Senior Program Associate, Physical Sciences

University at Buffalo; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

University at Buffalo (UB) seeks a Senior Program Associate to strengthen industry engagement and foster collaborative research and development in physical sciences, engineering, and advanced manufacturing. The role connects companies with UB’s research, develops proposals and agreements, and manages applied R&D projects within BEP’s programs, including NY SMART I‑Corridor C3 and CMI initiatives.

The position emphasizes active partnership development, coordination with sponsors, and

Responsibilities

• Identify and cultivate partnerships with companies in physical sciences and advanced manufacturing.
• Develop proposals, work statements, budgets, and agreements for collaborative projects.
• Manage active industry‑facing projects and report milestones and outcomes.
• Facilitate UB‑external collaborations and coordinate with BEP programs and sponsors.
• Design outreach programs and represent UB at industry meetings and events.

Job description

UB Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships (BEP) is seeking a Senior Program Associate to strengthen industry engagement and foster collaborative research and development projects in the physical sciences, engineering, and advanced manufacturing sectors. These industries encompass areas such as semiconductors, materials, energy, applied AI for manufacturing, and other technology‑driven fields. The Associate will connect companies with UB’s research expertise, facilities, and technology assets; develop proposals and agreements; manage applied R&​D projects; and represent BEP in industry‑facing activities. This position will support UB’s partner program of the NY SMART I‑Corridor Tech Hub’s Commercialization and Collaboration Center (C3) and the Center of Excellence in Materials Informatics (CMI).

Key Responsibilities

Industry Engagement & Partnership Development

• Serve as a key contact for companies in physical sciences, engineering, and advanced manufacturing industries, with a strong focus on the semiconductor industry.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with prospective partners through outreach, events, referrals, and collaboration with BEP colleagues.
• Represent UB and BEP at conferences, trade shows, workshops, and company visits to promote university‑industry collaboration.

Project Development & Management

• Support the development of proposals, statements of work (SOWs), budgets, and agreements for collaborative projects, including those funded through state and federal programs.
• Manage active projects to ensure milestones are met, relationships are maintained, and deliverables are reported.
• Assist with the administration and tracking of industry‑facing projects supported by BEP programs, including the C3 tech vouchers, interfacing with program sponsors.
• Work with BEP Finance, Sponsored Projects Services, and Technology Transfer to formalize and manage contracts.

University‑Faculty Collaboration

• Facilitate engagement between UB faculty and external partners in the physical sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Help identify and scope research opportunities aligned with faculty expertise and company needs.
• Support faculty participation in BEP programs, including CMI research initiatives and C3 voucher projects.

Outreach, Programming & Reporting

• Contribute to the design and delivery of outreach programs, events, and marketing materials that highlight UB’s capabilities and industry partnerships.
• Represent UB in regional Tech Hub and CMI meetings and events.
• Provide regular reports on engagement activities, project outcomes, and emerging opportunities to BEP leadership.

Benefits

• Our benefits prioritize your well‑being and success to enhance every aspect of your life.
• Being a part of the University at Buffalo community.

As an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action employer, the Research Foundation will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin and veteran or disability status.