Research Development Specialist

SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:
Stanford University is one of the world’s premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world. In turn, the university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives.
The Stanford Research Development Office (RDO) is a central research development office that was founded in 2021 to complement local research development (RD) support that exists within some of the Stanford Schools, extending the reach of RD across the University. RDO is housed within the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Research (VPDoR) and led by the Director of Research Development. VPDoR provides guidance and support to facilitate, nurture, and safeguard a thriving research ecosystem. Within this framework, RDO aims to strengthen the competitiveness of proposals by Stanford faculty for collaborative or strategic research through project-opportunity alignment, early preparation, and proposal development support. With a focus on the concept/narrative side of the proposal, RDO complements other pre-award services such as budget development by local research administration support and compliance review and submission by the Office of Sponsored Research. RDO supports research teams from across the University, with an emphasis on collaborative, multi-disciplinary, complex, or strategic proposals.
Join our team of five collaborative, talented and dedicated staff in support of faculty pursuing external grant funding. This is an exciting time to become part of RDO, as we continue to shape the direction of our office. We aim to sustain a culture of integrity and operational excellence. We operate on the basis of accountability, collaboration, empowerment, equity and inclusion, growth and adaptability, and open communication. 

Our VPDoR Diversity Journey:

• We create a hub of innovation through the power of diversity of disciplines and people.
• We provide equitable access and opportunity to all members of the community in order to do their best work, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• We listen to and value all colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to the advancement and development of a respectful community.
• We promote a culture of belonging, equity, and safety.
• We embed these values in excellence of education, research, and operation.

POSITION SUMMARY:
We are hiring one (1), full time (100% FTE) Research Development Specialist from this posting.
The Research Development (RD) Specialist will support faculty teams from across the University, with a focus on large, collaborative research proposals in the STEM fields.
As we continue to build the Stanford Research Development Office (RDO) services, you will have the opportunity to help define and fine-tune our programs, processes, and activities. Under the general direction of the Director of Research Development, you will have a crucial role in creating RD activities and resources at Stanford. You will support Principal Investigators (PIs) and proposals teams in the development of responsive and competitive proposals for funding through grantsmanship, consultations, and project management. You will also have a central role in facilitating early preparation and team formation for strategic opportunities. This may include workshops, networking events, funding opportunity dissemination, written guides and resources, and more.
The RD Specialist will work closely with faculty and other proposal support staff at Stanford and at collaborating institutions, as well as with colleagues within RDO and VPDoR. This position thrives through a skilled approach, a collaborative spirit, a solution-oriented attitude, and a willingness to go the extra mile. 

IN THIS POSITION YOU WILL:

• Provide individualized grantsmanship advice, writing and editing support, and project management assistance/expertise to faculty and proposal teams from across the University. In consultation with the Director, provide level and type(s) of support to best meet the needs of the proposal team and maximize RDO’s impact:
  o    Analyze sponsor guidelines and past awards to advise the PI on sponsor expectations and help guide responsive concept development
  o    In consultation with the PI and in collaboration with the research administrator, help manage the entire proposal process, from concept development through proposal submission, including management of meetings, task assignments, timelines, document sharing and version control.
  o    Advise on and draft specific (non-science) sections, such as management or broader impacts plans and attachments.
  o    Review, edit, format, and proofread any or all proposal components.
• Identify, create, and implement new or improved proposal resources for faculty PIs, including RDO webpages; tools, tips, templates and other written resources; newsletters; presentations and workshops.
• Teach and/or support workshops and programs to support grant writers, with a current focus on collaborative PI teams and early career faculty. Example topics may include the Science of Team Science, Research Centers, Introduction to a Sponsor (e.g., NSF, DOE) or Program, Grant Writing Skills, etc.
• Actively contribute to RDO’s stakeholder engagement, including (co-)presenting at departmental faculty meetings and leading or participating in smaller group or 1:1 interactions with people across the university.
• Under guidance of the Director, contribute to data collection and analysis, collaborations, and communications to the University community.
• Contribute to targeted funding opportunity dissemination.
• Be an active RDO team member; share experiences, knowledge and best practices, and collaborate on projects as appropriate.

LOCATION:
This position will be based on the Stanford campus and an option of a hybrid work schedule will be considered, subject to satisfactory job performance and operational need. At this time, our team is present on campus two to three days per week.

In case you are not local yet, the San Francisco Bay Area is a wonderful place to call home, with a rich and diverse culture, activities for a variety of lifestyles, and some of the country's most beautiful scenery. We recognize that living in this area often comes with a higher cost of living than other areas of the country and that is reflected in our salary levels. In addition, as you consider coming to Stanford, know that we can provide relocation support for your move to the Bay Area and will partner with you to make this your new home.

APPLICATION:
For consideration, applications must include, as separate documents, a letter of interest and a resume. This position will remain open until filled, with a first review date of March 12, 2024.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience or combination of education, training, and relevant experience. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• A broad, interdisciplinary base of understanding in STEM fields and ability to interact in meaningful way with faculty in these disciplines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working-relationships with a variety of persons.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and an ability to write/present a compelling story.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in a service-oriented way, with dedication, follow-through, and team spirit.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, critical analysis, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize large amounts of data.
• Demonstrated planning and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as a self-starter, and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to various situations and proceed in most effective way.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Fluency in relevant technology/platforms (e.g., Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Google docs, Google sheets, Google slides, file sharing services, funding opportunity databases, event and survey platforms, etc.)

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced degree in a related field and/or 5+ years of relevant experience preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in proposal development for various funders (e.g., NSF, DOE, NASA, NIH, etc.)
• Demonstrated expertise in grant writing (i.e., correct, clear, concise, and compelling writing)
• Demonstrated experience with preparing PIs and proposal teams leading up to an opportunity.
• Prior experience working in an academic environment with teams, faculty, and staff.
• Knowledge of sponsor guidelines and pre-award proposal processes

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently stand/walk, sitting, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Occasionally use a telephone, writing by hand, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds.
• Rarely sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.
• Ability to use voice to present information/communicate with others.
• On-campus mobility.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu .

PAY RANGE:

The expected pay range for this position is $94,000 to $139,000 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

WHY STANFORD IS FOR YOU:
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at [email protected] . For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form .

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.