Research Development Strategist

Research at the University of Florida (UF) plays a significant role in advancing our fundamental understanding of the universe, generating creative breakthroughs that lead to technologies with positive benefits, creating opportunities for economic growth in the state, and changing the trajectory of young people through education. UF Research is responsible for the oversight and management of over $1.2 billion of research activity from nearly 1000 different sponsors.

Within UF Research, the Strategic Research Development team plays a pivotal role in shaping and promoting the university’s research initiatives providing crucial support for the continuous growth of the research enterprise.

Strategic Research Development is seeking a motivated Research Development Strategists I to advance the university’s research initiatives. In this role, the successful candidate will identify funding opportunities, implement successful processes and programs, provide training and workshops, promote team science, align research strategies with institutional priorities and funding trends, and support faculty in developing competitive proposals.

• Identify Funding Opportunities :
  Stay abreast of state, national, and international funding opportunities and priorities across various disciplines. Identify grants, fellowships, and collaborative opportunities that align with UF's research priorities. Manage internal seed grant and limited funding competitions.
• Proposal Development and Grant Writing Support :
  Work closely with faculty and research teams to develop compelling and competitive research proposals. Provide guidance on drafting proposals that align with funding agency priorities and showcase UF's strengths. Offer expertise in grant strategy and writing, while ensuring proposals meet the highest standards of quality and have a clear competitive advantage. Provide constructive feedback and assist in refining project timelines, responsiveness, narratives, graphics, budgets, and other proposal components.
• Training and Workshops :
  Develop and deliver training sessions and workshops to enhance the research development skills of faculty and research staff. Invite speakers from various federal and other funding agencies to provide educational sessions. Keep the UF community informed about best practices and strategies for successful grant acquisition.
• Team Science :
  Foster collaboration across departments, colleges, and external partners. Build and maintain relationships with funding agencies, industry partners, and other stakeholders to enhance research opportunities. Build teams by organizing networking events.
• Research Trend Analysis :
  Conduct analysis of research trends, funding landscapes, and emerging opportunities. Use this information to guide strategic planning and decision-making within UF Research and the university, to maximize competitive positioning for funding success.

Bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant experience.

In addition, required skills required include: the ability to provide excellent customer service; excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to work independently and with others; ability to foster positive working connections and build effective relationships; experience in the Microsoft Office suite; and being a strong problem solver, seeking win-win answers.

• Ability to search out funding opportunities and apply critical thinking skills to make effective decisions; good project management and organizational skills; basic understanding of research funding mechanism or grant development process; analytical mindset to identify and leverage strategic opportunities; and being proficient with relevant research tools and software.
• Internships or course work related to research development or grants is a plus.

A criminal background check is required.

This is not a remote work position, and it is located on the University of Florida main campus in Gainesville, FL.

Applications must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET)…