Associate Director of Energy Research Development & Demonstration

Louisiana State University seeks a collaborative and strategic leader to serve as the Associate Director of Energy Research Development & Demonstration within the LSU Energy Institute. This position plays a central role in advancing large-scale, use-inspired energy research by supporting the development of multidisciplinary externally funded projects, stewarding applied research initiatives, and leading the Institute’s Research Development & Demonstration (RD&D) core area.
Working closely with the Executive Director, the Director of Energy Innovation, the Vice President for Research, LSU Foundation, and faculty across campus, the Associate Director will help translate strategic priorities into funded projects, coordinated research programs, and demonstration-scale activities.

Leadership of the RD&D Core Area - Convene and manage quarterly RD&D meetings and oversee related activities. Coordinate LSU’s campus-wide efforts related to demonstration-scale energy projects, and position LSU as a hub for applied energy demonstration and learning. Support faculty organizing large multidisciplinary externally funded proposals. Document and organize historical energy research conducted by CES, LGS, and affiliated units. (30%)

Research Development for Large Multidisciplinary Initiatives - Work with the Executive Director and the Vice President for Research to identify and pursue major externally funded research opportunities. Scan for large federal, state, and privately sponsored funding calls. Convene faculty teams and support the preparation of competitive proposals. Provide strategic and logistical support for complex proposal development. (30%)

Philanthropic Research Development - Assist in the development of philanthropic funding opportunities in coordination with the LSU Foundation. Contribute to research concepts, prospect engagement strategies, and proposal materials. Help align philanthropic investments with LSU’s research priorities. (15%)

Energy Innovation Fund Project Support - Assist the Director of Energy Innovation in the administration of Energy Innovation Fund research projects. Support the creation and coordination of Project Advisory Committees. Track project progress, deliverables, and performance metrics, and contribute to reporting. Facilitate communication among faculty, partners, and Institute leadership. (10%)

Coordination with the Office of Research & Economic Development - Support the Vice President for Research in coordinating energy-related research activities across campus, as assigned. Align Institute initiatives with broader university research strategies. (10%)

Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience in an energy-related or relevant field AND experience developing or leading large, multidisciplinary externally funded research projects, strong record of program development, team building, and project coordination, and excellent organizational, facilitation, and communication skills.

Ph.D in energy-related or relevant field and experience in energy project development, technology demonstration, or applied research translation. Experience with major federal funding agencies (e.g., NSF, DOE, DOD). Familiarity with university research administration and proposal development processes. Experience working across academic, governmental, and industry partnerships.

This position is designed to strengthen LSU’s capacity to compete for and execute large-scale energy research and demonstration projects while ensuring that Institute-supported activities are coordinated, strategically aligned, and externally engaged.

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.