D. In STEM Field
• Principal Investigator Experience
• Research Funding Acquisition
• Project Management Skills
• Regulatory Compliance Knowledge

• Research Program Design
• Project Budget Management
• Performance Management
• Scientific Documentation
• High-Pressure Processing Systems
• Thermal Processing Retorts

• Problem-Solving
• Communication
• Organizational Skills
• Attention To Detail

• Security Clearance

• Select Agent Program
• Research Facility Operations
• Peer-Reviewed Publications
• Stakeholder Presentations

• Microsoft Office Applications