Senior Program Associate, Physical Sciences

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

Job summary

Senior Program Associate, Physical Sciences at State University of New York at Buffalo, will strengthen industry engagement and foster collaborative R&D in physical sciences, engineering, and advanced manufacturing, including semiconductors, materials, energy, and applied AI for manufacturing.

The role connects companies with UB’s research, develops proposals and agreements, and manages industry-facing projects while supporting BEP programs such as NY SMART I-Corridor C3 and the Center of

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

• Serve as a key contact for companies in physical sciences and engineering.
• Identify and cultivate partner relationships through outreach and events.
• Represent UB and BEP at conferences to promote university‑industry collaboration.
• Develop proposals, SOWs, budgets, and agreements for collaborative projects.
• Manage active projects to meet milestones and deliverables.
• Coordinate with BEP Finance, Sponsored Projects Services, and Tech Transfer to formalize contracts.

Skills

Project management

Written and verbal communication

External stakeholder relations

Event outreach

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced STEM degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)

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.

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.

Minimum 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.

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

$75,000 - $85,000

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

Posting Alerts

Special Instructions Summary

Is a background check required for this posting?

No

Contact Information

Contact's Name

Contact's Pronouns

Contact's Title

Interim Director, Center of Excellence in Materials Informatics Industry Engagement & Visualization

Contact's Email

Contact's Phone

716-881-8932

Posting Dates

Posted 07/16/2026

References

Number of references required 3

Reference Cutoff Date

Instructions to Applicant

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please indicate your current employment affiliation with the University at Buffalo.
• Faculty
• Faculty Student Association (FSA)
• Research Foundation Employee
• State Classified
• State Professional
• UB Foundation
• TA/GA
• Student
• No Current Employment Affiliation

How did you first hear about this employment opportunity?

• AcademicKeys.com
• CareerExposure.com
• CareerWomen.com
• Chronicle of Higher Education
• DiversitySearch.com
• GoogleJobs.com
• HERCjobs.org
• HigherEdJobs.com
• IMDiversity.com
• Indeed.com
• LinkedIn.com
• MBACareers.com
• Conference
• Personal Referral
• UBJobs.buffalo.edu
• Other

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].