We seek a senior non-government Ph.D.-level scientist and engineer (S&E) researcher with a current professional working knowledge of U.S. university and college business practices associated with Department of Defense (DoD) grants for fundamental research to study the evolving business management and practices associated with the U.S. university research and development ecosystem. The incumbent Senior Research Associate will conduct independent research, which may include critically evaluating current engagement practices, business processes, and communication strategies to identify gaps and needs for potential future research investment success. Research in this topic area would benefit from employing historical and contextual data, together with the most up to date scientific and business data analytics processes. The Senior Research Associate will propose an independent research project, which may entail publication on relevant practices and effective business models, as well as development of possible strategy guidance inputs relevant to fundamental research funding, including programs sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL), Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). This research may involve collaboration with the Office of the Chief Scientist at AFOSR, U.S. academic institutions currently receiving grant funding, Federal Demonstration Partnership, American Association of Universities, and/or AFOSR’s sister agencies within the DoD who also manage basic research investments.?The Senior Researcher is encouraged to publish the research results in appropriate independent journals or publication venues.  AFOSR is the basic research arm of AFRL and manages the Department of Air Force’s global basic research investment distributed to over 200 leading academic institutions worldwide.

References:

1. Melissa Flagg, Michael Desch, and David Montgomery, “The Defense Research Funding Environment: A Conversation An interview with former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research Dr. Melissa Flagg”, Defense Policy & Posture, Stimson Center, February 23, 2024 https://www.stimson.org/2024/the-defense-research-funding-environment/
2. Hottes, Alison K., Marjory S. Blumenthal, Jared Mondschein, Matthew Sargent, and Caroline Wesson, “International Basic Research Collaboration at the U.S. Department of Defense: An Overview”, RAND Corporation, RR-A1579-1, 2023. As of June 13, 2024: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1579-1.html
3. Steve Metz, “Investing in The Military’s Future Through Strategic Research”, The Army War College, August 1, 2018.  https://warroom.armywarcollege.edu/articles/strategic-research-in-military/
4. National Research Council. 2005. “Assessment of Department of Defense Basic Research.” Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/11177

key words

Department of Defense (DoD) grant process; U.S. university research ecosystem; strategies of research investment success; governmental basic research investment; DoD Obligation and Expenditures

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open only to Senior applicants

Additional Benefits

Relocation

Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.

Health insurance

A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.