Associate Director, Research

Location: Rochester, NY area

Job Summary

Our client is seeking an Associate Director who will help define the agenda and build key focus areas of the Institute. Reporting to the director and working with the team, the incumbent will lead the Institute’s development of innovative solutions to New York State’s current and future environmental challenges in targeted areas, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, clean production/green chemistry, sustainable food systems, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) support and planning, resource efficiency and others. This position will lead a team of subject matter experts to address high impact issues related to the environmental footprint of New York State and beyond. Responsibilities will include mentoring staff, ideating solutions, conducting research and development, as well as situational analysis to inform government policy, and seeking funding from state and federal entities to support these efforts.

Job Responsibilities

Main responsibilities:

• Stay well-informed of environmental issues in NYS, the U.S., and globally; provide relevant and timely information to internal staff and external stakeholders; stay up-to-date on emerging and cutting edge research in the field.
• In consultation with the NYS sponsor and the director, lead the technical direction of the Institute based on an assessment of current and expected environmental challenges and their relative impact; Oversee the focus area specialist team.
• Lead and conduct primary and secondary research projects with a team of subject matter experts, and potentially the Institute’s university partners, in support of the insitute’s annual work plan and NYSDEC goals. Responsible for supervising/managing a team of researchers, which includes hiring, performance management, disciplinary actions, changes in pay, training, and delegation of work.
• Develop project concepts in response to environmental challenges and write grant proposals seeking project funding.
• Oversee the Institute’s technical research portfolio; develop and execute a strategic plan and impact goals for the Institute’s technical program to address NYS environmental priorities; develop annual workplan toward the strategic goals; track progress.
• Develop organizational capacity in the Institute’s technical focus areas (e.g. GHG emissions, EGS, clean production/green chemistry, sustainable food systems); mentor staff; write, publish, and present peer reviewed research papers, reports, and white papers. Represent the Institute at conferences and events.
• Collaborate with the larger organization on special projects and initiatives.

Required Qualifications

The required minimum education is a Master's degree in a technical field of study (i..e. engineering, chemistry, environmental studies, sustainability, or related fields)

Experience required:

• A minimum of 10 years related work experience is required.
• Must have a minimum of five years of experience in a technical P2, green chemistry, environmental science or sustainability position, in addition to experience in a leadership role with supervisory responsibility.
• Must have experience conducting and managing R&D projects.

Specialized skills:

• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering, science, green chemistry, environmental science or sustainability; must have peer-reviewed publications and have experience conducting applied or user-inspired research projects
• Experience with proposal development and securing grant funding
• Highly motivated and self-directed
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Experience collaborating with stakeholders
• Knowledge and ability to lead; think creatively; proactively adapt to changing environment; act decisively, and inspire and empower others
• Project/program management skills
• Effective public speaking skills

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred education:

• Ph.D. in a technical field of study strongly preferred (i.e. engineering, chemistry, environmental studies, sustainability, or related fields)
• Knowledge of circular economy concepts, including sustainable design and end-of-life processes
• Experience working with state and/or federal funding and contracting processes preferred.

For immediate consideration, email tomt@scientificsearch.com and mention Job# 17408. Check out www.scientificsearch.com for all of our openings.

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