Overview
The Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) is responsible for overseeing the Offices of Research Administration, Sponsored Programs Accounting, Technology Transfer and Industry Collaboration, and Proposal Development; programs for the use of animals in research and teaching, the protection of human subjects in research, and the use of infectious agents and recombinant DNA on all three campuses (Boston, Grafton, and Medford); the Comparative Medicine Services (CMS) on the Boston and Medford campuses; and implementation of the University’s policies on scientific integrity, conflict of interest in research, and other areas that support research. The OVPR ensures that the services and resources provided by the units under its direction meet the needs of the research community and, in cooperation with the Vice President for Finance, satisfies the requirements of laws and regulations that govern research, protecting the University’s interests. This includes policy development, strategic planning, and oversight.
The OVPR also creates policies that are consistent among schools and graduate programs and promotes research entrepreneurial efforts, as well as assisting with research-based, academic initiatives. OVPR staff work with school deans and other administrative offices to ensure that the resources are available, systems are in place, and the environment is conducive to research. OVPR staff also work closely with the research leadership of the schools and Tufts Medical Center to promote cooperation, collaboration, resource sharing and maintain positive working relationships between the schools and with the hospital.
This position is intended for a high-performing, academically-trained individual with exceptional research, writing and speaking skills, a relevant background in higher education, and a collaborative approach to active participation in the initial design of programs and initiatives and development from high level concept to program design and implementation.
What You'll Do
The Associate Director of Research Development & Strategic Initiatives (RD&SI) will enhance strategic research development capabilities within the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, focusing on large, interdisciplinary projects leading to extramural funding.
This position collaborates with staff across Tufts University units and departments to develop and enhance extramurally funded research and education programs across all Tufts schools and departments in line with federal funding priorities and Tufts’ strategic priorities, with an emphasis on STEM and biomedical fundamental and applied/ use inspired research.
Responsibilities include:
- Provides advanced, specialized knowledge to develop, supervise, and evaluate team science approaches to large interdisciplinary and cross-institutional teams from inception to proposal submission
- Works together with the Director to ensure proposal development and other team science activities are supported using evidence-based strategies
- Collaborates with the Director and the Vice Provost for Research to use a data-driven approach to identifying research strengths and gaps, evaluates effectiveness of RD&SI support, measures progress toward key performance indicators, and prepares reports on activities for internal and external use
- Supervises assigned RD&SI staff
What We're Looking For
Basic Requirements:
- Knowledge and skills as typically acquired through completion of a Master’s degree and 5+ years experience in research development, grant writing/editing, federal grant proposals in an academic environment, and program development
- Expertise in team science, team building, and collaboration
- Demonstrated excellence in communication skills, excellent writing ability, complete attention to detail, ability to work both independently and as a part of a collaborative team
- Ability to meet internal and external deadlines
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite software and Google word-processing and spreadsheet functions
Preferred Qualifications:
- Post-baccalaureate degree or equivalent experience in STEM and/or biomedical fields
- A proven track record in strategic program development and evaluation
- Demonstrated aptitude for understanding complex issues and the ability to translate and simplify them for diverse audiences
- Proficient with Adobe Acrobat Pro, Overleaf, data visualization tools, and higher-level proficiency in Excel, including pivot tables, data analysis, and graphing
- Experience working in academic administration
Pay Range
Minimum $75,200.00, Midpoint $94,050.00, Maximum $112,900.00
Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.
