Managing Director of QRI

The University of Michigan has announced the launch of the Quantum Research Institute (QRI) in order to address global quantum challenges and prepare a new generation of researchers to drive groundbreaking discoveries. The QRI is a joint venture among the Office of the Vice President for Research, the College of Engineering, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. With support from the Office of the Provost, the institute aims to strengthen research collaborations among U-M faculty, industry partners, and government agencies.

We seek an experienced scientist as the Managing Director who will work closely with the QRI Co-Directors to develop, launch, and provide leadership and oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Institute. Key initial activities include creating the Institute infrastructure and advisory mechanisms; hiring faculty, GSRAs, postdoctoral fellows, and staff; and developing and overseeing Institute activities including coordinating the formation of the QRI Industrial Affiliate Program which will provide industry with unparalleled access to research and a future workforce. The Managing Director will engage with quantum industry, funding agencies, start-up companies, technology transfer, and day-to-day management of various industry training and relations programs.

Responsibilities*

-Work with the (co-)director(s) and QRI Fellows to develop and manage QRI relationships and collaboration with internal entities (other U-M departments, centers, programs etc.) and external partners including academic, corporate, government, community, and international stakeholders.

-Help promote and manage interdisciplinary projects and research collaborations. 

-Develop and enhance research facilities, capabilities, and documentation for QRI.

-Work with the co-directors to identify funding opportunities, and facilitate the development of grant proposals to funding agencies, and help with post-award management and reviews. Engage with sponsors and partners.

-Occasional travel to conferences, sponsors, and partners.
 

-Lead or help organize and manage special events such as seminars, conferences, visits and socials. Represent QRI and host visitors when needed.

-Work with OVPR Communications team to create a comprehensive communications plan and manage the implementation. The plan will include marketing, promotion, publicity, and communication activities for QRI and associated projects, including websites and social media management, photos/videos, reports/brochures, news releases and other documents.

-Develop, organize, coordinate, and perform QRI outreach and educational programs and activities (including online versions) for community and public.

-Internal Operations/Communication, Report/Review

-Manage communications with QRI affiliates across U-M campuses and with external partners.

-Organize/attend relevant meetings.

-Coordinate and perform activities associated with fiscal planning, budgeting, and fundraising activities.

-Help prepare documentation, strategic plans, reports, and reviews on QRI programs and activities.

-Work with QRI leadership team, QRI Fellows, affiliated faculty, and other university entities on other relevant initiatives and activities.
 

-Recommend hiring, pay adjustments and termination of administrative/clerical/student staff under supervision.

-Train staff, assign and review work including annual performance evaluations, and approve time reporting.

-Work with OVPR HR Team to post and hire new staff.

-M.S. in science or engineering

-Three or more years of professional experience (research/development and/or program management in academia, industry, or government) in a field (such as physics, engineering, chemistry, photonics, materials, nanotechnology, etc.) broadly related to quantum science and engineering.

-Experience serving in a managerial role and/or research management role.

-Experience in proposal development.

-General knowledge and interests in quantum science and engineering.

-Excellent written and oral communication skills.

-Must have technical presentation, proposal development, and technical writing skills.

-Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.

-Self-motivated and ability to exercise sound judgment in prioritizing tasks and managing duties.

-Strong project management skills and ability to interact well with people from diverse sectors (academia, industry, general public, government, international, etc.).

-Detail oriented, flexible to change, and excellent problem-solving skills.

-Available for occasional domestic or international travel, up to approximately three times per year and for up to approximately one week per trip.

-Must be able to work in a collaborative environment, with diverse populations, and have the ability to multi-task and thrive in a changing, dynamic environment.

-Computer skills required: MSWord, Excel, PowerPoint.

-Ph.D. degree in science or engineering.

-Research experience in one or more areas in science and engineering broadly-defined.

-Familiarity with the current landscape of quantum science and engineering.

-Experience in federal agency grant writing.

-Experience with the academic setting.

-Experience with Web/HTML development, Latex, Publisher and/or Apple iWORKS suite.