Research Engagement Manager

Georgia Tech Institute for Matter and Systems; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Georgia Tech Institute for Matter and Systems (IMS) seeks a Research Engagement Manager to build partnerships that advance research, workforce development, and innovation. This role connects academia, industry, government, and philanthropy to unlock new opportunities.

You'll collaborate with faculty to identify initiatives, communicate IMS strengths to external stakeholders, and shape engagement strategies that translate complex science into real-world impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or related field.
• Five or more years in research development, academic research, industry R&D, or related fields.
• Ability to understand and translate complex technical topics for diverse audiences.
• Proven track record building relationships with researchers and external stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills with technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Experience advancing projects from concept to implementation.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with faculty, researchers, and staff to understand IMS capabilities and initiatives.
• Identify opportunities where IMS expertise aligns with industry, government, foundations, or philanthropy.
• Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships supporting sponsored research, education initiatives, and workforce development.
• Collaborate with faculty and leadership to shape partnership strategies and position IMS for funding opportunities.
• Develop engagement materials, presentations, and briefings communicating IMS impact.
• Coordinate with Georgia Tech partners across corporate engagement, research development, and advancement teams.
• Track partnership activities, proposals, funding opportunities, and outcomes for leadership updates.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives that may grow into large-scale programs.

Skills

relationship builder

strategic thinker

strong communication

translate complex topics

Education

Bachelor's degree in science/engineering or related field

5+ years in research development / related fields

Job description

The Georgia Tech Institute for Matter and Systems (IMS) is seeking a Research Engagement Manager to help build partnerships that advance groundbreaking research, workforce development, and innovation. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys connecting people, ideas, and opportunities across academia, industry, government, and philanthropy.

As a member of the IMS team, you'll work alongside leading researchers and faculty to identify emerging opportunities, cultivate strategic partnerships, and communicate the value of Georgia Tech's research strengths to external stakeholders.

About the Institute for Matter and Systems

The Institute for Matter and Systems (IMS) is Georgia Tech's interdisciplinary research institute focused on advancing science, engineering, and technology to address complex societal challenges. IMS brings together faculty, researchers, centers, programs, and shared facilities across four research thrusts:

• Human-Centric Technologies
• Infrastructure and Methodologies

Our work spans all length scales, from atoms to integrated systems, creating innovative technologies that are sustainable, equitable, and transformative.

In this role, you will:

• Build relationships with faculty, researchers, and staff to develop a strong understanding of IMS research capabilities, emerging initiatives, workforce programs, and shared facilities.
• Identify opportunities where IMS expertise can align with industry, government, foundation, or philanthropic needs.
• Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships that support sponsored research, collaborative projects, education initiatives, and workforce development programs.
• Work with faculty and leadership to shape partnership strategies and position IMS for new funding and collaboration opportunities.
• Develop engagement materials, presentations, and briefings that communicate the impact and potential applications of IMS research.
• Coordinate with partners across Georgia Tech, including corporate engagement, research development, sponsored programs, commercialization, and advancement teams.
• Track partnership activities, proposals, funding opportunities, and outcomes, and provide strategic updates to leadership.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives that have the potential to grow into large-scale research programs and centers.

Qualifications

We're looking for a relationship builder and strategic thinker who can quickly understand complex technical topics and translate them into meaningful opportunities.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five or more years of experience in research development, academic research, industry R&D, corporate engagement, technology partnerships, government research programs, or a related field.
• Ability to develop a high-level understanding of scientific and engineering research across a wide range of disciplines.
• Demonstrated success building relationships with researchers, technical professionals, organizational leaders, and external stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Experience advancing projects and partnerships from concept through implementation.

Preferred

• Experience working in a research university, national laboratory, government research organization, or technology-focused company.
• Experience developing university-industry partnerships and collaborative research programs.
• Familiarity with sponsored research, intellectual property, technology transfer, government funding, and philanthropic engagement.
• Experience supporting interdisciplinary teams, proposals, or large-scale initiatives.
• Advanced degree or equivalent professional experience in science, engineering, business, public policy, or a related field.
  

At IMS, you'll have the opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge research, industry engagement, and innovation. You'll help connect Georgia Tech researchers with partners who can accelerate discovery, advance technology, develop talent, and create real-world impact.