Senior Program Associate, Physical Sciences

University at Buffalo; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

University at Buffalo seeks a Senior Program Associate in Physical Sciences to strengthen industry engagement and foster collaborative research and development across the physical sciences, engineering, and advanced manufacturing sectors, including semiconductors, materials, energy, and applied AI for manufacturing.

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

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience in business development, project management, entrepreneurship, innovation, or economic development in industry, academia, or government.
• Ability to manage projects, contracts, and company relationships.
• Willingness to attend events, visit local companies, customers, and faculty.
• Ability to achieve unit and program goals and objectives.
• Excellent communication capabilities, including strong presentation and written skills.
• Strong Microsoft Office proficiency, particularly in Word and Excel.
• Self-motivated, with the maturity to engage with faculty and represent UB to external stakeholders.

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.
• 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.
• University-Faculty Collaboration: Facilitate engagement between UB faculty and external partners in the physical sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Skills

Industry engagement

Partnership development

Project management

Proposal development

Contract management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Salesforce

Job description

Senior Program Associate, Physical Sciences

Position Title Senior Program Associate, Physical Sciences

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.
• 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.

Learn more:

• Our benefits , where we prioritize your well-being and success to enhance every aspect of your life.

The Research Foundation of SUNY is an EOE and welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with a disability.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degreeand 3 years of experience in business development, project management, entrepreneurship, innovation, or economic development in industry, academia, or government.
• Ability to manage projects, contracts, and company relationships.
• Willingness to attend events, visit local companies, customers, and faculty.
• Ability to achieve unit and program goals and objectives.
• Excellent communication capabilities, including strong presentation and written skills.
• Strong Microsoft Office proficiency, particularly in Word and Excel.
• Self-motivated, with the maturity to engage with faculty and represent UB to external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced STEM degree and 5 years of related business development or product development experience in industry, academic, governmental, or economic development setting. The requirement may be satisfied by an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience developing R&D project plans and managing contracts.
• Familiarity with intellectual property protection and technology commercialization.
• Experience with a customer relationship management system (e.g. Salesforce).
• Experience working with or within a university environment.
• Knowledge of NYS and federal economic development and innovation programs.
• Marketing and outreach experience with the business community.

Our University Community

Physical Demands

Driving Requirements

Driving Requirements This position will never drive a university owned vehicle.

Salary Range

Salary Range $75,000 - $85,000

Additional Salary Information

Additional Salary Information The salary range reflects our good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting, the role and associated responsibilities, and the experience, education, and training of the selected candidate.

Work Hours

37.5 hours per week

Campus

Campus As Assigned

Contact Information

Contact's Title Interim Director, Center of Excellence in Materials Informatics Industry Engagement & Visualization

Contact's Phone [phone]

UB is an AA/EOE and welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Arrangements will be made if an applicant has a disability in order to provide access to the application, interview and selection process upon request. Reasonable accommodation requests must be made in a timely manner by email at [e-mail] or by phone [phone].