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Director for Research, Biological Engineering, Science & Technology

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Position description

The University of California Santa Barbara seeks a Director of Research, Biological Engineering, Science & Technology (DR-BEST). Working in close collaboration with the Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR), the DR-BEST will have a leadership role in identifying potential strategies that may enhance the quality and success of the biological sciences and biological engineering at UCSB.

General Summary of duties/responsibilities: This position performs a diverse set of functions with significant autonomy and decision-making authority. The DR-BEST will serve as the lead strategist in the office of research for Biological Engineering, Science, and Technology and will consult extensively in this capacity with the campus administration, reporting directly to the VCR. The DR-BEST will provide direct policy and communications expertise, collaborating with the VCR on short- and long-range planning.

The position entails independent program management: the DR-BEST will have broad level authority to implement short- and long-term plans developed in conjunction with the VCR and university administration. The DR-BEST is expected to have significant impact and influence on organizational policy and program development, help launch projects of critical importance to the organization, and formulate strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources. The DR-BEST will participate on committees and task forces responding to a variety of issues; and handle sensitive negotiations with little or no precedence, requiring expedient and diplomatic action. The DR-BEST will also establish and maintain informed scholarly contact with funding agency program officers in both public and private funding sectors.

Specific Duties: The specific duties include: assisting faculty in generating effective extramural proposals; providing detailed grant proposal development assistance through all stages of proposal conceptual development and refinement; identifying key funding opportunities that mesh well with targeted areas for development of biological sciences and engineering research at UCSB; providing funding source searches for faculty as needed; designing, conducting and participating in grant development workshops and other interventions with faculty and graduate students; and, in general, collaborating with personnel in the Office of Research and other departments to develop and execute plans to meet campus scientists’ research and funding needs. This position also maintains contact with UC Systemwide funding programs, federal funding agencies, and private foundation funders and, based on these, informs faculty about new funding opportunities. This position should develop and maintain a detailed knowledge of UCSB biological science and engineering faculty research interests and strengths, and beyond that, the position is responsible for creating and overseeing innovative programs of research development for faculty (and graduate students) in the sciences.

This is a full-time Academic Coordinator III position, with the initial appointment for one year, subject to renewal based on performance.

To apply, please submit your application including CV, cover letter, names and contact information for three references, and any additional materials at https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/apply/JPF01405. Applications received by January 11, 2019 will be given primary consideration, but the position will remain open until filled

Minimum Requirements
Master's degree in a science or engineering related field and at least one year of research experience required.

Desired Requirements
PhD in science or engineering related field. Broad, interdisciplinary base of understanding of research and scholarship; experience in grant and/or proposal writing.

The Department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the university community through research, teaching and service.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Misc / Additional (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA