A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The University of Michigan Advanced Manufacturing Institute (UMAMI) seeks a Research Area Specialist Senior to lead and manage the institute's research operations, translational projects, and stakeholder engagement activities.  The Research Area Specialist Senior will serve as a key liaison among faculty, students, industry partners, and university units, and will play a central role in developing, coordinating, and evaluating UMAMI's research programs and funding portfolio.

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

• Manage the day-to-day operations of UMAMI's research programs and operations, including planning, coordination, reporting, and continuous improvement of institute activities. (20%)
• Serve as liaison between UMAMI and internal units (e.g., CoE, Ross, SEAS, ISR, EGI) as well as external stakeholders (industry, government, and community partners). (15%)
• Support the development and execution of translational research initiatives, including projects involving Doctor of Engineering (DEng), PhD, master's, and undergraduate students. (15%)
• Develop, design, and help conduct large and complex interdisciplinary research and translational projects in collaboration with faculty leaders. (15%)
• Coordinate project scoping with industry partners and support the development of protocols, methodologies, and evaluation criteria for research and pilot studies. (10%)
• Oversee data collection, validation, analysis, and reporting associated with UMAMI projects; contribute to interpretation of results and preparation of publications and impact reports. (5%)
• Assist in acquiring external research funding by supporting proposal development, budget preparation, and coordination of multi-investigator submissions. (5%)
• Supervise research and support personnel, including project managers, student researchers, and administrative staff, as appropriate. (5%)
• Monitor program budgets, recommend and procure equipment, and ensure responsible stewardship of research resources. (5%)
• Support organization of major institute activities, including national convenings, industry workshops, and roadmap development efforts. (5%)

• Master's degree in engineering, science, public policy, business, or a related field (doctoral degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5-6 years of related professional experience in research program management, advanced manufacturing, engineering research, or a closely related technical field.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex research projects involving multiple investigators and stakeholders.
• Supervisory experience and demonstrated ability to manage staff and student researchers.
• Financial and budget management experience, including oversight of research or program funds.
• Experience working in or with a research university environment and familiarity with federal and industry research funding mechanisms.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and exercise professional judgment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience contributing to reports, proposals, and publications.
• Ability to serve as an effective liaison between faculty, industry partners, and institutional units.
• Demonstrated capacity to operate with substantial autonomy and responsibility for decisions that significantly affect program operations.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

This is a term-limited position through January 31, 2028 with possible renewal based on funding extension.

This position is at 50% - 60% effort, to be discussed with candidate.  The salary range listed is for the full-time rate.  The actual pay will be 50% - 60% of the full-time rate.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.