Accelerating Research Translation Training Coordinator

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Accelerating Research Translation (ART) Training Coordinator in the Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS) facilitates and executes educational and professional development training offerings for faculty, postdoctoral, and student researchers to prepare them for careers in the 'innovation economy' as part of the NSF-funded Accelerating Research Translation (ART) project award to UMass Amherst. The goal of the ART initiative is to develop an institutional capacity and infrastructure for translational research outcomes. with emphasis on training for graduate student, postdoctoral, and faculty researchers to develop skills and knowledge outside of their academic disciplines that are essential to successful translation of research into useful solutions to real-world problems.

Essential Functions

• Designs and executes training programs for graduate students, postdocs, and faculty in a variety of settings and modes. Serves as the main point of contact for internal and external training program inquiries and applications.
• Implements and promotes DEI strategies/tactics to recruit diverse applicants for trainings, STRP (Seed Translational Research Projects) funding, and other ART opportunities. Recognizes application barriers and works with leadership to remove them.
• Coordinates with external partners on shared resources for translational research training programs.
• Establishes and maintains training program database and files for reporting and evaluation; identifies and recommends best practices.
• Collaborates with University offices and organizations to support professional development and career-focused events that align with ART priorities.
• Participates in ART sub-teams to build and support capacity for research translation and to facilitate efficient information transfer across those groups.
• Recruits ART Ambassadors in cooperation with the ART Ambassador Management sub-team.
• Connects participants to role models/mentors with experience in aspects of research translation such as use-inspired design, team science, milestone-based R&D, product development, intellectual property, and technology entrepreneurship.
• Identifies and develops appropriate recognition and reward structure for all training-related activities.
• Develops and implements appropriate reward structures for all training activities.
• Prepares and analyzes training program data for reports and presentations. Recommends and plans future adjustments to the program.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's Degree in STEM field, education, business or other relevant discipline and two years of relevant experience.
• General knowledge of training programs and workforce development.
• Effective facilitation skills. Should be able to facilitate group discussions.
• General knowledge of university startups, innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship.
• Ability to effectively communicate with colleagues and other constituents across varying purposes and contexts.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and to identify potentially more effective and efficient methods of work operations.
• Strong organizational, project management, and workflow skills. General knowledge of DEI programming to support diverse participants.
• Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office Suite products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Intermediate skills with Google workspace.
• Ability and willingness to travel both in and out of state.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Advanced degree in STEM field, business, education or other relevant discipline.
• Experience working with university research-based startups.
• Experience with training programs serving university startups and/or high impact ventures.
• Knowledge of regional innovation & entrepreneurship ecosystems and innovation-based economic development concepts.
• Familiarity with Western Massachusetts economic development organizations and the innovation ecosystem.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Additional Details

• This is a 3-year, term-limited position. Continuation of the position is contingent upon grant or University funds.
• Occasional regional travel.

Work Schedule

Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.

Salary Information

Salary Level 26.

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Upload your resume along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references. This position will remain open until filled or the advertised closing date, whichever occurs first. Early submissions are recommended.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.