DIR, Research Admin

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Florida, on the Main Campus in Gainesville, seeks a strategic leader as Director of Research Administration to drive startup creation, investment sourcing, and financial analysis across the UFRF portfolio.

The role leads the EIR program and manages venture initiatives, partnering with licensing, investors, and external networks to accelerate commercialization and regional growth.

Qualifications

• Requires a Master's degree with six years' relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree with eight years' relevant experience.
• Minimum of 2 years operational experience in at least one startup company.

Responsibilities

• Assist Licensing team to increase number of startups and grow the startup ecosystem.
• Identify and source new venture investments; perform due diligence and liaise between clients and University.
• Prepare in-depth financial and data analyses; develop financial models for financings and restructurings.
• Hire and manage a team of Entrepreneurs-in-Residence across Florida; promote programs and assist entrepreneurs.
• Seek deal sourcing for UFRF Venture fund and maintain investments knowledge.

Skills

Investments

Financial modeling

Networking

Public speaking

Education

Master's degree + 6 years experience

Bachelor's degree + 8 years experience

Tools

Financial analysis tools

Job description

DIR, Research Admin

Job No: 541970

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Executive/Director/Management, Grant or Research Administration

Department: 11270200 - RE-VENTURES

Job Description

Classification Title: Director, Research Administration

Classification Minimum Requirements: Master's degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and eight years of relevant experience.

Job Description:

• Startup Creation: Assist the Licensing team to increase the number of startups created with UFRFtechnologies, to hit BOG goals numbers, to increase the number of UFRF startups in our incubators, andoverall grow the startup ecosystem in Alachua county and the State of Florida.
• Investment Search and identification: Identify and source new venture investments includingmeeting with founders and entrepreneurs, attending relevant conferences and networking events, andcalling on new prospects. Conduct detailed industry, business and financial due diligence on prospectiveinvestments. Perform as a liaison between the clients, businesses, and the University regarding potentialventure investment. Work closely with angel groups and other national/regional/local investment funds.
• Financial/Market Analysis: Prepare in-depth financial and data analysis for potentialinvestments, including customer and management references, market sizing and mapping, and industryresearch. Develop financial models relating to financings, restructurings, valuation analyses and liquidityevents. Support portfolio company management teams on special projects. Evaluate the potential of aclient's return on investment opportunities relative to the investment risk. Perform careful evaluation ofrisk/reward potential for clients and their companies.
• EIR Program: Hire and manage team ofEIRs (Entrepreneurs-in-Residence) with the objective to have outreach across Florida to findmanagement talent, investments as well as provide executive oversight to select projects within TechLicensing. Develop informational sessions for clients and companies on issues relevant to investmentsin startup companies. Promote the University programs, and their employees at every availableopportunity, with specific responsibilities for assisting entrepreneurs and establishing and aiding newbusinesses in the service region.
• Venture Fund: Seek out and manage sourcing of deals thatqualify for the UFRF Venture fund, create investment memo for the investment committee, manage thecompany presentation as well as the financial documents that accompany any transaction. Maintainknowledge of existing UFRF investments and monitor financial performance.

Expected Salary: Commensurate with Education and Experience.

Required Qualifications

Master's degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and eight years of relevant experience.

At least 2 years operational experience employed in at least one startup company required.

Preferred

Technical undergraduate degree, B.S. in science or engineering required.

Master's degree in Business.

Administration or equivalent experience in a related field required.

At least 3 years experience required in the financing aspects of small business including securities, banking, and/or direct management of investments in commercial ventures.

Experience also desired in technology commercialization and working with entrepreneurs.

At least 2 years operational experience employed in at least one startup company required, more experience preferred.

Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills required, including public speaking, presentation and pitches.

Demonstrated networking skills, including negotiating strategic, business-to-business agreements and assisting companies with finding additional financing.

Ability to operate as a business professional and an effective investor, and show evidence of a willingness to fulfill both roles.

Extensive venture capital firm network across industries, regions and stages.

Early stage fund development and management experience.

Eligibility Requirements

A criminal background check is required.

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Health Assessment Required: No

Applications Close: 06 December 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.