Deputy Director of Research Project Management

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Chemistry Department is one of the largest and most complex departments in the College of Arts and Sciences. There are 55 faculty members, 28 SHRA and 26 EHRA staff positions, 260 graduate students, 45 postdoctoral research associates, 700 undergraduate majors, and an annual total of approximately 10,000 registrations by all students in classroom and laboratory courses. The Department is housed in five buildings with over 580,000 sq. feet of space. The faculty participate in teaching assignments which involve an average of 200 students per faculty member per semester. The majority of faculty are research active and supervise graduate students working on their Masters or Ph.D. degrees, undergraduate students carrying out independent research and honors programs, research technicians and postdoctoral research associates. Primarily the research is funded by federal and private agencies such as NSF, NIH, Army, Navy, DOE, PRF and involves expenditures of more than nineteen million dollars annually. A total of over thirty-two million dollars from all sources is expended annually in the Department.

The Center for Hybrid Approaches in Solar Energy to Liquid Fuels ( CHASE, http://chaseliquidfuels.org/), is seeking a Ph.D. chemist for a Deputy Director of Research Project Management position. CHASE is a multi-million-dollar Energy Innovation Hub funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, and headquartered at UNC Chapel Hill with research partners at Yale University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, the University of Pennsylvania, North Carolina State University, and Princeton University. This position will be part of the four-person Directorate and manage research collaborations in the field of solar fuels research, make decisions on research project direction, organization, and structure for CHASE, communicate CHASE scientific accomplishments to stakeholders in academia, government and industry, and manage transformative research initiatives for the Hub.

This opportunity requires proven experience in organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; leadership; and independent decision making. This position will report to the Director of CHASE, and will function with substantial independence and requires scientific expertise and the ability to develop and manage new research collaborations and projects. Extensive interaction with the 100+ researchers across the Center is expected. The Deputy Director of Research Project Management will be responsible for coordinating and tracking the research project portfolio of CHASE research to enable collaborations, initiate new partnerships, and communicate research accomplishments.

This position will manage CHASE scientific and technical communications, and apply their scientific expertise to write technical content and communicate CHASE scientific research advances to technical and non-technical audiences including sponsors, policymakers, academic leaders, and the public through a range of electronic, print and web media formats. Along with the CHASE Deputy Director of Operations Management, this position will engage and coordinate with other energy research centers across the globe in order to establish and maintain CHASE's status as an international leader in liquid solar fuels.

This position will be partially supported by a research program administrative coordinator, who they will work closely with to maintain robust and accurate technical databases on CHASE research progress. This position will facilitate intellectual property protection for CHASE researchers by interfacing with technology transfer offices at UNC and our partner institutions when commercialization opportunities and partnerships are appropriate.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.

A minimum of three years of research experience in physical or inorganic chemistry, or a closely related field and a minimum of three years of experience in managing a major Center or project. Candidate must have superior oral and written communication skills, with the ability to edit and compile materials from multiple sources and tailor information to various purposes required. Strong computer and graphic design proficiency (Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Suite) required. Work history should demonstrate a strong chemistry background in fields relevant to energy research, and experience in scientific writing, including significant contributions to research papers, research proposals, and/or post-award reports.

Multi-tasking, organizational, interpersonal and project management skills are essential. Candidate must be enthusiastic, conscientious, and show demonstrate eagerness to work as part of a team. Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment subject to frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.

Relevant doctoral degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or professional-level background in sponsored research administration, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 5 or more years of relevant experience in substitution.

Experience in electrochemistry, photochemistry and/or catalysis. Familiarity with issues in renewable energy and solar energy conversion. Knowledge of and experience in university business practices and systems. Experience with intellectual property, outreach, development, conference planning would be of benefit.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.