Director, Research Development

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Climate Systems Engineering Research Initiatives (CSEi) – part of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth. CSEi advances science, engineering, and policy to reduce or reverse greenhouse‑gas harms, including carbon removal, solar geoengineering, and glacial interventions.

The Director of Research Development provides technical and intellectual leadership across CSEi’s research portfolio. Reporting to the Executive Director, the role coordinates with faculty, recruits personnel, negotiates contracts, and ensures rigorous, high‑impact research outcomes.

• Manages CSEi‑funded research projects: develops relationships, structures proposal review, monitors budgets, coordinates with researchers, and promotes external collaborations.
• Coordinates grant/funding applications: prepares timelines, documents, ensures compliance, collaborates with the Institute’s Grants Manager, and prepares sponsor reports.
• Initiates and manages complex research contracts with engineering firms and vendors; supervises in‑house engineers and research staff.
• Collaborates with researchers to maximize the practical benefit of CSEi funding.
• Manages production of articles, reports, and manuscripts; presents findings at meetings and conferences.
• Works with the communications team to disseminate research to public audiences and donors.
• Engages external stakeholders in climate engineering to advance the field.
• Mentors students interested in applied climate systems engineering.
• Ensures compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies.
• Advises researchers on long‑range research plans and operating procedures.
• Performs other related duties as required.

• Minimum:
  College or university degree in a related field.
• Preferred:
  PhD in climate science, engineering, or a related field.

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in a related discipline.
• Preferred:
  Experience managing engineering and applied research tasks in a mixed public‑private research environment.

• Lead complex, interdisciplinary research programs at the intersection of climate science, engineering, policy, and governance.
• Formulate long‑term research strategies aligned with institutional priorities.
• Supervise multidisciplinary teams, mentor students, manage budgets, and set clear goals.
• Deep knowledge of climate and engineering technologies (e.g., carbon removal, SRM).
• Strong understanding of climate governance, policy landscape, and ethical implications.
• Navigate uncertainty and drive innovation in a rapidly evolving landscape.
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
• Facilitate collaboration across engineering, natural and social sciences, and humanities.
• Commitment to scientific rigor, transparency, reproducibility, and high ethical standards.
• Strong management and computer skills.

• In‑person, office‑based role on Hyde Park campus; partially remote work possible.

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Three Professional References Contact Information (required)

The University of Chicago is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class. For additional information, please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination. If you require a reasonable accommodation for the application process, call 773‑702‑5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.