Director, Research Development

The System Offices is one of several system members within the Texas A&M University System representing one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a network of 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, and the RELLIS Campus. The Texas A&M University System mission is to provide education, conduct research, commercialize technology, offer training, and deliver services for the people of Texas and beyond.

The System Offices, within the Texas A&M University System, provides an outstanding benefits package including, but not limited to: competitive health benefits; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; a defined benefit retirement plan to include an employer contribution through Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS); if applicable, a defined contribution retirement plan to include an employer contribution through an approved ORP vendor: additional voluntary tax deferred annuity (TDA) options; tuition assistance; and wellness programs to promote work/life balance.

Commensurate with experience.

The Director of Research Development for the Texas A&M Center for Applied Communications and Network (CACN), under general direction, provides leadership for the development of research and business opportunities for the center.  As a member of the center’s leadership team, this position also provides input to and helps to execute the center’s research and business activities, strategic planning and development, and program administration.  

- Leads the development of strategic relationships with potential research sponsors, research partners, vendors, and commercial customers to create new opportunities for the center.

- Monitors solicitations (RFIs, RFPs, etc.) for opportunities appropriate for the center and leads the preparation of research and commercial proposals, including solution narratives, statements of work, budgets, and schedules, as appropriate for the opportunity.

- Serves as PI, Co-PI, or collaborator on research and commercial projects, as appropriate for the project.

- Performs outreach, including presentations and speaking engagements at conferences, authoring publications, and supporting other marketing efforts.

- Serves as a liaison with academic and non-academic units of the University as assigned.
- Represent the center to State and Federal agencies, private organizations, partners, collaborators, and key industry groups as assigned.
- Serve as an advisor/consultant to the university community regarding matters relating to center operations, as appropriate as assigned.
- Stays abreast of developments in the technical fields related to the work performed by the Center.

- Participates in training and professional development sessions.
- Publishes articles in trade and professional journals as appropriate.
- May supervise other proposal development personnel.

- Forms and leads collaborative teams to respond to research proposals.

- Prepares research and commercial proposals, including problem and solution narratives, statements of work, budgets, and schedules.

- Develops technical requirements and system designs for conducting research.
- Participates in funded projects as a PI, Co-PI, or collaborator as appropriate for each project.
- Leads interaction with sponsors, collaborators, contractors, as appropriate for each project.
- Conducts research, executes deliverables, and produces required reports and artifacts as appropriate for each project.

- Attends and presents at conferences.
- Publishes articles in trade and professional journals as appropriate.
- May represent the center to the University, State and Federal agencies, and industry associations.
- May serve on US and International Standards Committees as requested.  

- May serve on DHS, DoD and FCC federal advisory boards and committees as appointed.

- Performs other duties as assigned.
 

- Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or other field related to current and next generation communications and networks interoperability and cybersecurity.

- Seven years experience in research, design, and operations of, and/or business development for communications systems and networks to include five years of management experience.

- Significant ad successful experience with the development of projects for government agencies and/or commercial business, writing winning proposals, and successfully conducting the research or contract work specified in those projects.

- US Passport and willing and able to perform domestic and international travel.
- Either has or is willing and eligible to obtain at least a Secret-level US security clearance based on a background investigation.

- Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
- Skilled at client relations, requirement assessment and analysis, statement of work creation.
- Expertise in MS office suite of products, including using word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications to produce professional-quality proposals and documentation.  

- Deep understanding of a broad range of complex network systems, including voice, data, and video networks, including interoperability and cybersecurity.

- Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others in complex, multi-agency environments.
- This position requires frequent travel to other parts of campus, nearby campuses, and other university and state agencies in Texas. 

- Masters or PhD in engineering, computer science or other field related to communications and network interoperability and cybersecurity. 

This is a security-sensitive position and is restricted to U.S. citizens only. Only complete applications will be considered for employment at The Texas A&M System Offices. Incomplete job application data could result in your application being rejected without an option to reapply. A cover letter and resume may be required in addition to a completed employment application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.