Required Qualifications
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BA/BS degree in a relevant field (marine science, engineering, acoustics, physics, or limnology) and at least ten years of relevant experience, or preferred Ph. D. degree plus at least eight years of relevant experience.
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At least six years of progressively responsible research program management experience
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Demonstrated success in grant and proposal development with federal, state, or industry sponsors
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Experience leading complex, interdisciplinary research or technology programs
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Strong understanding of federal research funding mechanisms (e.g., ARO, AFOSR, ONR, DOE, DoD, DARPA, DHS)
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Proven ability to manage budgets, contracts, compliance, and post-award reporting
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Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
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Demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborations across academia, government, and industry.
Preferred Qualifications
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Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific, engineering, or management discipline
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Record of success in securing external funding as PI, co-PI, or proposal lead
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Experience managing federally funded programs involving marine or environmental systems, sensor technologies, or modeling
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Familiarity with DoD and DHS research environments, including export control and data protection
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Experience supervising and mentoring interdisciplinary professional staff
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Knowledge of University of Minnesota administrative systems (EFS, PeopleSoft, SPA)
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Strong ability to communicate scientific and technical outcomes to diverse audiences
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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Exceptional technical and persuasive writer with a track record of successful proposals
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Strategic planner with advanced project management and analytical skills
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Proficient with project management tools (Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent)
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Collaborative and adaptive leader who fosters innovation and teamwork
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Familiarity with environmental data systems, compliance frameworks, and interdisciplinary research environments
The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) seeks a Research Program Manager to lead program development, coordination, and implementation of a diverse portfolio focused on marine and large-lake systems science, marine engineering, underwater acoustics, underwater technology innovation, and sustainable maritime operations. This role will support the planning phase for a new Institute for Marine Science and Technology (IMaST) by coordinating the activities between the university researchers, industry, and federal agencies.
The Research Program Manager will play a leadership role in planning and preparing IMaST’s interdisciplinary mission by developing and managing sponsored research and technology initiatives. This position combines sponsor-facing program management (planning, contracting, reporting) with technical fluency in aquatic and marine sciences, environmental data systems, underwater acoustics, maritime engineering, and applied technology development.
The Program Manager will engage with federal, state, tribal, and industry collaborators, including agencies such as NOAA, NSF, ONR, DOE, DoD, DARPA, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and regional and private-sector sponsors. The incumbent will align IMaST’s research strengths, technology development priorities, and workforce advancement goals with sponsor needs.
This position will operationally report to the IMaST Task Force and will work closely with faculty, staff, and leaders in the Large Lakes Observatory (LLO), Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG), Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI), College of Science and Engineering, UMD’s administrative units, and other partners and collaborators at the University of Minnesota. (Reports to: Director of Minnesota Sea Grant and Director of the Large Lakes Observatory)
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Program Development & Project Creation (30%)
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Identify, develop, and pursue funding opportunities from industry and federal agencies such as NOAA, NSF, ONR, DOE, EPA, DoD, DARPA, and DHS, as well as state, tribal, and other private sponsors.
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Lead the development of competitive proposals, from concept notes and white papers to full submissions, ensuring compliance and timely delivery.
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Build interdisciplinary teams across the UMN system and external partners (universities, labs, agencies, and industry).
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Establish proposal pipelines and success metrics; coordinate with federal relations and communications for sponsor engagement.
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Strengthen IMaST’s visibility through strategic briefings, proposals, and stakeholder presentations.
Principal Investigator / Co-PI Leadership (25%)
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Serve as PI or co-PI on selected programs involving marine engineering and technology, underwater acoustics, autonomous maritime technologies, or data sciences / machine learning.
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Define project milestones, deliverables, and budgets; manage execution and reporting to meet sponsor expectations.
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Mentor students and staff in proposal writing, project management, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
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Disseminate research outcomes through publications, technical reports, and presentations.
Government Interface & Partnerships (15%)
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Serve as the primary liaison with industry, federal, and state sponsors, including ARO, AFOSR, ONR, DARPA, DoD, DHS, NASA, other federal agencies, as well as regional and private collaborators.
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Coordinate sponsor meetings, reviews, and technology demonstrations; represent IMaST in national and regional research initiatives.
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Support sponsor engagement with workforce and education programs to connect research activities with student training opportunities.
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Translate sponsor feedback into actionable research and program strategies.
Contracting, Reporting & Program Operations (15%)
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Manage award and contract administration, including scopes of work, budgets, and modifications.
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Ensure compliance with University and sponsor regulations (including FAR/DFARS and OTA frameworks)
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Maintain integrated project schedules, risk registers, and performance metrics.
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Prepare and submit sponsor reports (technical, progress, and financial) and oversee subawards and MOUs.
Team Leadership, Mentoring & Workforce Development (10%)
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Supervise professional and technical staff supporting IMaST programs.
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Coordinate workforce training and experiential programs aligned with IMaST’s research and education goals.
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Measure and report program outcomes (training participation, professional placement, diversity metrics).
Governance, Compliance & Ethics (5%)
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Ensure adherence to University and federal compliance policies (research ethics, data security, export control, environmental safety).
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Contribute to institute-level performance reporting and impact metrics.
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Participate in continuous improvement of IMaST’s project management practices.
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Other duties as assigned
Additional Information
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PI Eligibility: Appointment as PI/co-PI follows University and sponsor policies; IMaST will support affiliate or adjunct appointments as needed.
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Effort Distribution: PI/co-PI research typically 20–30% effort (portfolio-dependent); proposal development and program management make up the remainder.
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Location and Travel: Position based in Duluth, MN, with occasional travel to sponsor offices, research sites, and conferences.
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Title Flexibility: Candidates with exceptional experience may be considered for Senior Research Program Manager – Marine Science and Technology.
The planning phase of the Institute for Marine Science and Technology (IMaST) at the University of Minnesota will develop the framework for integrating foundational marine science, engineering, and innovation to advance research on large-lake and ocean-analog systems. Building on the strengths of the Large Lakes Observatory (LLO) and Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG), Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI), college of science and engineering, and University of Minnesota system, IMaST will conduct interdisciplinary research, develop emerging technologies, and translate science into practical solutions supporting sustainable water and maritime futures.
After the planning phase, IMaST plans to partner with federal and state agencies, tribal governments, and private industry to foster environmental resilience, technological innovation, and workforce development in the Great Lakes region and beyond. Duluth, Minnesota, situated on the western shore of Lake Superior, offers an exceptional environment for research, collaboration, and quality of life—combining a vibrant port city, a leading research university, and deep community engagement in environmental and maritime issues.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.
NOTE: You are required to attach a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.
This position will remain open until filled.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-8647.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)
The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.
Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
