Associate Director, STEM Proposal Specialist Research Development

Boston University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston University’s central Research Development team seeks an Associate Director, STEM Proposal Specialist to elevate the quality and competitiveness of STEM proposals across engineering, physical sciences, computing, and emerging technologies.

Reporting to the Director of Research Development, this role provides expert scientific editing, strategic writing support, and faculty development programming to strengthen proposals for large-scale, multidisciplinary funding opportunities such as ERCs,

Qualifications

• Advanced degree required (PhD or equivalent) in engineering, physical sciences, computing, or related STEM field.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific writing, editing, and federal proposal development.
• Experience designing or delivering faculty development programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert scientific editing, strategic writing support, and faculty development programming to strengthen proposals for large-scale, multidisciplinary funding opportunities (e.g., ERCs, MURIs, EFRCs, DoD/DARPA).
• Focus on narrative development, non-technical sections, and faculty readiness to ensure proposals are compliant, compelling, and cohesive.
• Collaborate with the RD program manager for large centers on multi-center proposals and strategic initiatives.

Skills

Scientific writing

Editing

Proposal development

Education

PhD or equivalent in STEM

Job description

Associate Director, STEM Proposal Specialist Research Development

Salary Grade

Grade 50

Expected Hiring Range Minimum

$100,000.00

Expected Hiring Range Maximum

$110,000.00

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training and internal pay comparison. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

The Associate Director, STEM Proposal Specialist will be a key member of Boston University's central Research Development (RD) team, focused on elevating the quality, clarity, and competitiveness of STEM proposals across engineering, physical sciences, computing, and emerging technology domains. Reporting to the Director of Research Development, this role will provide expert scientific editing, strategic writing support, and faculty development programming to strengthen proposals for large-scale, multidisciplinary funding opportunities (e.g., NSF Engineering Research Centers, DOE Energy Frontier Research Centers, DoD MURIs, DARPA programs, etc.). Working in close partnership with the RD program manager for large centers, the STEM Proposal Specialist will focus on narrative development, non-technical sections, and faculty readiness, ensuring proposals are not only compliant, but compelling, and cohesive.

Required Skills

• Advanced degree (PhD or equivalent experience) in engineering, physical sciences, computing, or a closely related STEM field.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific writing, editing, and proposal development, particularly for federal funding agencies (e.g., NSF, DOE, DoD).
• Experience designing or delivering faculty development programs, workshops, or training initiatives

Preferred Experience:

• Supporting large-scale center proposals (e.g., ERCs, MURIs, EFRCs) or institutional training grants.
• Familiarity with NSF CAREER and other early-career funding mechanisms.
• Experience in a research development or research strategy role within an R1 institution or national lab.
• Understanding of convergence research and team science approaches.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.