Job Information
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN Defense Research Development Director, Office of the Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors in Austin, Texas
Strategic DOD Research Development and Planning: Develop a campus-level strategy for U.S. Department of Defense-sponsored basic research (6.1) with a thorough understanding of national security needs and gaps, including how they map to UT college/school faculty and researchers. Communicate regularly with all stakeholders in the strategic planning process including colleges/schools and DOD. Remain current and knowledgeable about UTs research capabilities, facilities and DOD engagement opportunities by regularly interfacing with principal investigators (PIs) and organizing DOD development symposia. Incorporate researchers feedback into high-level development strategies to ensure that their needs are met.Design and deliver content to help PIs build their skills in securing DOD-specific funding including YIP/YFA, DURIP and MURI funding.Maintain relationships with key DOD organizations including Army Futures Command, US Space Force, and others so that high-ranking visits can be coordinated across the UT campus.Communication and Event Planning:Work with OVPR and University Communications teams to establish a DOD research identity, including content creation for OVPR Defense RD web presence and media. Host DOD related events (including senior leadership) and work with event managers on campus so that correct parties are notified and all stakeholders are involved. Assist DOD to ensure correct protocols are followed.Focus on research development opportunities such as program manager or DOD researcher visits. Organize periodic Texas Defense Research Workshops in Washington, DC, with support from OVPR Research Development Engagements team.Strategic Partnerships:Establish professional relationships with DOD and partner leadership to align strategic missions and ultimately build opportunities for UT PIs to connect and perform 6.1 research for DOD. Liaise and manage partnerships with DOD Primes, local and statewide industry, FFRDCs, national laboratories and others to develop collaborative research that will benefit the mission of the university.Work with Government Relations teams (internal and external) to develop potential strategies for DOD-related research funding, including Congressional requests. Connect researchers and help them build key relationships across the DOD ecosystem. Establish professional relationships with University-wide shared-user facilities, ARL:UT, education/outreach, tech transfer and innovation teams.Contribute to the overall success of the OVPR Research Development team by performing other duties as assigned.
