Director, HUB Opportunity Fund - College of Engineering

Position Summary
Reporting directly to the HUB Faculty Leads, the HUB Director will serve as the senior academic and scientific administrator for the Center, with primary responsibility for coordinating and advancing all HUB research activities. This leadership role includes oversight of center-wide communications, stewardship of national scientific databases, management of the NIH-funded Opportunity Research Fund review process, and administration of all phases of the scientific merit review and project selection workflow. The Director will collaborate closely with biomedical engineering faculty across multiple institutions, providing high-level scientific insight and strategic guidance to accelerate the translation of biomaterials research toward clinical impact. In partnership with principal investigators (PIs) of HUB-funded projects, the Director will monitor research progress, facilitate cross-institutional collaborations, and ensure effective and compliant use of federal resources.

Duties & Responsibilities

Operations Management: Partner with PIs to shape the scientific vision, strategic priorities, and operational approach needed to advance the HUB’s research and translational goals. Coordinate multi-institutional research activities to ensure alignment with the HUB’s mission and NIH expectations.

Research Finance and Federal Resource Stewardship: Provide high-level oversight of research-related financial operations, including responsible disbursement, monitoring, and documentation of federal funds. Manage cross-institutional payment workflows to ensure compliance with sponsor requirements and support efficient project execution.

Scientific and Translational Leadership: Offer scientific expertise to guide research translation, including advising PIs on experimental strategy, study design, and translational pathways. Work closely with PIs and the Advisory Board to foster collaborations, catalyze new research partnerships, and promote scientific integration across HUB institutions.

Proposal Reviews, Evaluations, and Reporting: Lead the scientific review process for Opportunity Research Fund proposals, ensuring rigorous assessment of merit, feasibility, and alignment with HUB objectives. Prepare and submit required reports, documentation, and justifications to NIBIB program staff in accordance with federal guidelines.

Advisory Board Development and Engagement: Establish, coordinate, and steward the HUB Advisory Board. Organize and facilitate meetings that support strategic guidance, high-level scientific discussion, and informed decision-making for center activities.

Mentorship, Community Building, and Faculty Support: Support cross-institutional mentorship networks by connecting PIs with scientific advisors and collaborators. Promote effective communication and coordination across the HUB research community.

Scholarly and Professional Representation: Represent the HUB at scientific conferences, workshops, and meetings to disseminate progress, cultivate partnerships, and stay current with emerging trends in biomaterials and translational research.

Team Leadership and Supervisory Responsibilities: Provide direct supervision and professional mentorship to the HUB Administrative Assistant, supporting high-quality contributions and continued growth.

Perform other research-centered or strategic duties as assigned to advance the mission and impact of the HUB.

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.