Summary

Working under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Chemical Engineering department seeks a Research Program Coordinator who will provide coordination of multi-funded research projects. This position will coordinate efforts which may include other collaborating agencies and institutions. Provides comprehensive research development support (including pre-and post-award proposal development and management) to faculty members and administrative assistance to center and department leadership. Coordinates on-campus and external outreach to help foster research growth.

This position will work closely with members of the Chemical Engineering administrative team and Center for Critical Minerals team to support University research growth.

Michigan Tech attracts world-class faculty and staff who enrich the educational experience of smart, motivated, and adventurous students. Applicants who are committed to promoting a sense of belonging and contributing to an equitable and inclusive learning environment for all are strongly encouraged to apply (https://www.mtu.edu/diversity-inclusion/.

Responsibilities 

1. Provide comprehensive research support services including research development activities like teambuilding networking, and proposal scouting; pre-award support including budgeting, grant writing, content development, and formatting; and, post-award project management including financial tracking and reporting.
2. Coordinate the daily operations. Work independently to manage workflow, develop operational procedures, set performance standards, track and manage operational deadlines, and work with leadership to establish organizational protocol for research support services. Maintain a professional, efficient, safe, and welcoming environment for members, students and research clients. Adapt processes and procedures to the diverse roles and evolving needs of the Institute. Identify and pursue ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operational procedures to support research growth.
3. Utilize BANNER, WebFocus, Perceptive Content, and ASPIRE to track, access, and report Institute financial and performance data. Identify and prepare routine and ad hoc reports that assist in the operation and reporting needs of the center. This includes quarterly and annual report generation.
4. Analyze information and independently resolve problems in the efficient delivery of research grants and contracts; resolve, escalate, or route incoming requests appropriately. Seek solutions to support timely research delivery.
5. Anticipate the operational needs and deadlines and work with leadership to assist in the execution of short- and long-term goals of the organization.
6. Develop and maintain a collegial relationship with staff in other departments/units/institutes/centers towards maintaining a productive research support network.
7. Participate in meetings and serve as an organizational representative on committees, if requested.
8. Lead the planning and organization of unit functions, retreats, receptions, social gatherings, fundraising campaigns, and award nominations.
9. Coordinate updated news content for the University's marketing team for inclusion in Tech Today, social media, website and news features. Assist with the development and distribution of marketing materials.
10. Lead the planning and organization of webinars and conferences hosted by the center and university.
11. Write and edit technical reports and manuscripts for publication or presentation.
12. Integrate safety practices into daily activities and commit to learning and applying continuous improvement strategies to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

Required Experience

1. Relevant experience organizing and coordinating multiple research tasks including budgets, personnel documents, and supporting information for various clients/projects simultaneously.
2. Proficiency in advanced features of standard office software, such as MS Office and Adobe products, and web-based productivity resources, such as Google Apps.
3. Experience coordinating people and processes to meet desired objectives.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

2 Years of experience in developing and managing grants/contracts.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

1. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
2. Strong oral and written communication skills.
3. Demonstrated ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail.
4. Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to solve problems.
5. Demonstrated ability to plan work, manage team timelines, and meet deadlines.
6. Demonstrated ability to work as a team.
7. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse students, faculty, and staff.
8. Ability to use judgment when dealing with confidential information.
9. Demonstrated ability to think creatively to arrive at desired outcomes while employing efficiency.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

1. Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a fair, objective, welcoming place to work for persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints.
2. Knowledge in preparing and organizing documents for government grants and industry contracts.
3. Knowledge of financial management.

Language, Mathematics and/or Reasoning Skills

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

The work environment is that of a typical office and/or classroom setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:

• Employee Safety Overview

• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training

• Annual Data Security Training 

• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Other Conditions of Employment:

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Shift

1st Shift

Pay Rate/Salary

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Title of Position Supervisor

Associate Professor

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

Applicants will need to upload a cover letter that includes a statement of relevant experience and a curriculum vitae/resume. Applicants will be asked for the names and contact information of three reference providers.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Professor Lei Pan directly at leipan@mtu.edu.

Additional Information

Michigan Technological University, one of the four major research universities in the State of Michigan, is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula adjacent to Lake Superior. The community offers a small-town environment with outstanding four-season recreational opportunities. Michigan Tech is located in Houghton, Ml on the south shore of Lake Superior.

Michigan Tech is proud to be an ADVANCE Institution that has thrice received National Science Foundation support to increase diversity, inclusion, and the participation and advancement of women and underrepresented individuals in STEM.