Program Manager, Science

Arizona Astrobiology Center (AABC) in University of Arizona Space Institute at the University of Arizona is in search of a Program Manager, Science. The Science Program Manager will be crucial in leading the development and execution of Astrobiology-related research and academic partnership initiatives. The successful candidate will co-manage and co-develop research projects, seek and administer research grants, and ensure compliance with regulations. This role involves the use of instrumentation and technology for astrobiological exploration, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, coordinating undergraduate and graduate programs related to Astrobiology, and contributing to the dissemination of research findings. The ideal candidate will be adept at integrating emerging trends into ongoing projects and initiatives and serve as a content expert in astrobiology, physical sciences, and/or biological science to provide expertise and guidance for the AABC team in all content development and dissemination of tools and resources.

Welcome to the Arizona Astrobiology Center

Astrobiology is an exciting interdisciplinary field about the origins, evolution and distribution of life in the universe.

The Arizona Astrobiology Center is a hub for diverse scientific endeavors, providing bold and transformative dialogue to make astrobiology discoveries relevant to the experiences of all people on Earth.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & responsibilities:

* Coordinate, co-manage, and co-develop research projects with faculty, researchers, and external partners.

* Seek, develop, and administer research grants and funding opportunities, ensuring compliance with regulations and guidelines, including managing budgets, resources, and timelines for research and academic partnership initiatives.

* Oversee the coordination and execution of undergraduate and graduate programs related to Astrobiology, including research experiences, workshops, seminars, and conferences.

* Contribute to disseminating research findings through publications, presentations, and outreach activities.

* Additional duties may be assigned.

Knowledge

* Understanding of Astrobiology, natural sciences, biological sciences, or related disciplines.

* Knowledge of research methodologies and techniques relevant to natural and biological sciences.

* Familiarity with the processes involved in seeking, developing, and managing research grants, particularly from federal funding sources.

* Regulations and Compliance: Understanding of regulations and guidelines governing research grants and academic initiatives.

* Awareness of advancements and emerging trends in Astrobiology research.

* Ongoing or recent involvement in research projects related to Astrobiology, space science, space missions, or biology.

Skills

* Research and Analytical Skills: Strong skills in designing, managing, and conducting research projects.

* Proficiency in writing successful grant proposals and managing grant-funded research projects.

* Ability to coordinate and co-manage research projects, including coordinating or supervising research staff or students.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to disseminate research findings through publications, presentations, and outreach activities.

* Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

* Organizational skills to manage budgets, resources, and timelines for research initiatives.

Abilities

* Strategic Planning: Ability to collaborate with the AABC team, faculty, and scientists to develop and implement strategic research plans.

* Partnership Building: Capability to foster and maintain partnerships with academic institutions, reseaArch organizations, and industry partners.

* Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Ability to promote and sustain interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships.

* Competence in overseeing undergraduate and graduate academic programs, including organizing research experiences, workshops, seminars, and conferences.

* Ability to integrate relevant knowledge from advancements in Astrobiology into ongoing projects and initiatives.

* Ability to contribute creatively to developing new research ideas and projects

* Proven ability to foster and maintain an inclusive environment that values and respects diversity in all its forms. This includes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Masters Degree in science or engineering discipline--including but not limited to physical sciences, space sciences, and/or biological/natural sciences and a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
  
  

• A PhD degree in a relevant field-Astrobiology, Physical sciences, engineering, natural sciences, or related disciplines.
  
• Experience designing and managing research programs, research collaborations, and student research experiences, preferably within an academic or research institution.
  
• Proven experience in writing and securing research grants from federal funding sources and other entities. Public Speaking, science communication skills, and experience.
  
• Experience with social media, branding, and dissemination and translation of science topics and research findings to multiple audiences.
  
• Experience working with or in STEM-related programs for underrepresented and pre-college college students.
  
• Research Experience: Minimum of two years of research experience in natural sciences, biological/natural sciences, engineering, or related field.
  
• Grant Writing and Management: Minimum of two years of experience seeking, developing, and managing research grants.
  
• Research Management: Demonstrated experience coordinating research projects, using lab equipment and instruments, and supervising research staff and students.
  
• Written and verbal communication skills, with experience in disseminating research findings through publications and presentations.
  
• Experience, interest and passion in astrobiology and/or a parallel field are demonstrated through work experience, research, publications, education, or a combination of these.
  
• Collaboration Skills: Experience demonstrating strong ability to foster and maintain partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners.