Position Details

　　Position Information

　　Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 24218

　　For questions regarding this position, please contact:

　　Alison Harmon at (406) 994-5053 or [email protected].

　　Classification Title Managing Director

　　Working Title Director of Undergraduate Research

　　Brief Position Overview

　　The Director of Undergraduate Research leads a newly established initiative to expand and support undergraduate research at Montana State University, creates a vision and infrastructure for a comprehensive university-wide program in support of MSU’s strategic plan, coordinates student recruitment for opportunities across all externally funded student research programs, oversees the Undergraduate Scholars Program, and mentors students and faculty to form successful research partnerships.

　　Position Number 4C0651

　　Department Research

　　Division Office of Research and Economic Development

　　Appointment Type Professional

　　Contract Term Fiscal Year

　　Semester

　　If other, specify From date

　　If other, specify End date

　　FLSA Exempt

　　Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

　　FTE 1.0

　　Benefits Eligible Eligible

　　Salary Starting $100,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

　　Contract Type LOA

　　If other, please specify

　　Recruitment Type Open

　　Position Details

　　General Statement

　　The Office of Research and Economic Development ( RED ) at MSU includes research development, research administration, and research compliance. This position will expand and complement the RED leadership team by connecting all campus efforts to develop and expand a comprehensive undergraduate research program at Montana State University.

　　Duties and Responsibilities

　　The Director of Undergraduate Research reports directly to the Vice President for Research and Economic Development. The Director will work directly with an undergraduate research student advisory council and lead a team to expand participation in undergraduate research across the university. Duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

　　Develop and implement a vision for a comprehensive university-wide undergraduate research program that aligns with strategic goals and objectives and fosters a culture of research excellence, innovation, and integrity.

　　Provide oversight for the Undergraduate Scholars Program ( USP ), with the assistance of a coordinator; and solicit external funding and other support for USP activities.

　　Coordinate and collaborate with key undergraduate research stakeholders to support the quality and accessibility of undergraduate research opportunities (Research Centers, Montana INBRE , McNair Scholars Program and others).

　　Establish a central information base of student research scholarship opportunities such as faculty and business sponsors, funding agencies, competition, conferences, internships etc., making that information available to interested faculty members and undergraduates. Oversee and develop content for the Undergraduate Research website to serve as a clearinghouse of opportunities for students.

　　Design and distribute marketing materials to faculty and student advisors for increasing awareness and participation in undergraduate research programs.

　　Plan and host student research engagement events including but not limited to biannual student research celebrations, and an annual research fair for increasing awareness of research opportunities and matching students with faculty research advisors.

　　Collaborate with faculty and staff to develop and deliver training programs and workshops that enhance undergraduate research mentoring, and the research skills and capabilities of undergraduate students.

　　Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of undergraduate research programs, using data-driven insights to inform continuous improvement efforts. Prepare reports, presentations, and other communications materials to share the achievements, impact, and outcomes of undergraduate research programs with internal and external stakeholders.

　　With assistance from staff and the student research associate, provide mentoring, guidance and support to undergraduate students, helping them identify research opportunities, secure funding, and navigate the research process.

　　Seek extramural funding to support undergraduate research/creative activities including inter and multi-disciplinary efforts.

　　Promote undergraduate scholarship to the academic community within MSU , with like organizations at other institutions at the national level, and to the general public.

　　Create and maintain standards and procedures for undergraduate research programs, ensuring consistency and accountability across all programs.

　　Ensure the integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into undergraduate research initiatives, promoting equal access and opportunities for all students.

　　Stay informed about national and regional trends in undergraduate research, attending conferences and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and expertise in the field.

　　Support faculty in the integration of research opportunities into the undergraduate curriculum and identify ways to enhance the overall academic experience.

　　Work with the Dean of the Graduate School to develop opportunities for graduate students to mentor undergraduate research.

　　Contribute to the broader mission of the Office of the Vice President of Research and Economic Development, collaborating with other staff members on cross-functional initiatives and projects.

　　Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

　　Master’s Degree in any field.

　　Experience in the undergraduate research program design, execution, and management (3-5 years).

　　Experience working with universities, faculty researchers, and students.

　　Experience with peer review processes (e.g., record of securing and successfully managing funded projects).

　　Demonstrated ability to work with and engage diverse students, staff, and colleagues within and outside the university and a commitment to the principles of inclusion and diversity.

　　Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

　　Doctoral Degree in any field.

　　Leadership experience.

　　Knowledge of federal and state programs, grants, and regulations or guidance associated with undergraduate research.

　　Demonstrated ability to develop a collaborative network of university constituents.

　　Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

　　The Successful Candidate Will

　　Strong problem-solving abilities and team-building skills.

　　Strong personal and collaboration skills to develop and retain partnerships with academic, industrial, and government research and funding entities.

　　Strong communication skills, including the ability to represent the Office of Research and Economic Development at the state and national level, and to articulate and champion undergraduate research at MSU .

　　Proven institutional management skills, exceptional ethical values, and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

　　Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

　　This position requires the ability to travel when necessary.

　　This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

　　Physical Demands

　　To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

　　This position has supervisory duties? Yes

　　Posting Detail Information

　　Number of Vacancies 1

　　Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.

　　Position End Date (if temporary)

　　Open Date

　　Close Date

　　Applications will be:

　　Screening of applications will begin on January 31, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

　　Special Instructions

　　Diversity Statement

　　Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

　　In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

　　MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment/dualcareer.html