Senior Research Development Lead - Strategic Innovation

Purdue University Institute of CHIPS and AI; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University Institute of CHIPS and AI seeks a Senior Research Development Specialist to advance interdisciplinary research development across Purdue by connecting faculty, funding opportunities, institutional capabilities, and strategic priorities. The role leads convening, opportunity intelligence, faculty engagement, and relationship-building to seed teams and proposals.

Using data analytics, AI, and strategic communications, you will identify funding trends, map strengths to sponsor

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Seven+ years in research development or similar.
• Experience leading interdisciplinary programs or projects in complex environments.
• Ability to identify funding opportunities and translate data into recommendations.
• Strong strategic planning and stakeholder collaboration skills.
• Ability to craft clear, actionable briefs and communications.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, Communication, Science, Engineering, Public Administration, Higher Education, Data Analytics, or a related field

Seven or more years of professional experience in research development, faculty engagement, program development, proposal development, strategic communications, data-informed planning, or a closely related function

Experience independently leading research development initiatives, interdisciplinary programs, faculty-facing services, convening activities, or other complex projects

Experience using funding intelligence, institutional data, faculty expertise, or stakeholder information to identify opportunities, develop recommendations, or support collaborative initiatives

Strong research development and strategic planning skills, with the ability to connect funding opportunities, institutional capabilities, faculty expertise, and institutional priorities

Ability to synthesize complex technical and nontechnical information into clear opportunity briefs, faculty-facing communications, presentations, training materials, and strategic resources

Job description

Purdue University Institute of CHIPS and AI seeks a Senior Research Development Specialist to advance interdisciplinary research development across Purdue by connecting faculty, funding opportunities, institutional capabilities, and strategic priorities. The role leads convening, opportunity intelligence, faculty engagement, and relationship-building to seed teams and proposals.

Using data analytics, AI, and strategic communications, you will identify funding trends, map strengths to sponsor