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Associate Research Director information

What is an associate research director?

An Associate Research Director is a senior-level professional who helps oversee the planning, execution, and management of research projects within an organization. They typically support the Research Director by supervising research teams, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, and maintaining the quality and integrity of research output. Associate Research Directors also play a key role in developing research strategies, analyzing data, and communicating findings to stakeholders. Their position often serves as a bridge between research staff and upper management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate research director?

To thrive as an Associate Research Director, you need advanced expertise in research methodologies, data analysis, and project management, usually supported by a graduate degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS or R), data visualization tools, and experience with research management systems are typically required. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills enable you to guide teams and present complex findings to stakeholders effectively. These competencies are essential for delivering high-quality research insights, ensuring project success, and supporting organizational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by associate research directors when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Associate Research Directors often juggle several projects at once, which requires excellent organizational and time management skills. Balancing priorities, allocating resources efficiently, and ensuring consistent communication across teams can be demanding, especially when deadlines overlap or project scopes change. Additionally, maintaining high-quality standards while mentoring junior researchers and coordinating with senior leadership adds to the complexity. To succeed, it's important to develop strong delegation skills and foster collaborative relationships within the research team.

What is the difference between Associate Research Director vs Research Manager?

AspectAssociate Research DirectorResearch Manager
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field, often with research experienceBachelor's or Master's, with focus on project management and research oversight
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing research teams, high-level decision makingManaging research projects, coordinating teams, ensuring project deliverables
Industry UsageUsed in corporate, academic, and government research settingsCommon in corporate and institutional research departments

The Associate Research Director typically holds a higher strategic role, overseeing multiple research projects and teams, while the Research Manager focuses on managing specific research projects and day-to-day operations. Both roles require strong research credentials, but the Associate Research Director is more involved in strategic planning and leadership.

What are popular job titles related to Associate Research Director jobs in Florida?

For Associate Research Director jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Research Director jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Research Director jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Associate Research Director jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Associate Research Director job openings:

Associate Research Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Research Director job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Associate Director, Research Administration

Gainesville, FL • On-site

University of Florida
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 622 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about University of Floridaexternal

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Associate Director, Research Administration
Job no: 539629
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Executive/Director/Management, Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support, Grant or Research Administration
Department:11010000 - RE-VP FOR RESEARCH
Classification Title:
Associate Director, Research Administration
Classification Minimum Requirements:
Master's degree in an appropriate area and four years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience.
Job Description:
Research Program Development & Execution
  • Lead development of applied research programs aligned with ARNS Lab core technical areas, including AI-enabled systems engineering, microelectronics and hardware security, space and radiation-tolerant systems, advanced materials, and biosecurity.
  • Translate sponsor priorities and mission needs into executable research concepts and program plans.
  • Coordinate faculty engagement across UF to assemble interdisciplinary teams aligned with sponsor-driven opportunities.
  • Support early-stage program planning for secure research activities in coordination with security and compliance leadership.
  • Participate in planning of the laboratory physical space and critical technology capabilities

Proposal Development & Capture Support
  • Support and, where appropriate, lead the development of complex, multi-investigator proposals, white papers, RFIs, and concept papers for federal sponsors, including DoD and Intelligence Community partners.
  • Provide strategic input on proposal framing, technical narratives, teaming structures, and alignment with sponsor mission priorities.
  • Coordinate proposal timelines, inputs, and reviews in collaboration with UF Research, Sponsored Research, and Contracts offices.
  • Assist in developing reusable proposal materials, technical capability descriptions, and standard content for ARNS Lab submissions.

Sponsor, Industry, and Partner Engagement
  • Support engagement with government sponsors, defense primes, and small businesses to identify collaboration opportunities and shape future programs.
  • Participate in meetings, briefings, and site visits with external partners as a representative of the ARNS Lab.
  • Help structure collaborative research models, including partnerships, consortia, CRADAs, and MOUs, in coordination with ARNS Lab leadership.
  • Serve as a bridge between external partners and internal UF research capabilities.

Strategic Planning & Internal Coordination
  • Support the Executive Director in refining and updating the ARNS Lab's short- and long-term research strategy.
  • Assist in defining research priorities, sequencing program growth, and identifying capability gaps.
  • Coordinate with internal UF partners (UF Research, Compliance, Security, HR, Communications) to ensure research programs are executable and compliant.
  • Contribute to internal planning documents, briefings, and leadership updates.

Lead DIU sponsored Innovating for Defense program
  • Serve as the program champion for UF's Innovating for Defense program and develop a strategy for execution locally at UF and across the state university system (SUS).
  • Interface with DIU stakeholders and Program Director and lead program administration.
  • Participate in sourcing student projects from National Security stakeholders.
  • Interface with student groups to advance innovative products, prototype and concepts.

Expected Salary:
Commensurate with Education and Experience.
Required Qualifications:
Master's degree in an appropriate area and four years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Preferred:
  • Experience supporting or managing federally funded research programs, particularly within the national security, defense, or intelligence domains.
  • Demonstrated experience with proposal development for DoD, IC, or other federal sponsors.
  • Familiarity with applied research environments, systems engineering, or technology transition.
  • Experience with DoD or other government contracting mechanisms
  • Strong strategic thinking, writing, and communication skills.
  • Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, evolving organizational environment.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
In order to be considered, applicants mut provide a cover letter, resume and list of professional references.
A criminal background check is required.
This is not a remote work position, and it is located on the University of Florida's main campus in Gainesville, FL.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
This requisition has been reposted. Previous applicants are still under consideration and need not reapply.
Health Assessment Required:No
Advertised: 10 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 24 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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About University of Florida

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The University of Florida is one of the top ranked public universities in the United States (ranked top 5 amongst public universities in 2023 US news and world report). It is one of only a few comprehensive universities, having medical, veterinary, dental, nursing, public health, and engineering disciplines all co-localized on the same, contiguous campus to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. Gainesville is located in the northern region of Florida, within 1-1.5 hours of each coast, and just 1.5-2 hours to Orlando and Tampa. It is a small to medium-sized city with a low cost of living, excellent public and private schools, and southern hospitality. While Gainesville is widely recognized as the home of the Gators, it is quickly becoming known as a center for innovation and a place with a lifestyle that's comfortable for families, yet attractive for young professionals.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Gainesville, FL, US

Year founded

1853

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