Associate Director for Research Development

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The Associate Director for Research Development will work collaboratively to strengthen Purdue Engineering’s research enterprise through developing and pursuing large-scale funding strategies for complex, cross-disciplinary projects, utilizing an entrepreneurial, problem-solving approach to explore, launch, and sustain strategic research initiatives with the promise for broad, societal impact. Reporting to the Assistant Dean/CRDO, the Associate Director for Research Development is tasked with supporting strategic planning efforts and developing large-scale ($10M+) funding proposal projects that align with Purdue Engineering’s priorities spanning research, workforce and talent development, and research communications efforts.

With a particular eye toward strategic planning and coordinating and crafting high-quality proposals that expand and enhance Purdue Engineering’s center-scale research enterprise, the Associate Director will enable more – and more competitive – large-scale research proposals. Examples of current and recent efforts include NSF Engineering Research Centers, DOE Energy Frontier Research Centers, NSF MRSEC, NSF Regional Innovation Engines, DOE Genesis Mission, DOD center-scale competitions, and federal appropriations requests.

This role is also expected to make effective use of AI-enabled tools in research development practice, including opportunity identification, landscape analysis, and proposal preparation.

This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact at a prestigious institution known for innovation and research excellence. Join our community of lifelong learners and contribute your skills to this critical program. At Purdue, you'll find unrivaled pride and unlimited potential as we persistently pursue the next giant leap together. Take the next step in your career journey to help build a better world at Purdue University.

Research Development Support:
Under the supervision of the Asst. Dean/CRDO, with dotted line reporting to the Associate Dean for Research and Innovation, this role is a key member of the Purdue Engineering Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) team, led by the Purdue Engineering Associate Dean for Research and Innovation. In addition, the Assoc. Director works closely with CoE administrative leadership, faculty, and staff, as well as partners across the university to identify, develop, and lead large-scale, strategic funding proposals.

The Assoc. Dir. will provide administrative support and leadership on strategic planning efforts, large-scale grant proposals, and other strategic initiatives to sustain a process-oriented, communicative, and efficient research development team. Research development efforts will include building a learning community that encourages ambitious, multidisciplinary research, facilitating brainstorming meetings, drafting complex grant proposal content, forging inter- and intra-institutional partnerships, and facilitating proposal reviews (i.e., red team reviews).

This role will launch and sustain strategic planning and proposal support programs and services to incentivize CoE researchers to pursue large-scale funding opportunities and enhance greater University-wide engagement with CoE research infrastructure. Additionally, the Assoc. Director will identify and disseminate upcoming strategic funding opportunities…