Assistant Director, Applied Research for National Security Lab

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Florida is seeking an Assistant Director, Applied Research for National Security Lab on the Main Campus in Gainesville, FL. The role leads strategic initiatives, manages education programs, and builds collaborations with government, academia, and industry to advance national security priorities.

The position emphasizes mentoring students and coordinating workforce development, conferences, and sponsor engagements while ensuring compliance with university policies and sponsor

Qualifications

• Master's degree with 2 years of experience or bachelor's with 4 years of experience in relevant areas.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director and Associate Directors in developing ARNS strategic vision and initiatives.
• Participate in strategic planning and expand partnerships with DoD, academia, and industry.
• Support education programs and workforce development for national security talent pipelines.
• Coordinate ARNS activities, meetings, demonstrations, and sponsor visits.
• Prepare reports, briefings, and sponsor documentation; ensure compliance with policies.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Partnership building

Mentoring

Program management

Education

Master's degree in related field

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Assistant Director, Applied Research for National Security Lab

Job No: 541410

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Executive/Director/Management, Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support, Grant or Research Administration

Department: 11010000 - RE-VP FOR RESEARCH

Job Description

Classification Title: AST DIR, Educ/Training Prgms

Classification Minimum Requirements: Master's degree in appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience or a bachelor's degree in appropriate areas of specialization and four years of experience.

Strategic Leadership and Laboratory Advancement

• Assist the Director and Associate Directors in developing and executing the strategic vision of the Applied Research for National Security (ARNS) Laboratory through the implementation of new education, student engagement, workforce development, and research initiatives.


• Participates in the strategic planning for the ARNS Lab and assists the Director and Associate Directors in developing and implementing the strategic plan.


• Identify opportunities to expand ARNS partnerships across government, academia, and industry in support of national security priorities.

Educational Programs and Workforce Development

• Assist in the planning, instruction, and execution of the Innovating for Defense (I4D) program by mentoring student teams, coordinating with faculty and government sponsors, and helping guide projects from problem definition through final deliverables.


• Help identify opportunities for student engagement, internships, experiential learning, and workforce development that strengthen the national security talent pipeline and connect students with defense and government partners.


• Assist in developing educational content, instructional materials, and experiential learning opportunities that expose students to national security challenges, defense innovation processes, and emerging technologies.

Partnership Development and External Relations

• Serve as a liaison between the University of Florida, Department of Defense organizations, industry partners, and other external stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, student engagement, and sponsor participation.


• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty, students, government sponsors, military organizations, industry partners, and other stakeholders to promote interdisciplinary participation in ARNS activities.

Program Management and Operational Coordination

• Assist the Assistant Vice President and Associate Director team in coordinating Applied Research for National Security (ARNS) Laboratory activities, including strategic meetings, demonstrations, sponsor visits, workforce development initiatives, and special projects supporting the laboratory's mission.


• Assist with planning and execution of conferences, seminars, executive briefings, tabletop exercises, and outreach activities that advance the mission of the ARNS Laboratory.


• Ensure assigned activities comply with University policies and applicable sponsor requirements.

Communications, Reporting, and Sponsor Engagement

• Prepare reports, presentations, briefing materials, and sponsor documentation supporting the DIU program and other ARNS Laboratory initiatives.

Other

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Vice President of National Security Research.

Expected Salary: Commensurate with Education and Experience

Required Qualifications: Master's degree in appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience or a bachelor's degree in appropriate areas of specialization and four years of experience.

Preferred

• Military service or extensive experience working with the Department of Defense or other federal agencies.


• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams or complex operational programs.


• Experience mentoring students, junior professionals, or military personnel.


• Experience in defense innovation, technology transition, acquisition, operational planning, or national security programs.


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to build partnerships across academia, government, and industry.


• Familiarity with project management and execution of federally sponsored programs.

Health Assessment Required: No

Applications Close: 25 September 2026

Our Commitment:

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.