Assistant Director, Research & Business Development

Job Profile:

Job Family:

Time Type:

Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.

Minimum Qualifications:

Job Description:

The Compact X-ray Free-Electron Laser (CXFEL) initiative and ASU X-Beams Labs are seeking a strategic and results-driven professional to support research development, business development, and strategic partnerships. This position will support the continued growth of the CXFEL initiative and X-Beams Labs by identifying and pursuing external research funding opportunities, developing industry and institutional partnerships, and coordinating interdisciplinary research initiatives.

The position will work closely with faculty, research teams, university leadership, industry partners, national laboratories, and academic institutions to advance strategic priorities and expand research opportunities. The successful candidate will combine an understanding of advanced scientific research with experience in research development, program management, and external engagement to support the scientific growth, financial sustainability, and commercialization opportunities of the CXFEL initiative and X-Beams Labs.

Position Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000 per year; DOE

Essential Duties:

• Identify and pursue federal funding opportunities across agencies such as DOE, NSF, DOD, and NIH that align with XBEAMS Labs' strategic priorities.
• Lead and coordinate the development of complex, multi-investigator and interdisciplinary research proposals, ensuring technical, administrative, and sponsor requirements are met.
• Develop and implement multi-year research development strategies in collaboration with faculty, leadership, and external sponsors.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with industry, national laboratories, government agencies, research consortia, and academic institutions.
• Identify opportunities for sponsored research, industry collaboration, technology translation, and commercialization, particularly within the semiconductor and biomedical sectors.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional research teams consisting of faculty, postdoctoral researchers, staff scientists, and external collaborators.
• Establish processes for monitoring research activities, project milestones, deliverables, funding opportunities, and program outcomes.
• Organize and facilitate workshops, industry roundtables, advisory board meetings, and other strategic engagement activities.
• Provide programmatic leadership to support the continued development and growth of the CXFEL initiative and XBEAMS Labs.

Desired Qualifications:

• Education: Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or closely related fields, or a Business Administration degree with a STEM background. 
• Experience: Progressive experience in research development, business development, technology transfer, or strategic program management in an academic, national laboratory, or high-tech industry setting.
• Funding Acquisition: Track record of successful proposal development and capture management for major federal sponsors (DOE, NSF, DOD, etc.).
• Industry Relations: Ability to build revenue-generating or collaborative partnerships with corporate R&D teams (particularly in microelectronics, quantum, or biotech).
• Communication: Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to technical experts, corporate executives, and funding agency officials.

Environment:

• Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of being in a stationary position, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse (60%); Required to move moderate distances to perform work (20%). 
• Occasionally moving up to 25 pounds (20%). 
• Regular use of standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer workstation/laptop (keyboard, monitor, mouse), printer, fax, calculator, copier, telephone, and associated computer/technology peripherals.

Department Statement:

ASU Knowledge Enterprise advances research, innovation, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, and international development.

Our success arises from solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research; an entrepreneurial approach that is embedded in every school and department; and a commitment to transform society in a positive way. To learn more about how Knowledge Enterprise is a place for your career to grow, visit https://research.asu.edu/about-us/careers.

At the Biodesign Institute CXFEL Laboratory, we are dedicated to building an inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. We value your unique background and perspective, and you may be just the right candidate for this position or other roles on our team.

Working at ASU has additional perks and outstanding benefits, which include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; ASU/UA/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to ASU recreation and cultural activities; and more. To estimate the value of your total compensation, please visit https://cfo.asu.edu/compensation-estimator.

Driving Requirement:

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Instructions to Apply:

Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub.

To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:

• Cover letter
• Resume or CV

Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name.

Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered.

Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact The Office of Human Resources Talent Acquisition before the posting close date.

Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.

Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.

ASU Statement:

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

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ASU’s comprehensive benefits package is a key part of your total compensation. Visit the ASUCompensation Estimator

Employment Verification Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

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