Associate Director Science and Research Operations

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $93,900 - Midpoint: $126,800 (Salaried E14)

Department/Organization: 750501 - Alabama Water Institute (AWI)

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Job Summary: The Associate Director Science and Research Operations manages the science and research operations of a research center or institute. Aligns research with operational impact. Generates synergy across research activities. Supports proposal development and submission for selected funding opportunities. Meets with scientists and operational personnel of federal agencies, academic researchers, and the private sector regularly to identify priority areas for research, points of synergy, and advise course corrections of research to connect to operations and other research activities. Coordinates project reporting and support scientists to prepare annual progress reports and other reports.

Additional Department Summary: Associate Director of Science for the NOAA Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH). The Alabama Water Institute (AWI) and CIROH are seeking applications to join the CIROH team researching advancements to streamflow, flood, drought, and water quality forecasting capabilities.

Works directly with CIROH’s Executive Director to (1) provide strategic and technical direction and coordination across CIROH’s research portfolio and science team, (2) facilitate the development and transition of CIROH research into operations, (3) contribute expert knowledge to CIROH’s education and outreach initiatives, (4) lead efforts to secure external funding in complementary research areas, and (5) direct externally funded research projects.

Exceptional applicants are sought that have interests and experience in conducting research and delivering education in the following water-related areas: water observing technology, large-scale hydrologic modeling, hydroinformatics, artificial intelligence in hydrology, use of remote sensing observations in hydrology, and water resources planning and management.

Works within AWI, under the leadership and supervision of CIROH’s Executive Director. AWI is one of the five research institutes at The University of Alabama and acts as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration across the University’s colleges. This collaboration unites engineers, computer scientists, biologists, social scientists, economists, and other experts to address the pressing water challenges facing Alabama and the world.

AWI-affiliated researchers focus on key areas such as water security and quality, remote sensing, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, biological variability, watershed management, and the intersection of human health and water resources. These efforts are synergized through AWI’s research programs, including CIROH, the Global Water Security Center, and the CONSERVE Research Group.

Continuation in this position is contingent upon availability of external funding derived from research programs or specific projects.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of research development, research strategy development, or business development experience; OR Master's degree and four (4) years of research development, research strategy development, or business development experience.

Skills and Knowledge: Experience relevant to AWI’s research portfolio working in an academic, private sector, and/or government setting. Experience leading research projects relevant to CIROH’s portfolio, including demonstrated track record of and significant potential for producing high impact scholarly outcomes. History of successful and effective staff performance management and development. Proven capacity to recruit, successfully develop and train, and mentor researchers and other staff across a range of experience levels. Acute understanding of the priorities, operation, and strategies of securing externally funded grants and contracts to support research. Ability to lead and participate in interdisciplinary teams to write proposals that lead to extramural funding. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. Detail oriented, organized, able to meet deadlines, and exercise critical thinking skills. Anticipates and plans proactively for known deadlines and annual cycles.

Preferred Qualifications: A doctorate (Ph.D.) in civil engineering, geography, hydrology, or a closely related field with at least five years of relevant experience, or master’s degree in civil engineering, geography, hydrology, or a closely related field with at least ten years of relevant experience.

Experience working with one or more key federal partners focused on water, including, but not limited to, NOAA, USGS, Army Corps of Engineers, NASA, National Science Foundation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases.