Research Science Management

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Utah seeks a Senior Manager, Research Science to direct department laboratory operations and guide material technologies research for diverse applications. You will supervise engineers, manage training, and collaborate with design, manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement teams.

You will oversee equipment, support internal and external research needs, and drive SOPs, safety programs, and budgeting in a dynamic academic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) + 8 years of related work experience.
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) + 6 years of related work experience.
• Experience leading staff and conducting performance reviews.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct all aspects of department laboratory operations.
• Provide high-quality technical support, training, and services for internal and external users.
• Oversee shared laboratory equipment in the MSE department and related facilities.
• Coordinate SOPs, sample processing, and billing for equipment usage.
• Lead advanced characterization and coordinate multi-technique analytical projects.
• Train TAs, students, and technicians; support instructional labs in the center.
• Maintain safety and compliance; manage hazardous waste and training.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Career Progression Track M00

Track Level M4 - Senior Manager

FLSA Code

FLSA Code Administrative

Patient Sensitive Job Code?

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Standard Hours per Week 40

Full Time or Part Time?

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Shift

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

Monday – Friday 8-5pm

VP Area

VP Area Academic Affairs

Department

Department 00067 - Material Science and Engineer

Location

Location Campus

City

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range

Pay Rate Range 70,000-120,000

Close Date

Close Date 11/30/2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

Research Science Management

Direct/Manage/Supervise engineers in the selection, qualification, testing, and failure analysis of materials and processes. Oversee research and strategy development regarding material technologies for various applications and production processes. Lead training and development for engineering staff on material-related trends and topics. Collaborate cross-functionally with design engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement teams to provide materials guidance and expertise. May specialize in polymer, metallurgical, ceramics, or other types of materials. Second-level manager. Manage the activities of first-level managers and/or supervisors. Responsible for hiring, firing, performance appraisals, and pay reviews. Broad knowledge of the field with proven leadership skills.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all aspects of department laboratory operations, ensuring high-quality technical support, training, and services for both internal and external users. The Materials Engineer Manager will act as a key liaison between the department, lab staff, faculty, and user community, supporting research, teaching, and service missions of the department as well as other duties as assigned.

The day-to-day responsibilities will include:

Technical Support & Equipment Oversight: Manage shared laboratory equipment in the MSE department, Materials Characterization Lab ( MCL ), SMART , and Crus Center facilities, including SEM , XRD , BET , MLA , UV/Vis, TGA / DSC , ICP -MS, electrokinetic analyzer, 3D printers, furnaces, crushing and grinding equipment, solution extraction and separation equipment, and autonomous laboratory equipment. Provide user training, develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), process samples for internal and external clients, and handle billing for equipment usage.

Advanced Characterization & Research Support: Conduct high-level sample characterization and coordinate multi-technique analytical projects. Write technical reports summarizing results and project outcomes for clients. Collect, compare, and synthesize vendor quotes for equipment purchases and service contracts. Interact professionally with internal and external users and work to meet associated research needs.

Instructional and Faculty Support: Support instructional labs by training TAs, students, and technicians operating in the center, preparing demonstrations, and maintaining teaching equipment. Collaborate with faculty on shared equipment use, potential donations, and long-term procurement planning.

Laboratory Operations & Maintenance: Order supplies (e.g., gloves, gases) and maintain an updated chemical inventory. Oversee general housekeeping and lab upkeep. Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and basic repairs on instruments, including alignment, calibration, and component replacement. Coordinate vendor service visits and oversee contract maintenance.

Safety & Compliance: Maintain a safe and compliant work environment in the MCL and Crus Center. Ensure all lab users complete required university EHS training and equipment-specific training. Develop, implement, and enforce safe laboratory procedures. Work with students and researchers to establish best practices and assist in drafting SOPs. Properly manage and dispose of hazardous waste.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Senior Manager, Research Science: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

Type

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at [phone] for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at [phone] or [phone] or University Human Resource Management at [phone] if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules. This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page . Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu. https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South. As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members , a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * What is your highest level of completed education?
  • None
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctorate Degree
• * How many years of related work experience do you have?
  • Less than 2 years
  • 2 years or more, but less than 4 years
  • 4 years or more, but less than 6 years
  • 6 years or more, but less than 8 years
  • 8 years or more, but less than 10 years
  • 10 years or more, but less than 12 years
  • 12 years or more, but less than 14 years
  • 14 years or more
• * I am a U.S. citizen. It is anticipated that this position will involve access to federally funded research that is subject to federal sponsorship regulatory restrictions (e.g. certain export control, data security, acquisition regulations, or federal contract clauses) that mandate U.S. citizen participation only.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Letter of Recommendation 1
• Letter of Recommendation 2

Optional Documents

University Human Resource Management
250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Contact us: [phone] By Email: [e-mail]