Manager of Research Services
The University of Tennessee – Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII)
Regular, Full-time, Market Range 13
Location(s): University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Potential for Hybrid or Remote Work
Full Application Link: https://ut.taleo.net/careersection/ut_system/jobdetail.ftl?job=230000022N&tz=GMT-04%3A00&tzname=America%2FNew_York

Position details and a link to apply here. Review of applications begins immediately, and the position is open until filled. 

The University of Tennessee - Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) is seeking a Manager of Research Services to support the institute's education, research, and workforce development mission. The Manager of Research Services provides leadership for and management of the institute's proposal and pre-award research services function. UT-ORII is a new organization that is jointly led by the University of Tennessee (UT) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to strategically align the expertise and infrastructure of the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to usher in world-class interdisciplinary research and graduate education. Learn more about UT-ORII at http://www.utorii.com.

UT-ORII is tasked with hiring approximately 100 research faculty and staff scientists and increasing its joint graduate education programs to approximately 500 students in the coming years. The primary responsibility of the Manager of Research Services is to lead the development and management of the research services function for the institute, which is likely to grow to a unit staffing 2-4 FTE and serve the dozens of UT-ORII researchers at the university and ORNL submitting proposals through UT-ORII. The scope of services for this function includes proposal and pre-award management of externally funded projects and administrative oversight of the UT-ORNL joint faculty program. The Manager of Research Services will play an integral role in building UT-ORII's research enterprise through expert, on-going technical direction and guidance to faculty, staff, and graduate students. This position will provide daily management and oversight of research coordinators; ensure timeliness and quality of work; guide professional development; coach and evaluate job performance; and maintain efficient unit operations and high standards of service. This position requires a comprehensive and detailed knowledge of UT and ORNL fiscal policies and federal regulations related to externally funded (sponsored) research, excellent working knowledge of funding agency-specific guidelines relative to sponsored research, and the use of substantial judgment in relating information to circumstances.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience
  • A bachelor's degree and 8 years of experience directly related to sponsored research, preferably within an academic, non-profit, research institute, or national laboratory environment.
  • Supervisory experience
Required Qualifications
  • Detailed knowledge of Uniform Guidance, Federal Regulations and FAR Clauses that regulate the administration of sponsored programs and the ability to apply these to organizational policies and procedures within context.
  • Ability to develop the talents of personnel to maximize potential and productivity.
  • Ability to build and leverage professional networks and successfully navigate complex research administration landscapes.
  • Ability to lead a team and foster a supportive and cohesive team environment.
  • Ability and proficiency with sponsor-specific submission platforms such as Research.gov, Grants.gov, EERE Exchange, ARPA-Exchange, NSPIRES.
  • Superior critical analyses abilities; keen attention to detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Outstanding problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • A master’s degree and 8 years of experience directly related to sponsored research, preferably within an academic, non-profit, research institute, or national laboratory environment.
  • Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential
  • Knowledge of and experience working in an academic institution
  • Knowledge of and experience working with National Laboratories
Application Requirements

For full consideration for this position, applicants must provide:
  • A stand-alone resume
  • A letter of interest/cover letter
  • Three professional references
UT-ORII operates from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) and ORNL; the Manager of Research Services will work from both locations. The potential for remote work arrangements can be discussed. The person in this position will be an employee of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.