Research Director, External Contracts – Select Agent Program

Illinois Institute of Technology

Research Director leading funded food safety research, grant development, and select-agent program operations at Illinois Tech’s Institute for Food Safety and Health. Supervising research teams and managing project deliverables, budgets, and compliance.

Posted 8/8/2026full-timeBedford Park • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $120,000 - $180,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing funded research projects, including design, implementation, and evaluation, while providing scientific leadership and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Proficient in securing research funding, supervising personnel, and disseminating findings through publications and presentations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Ph.D. In STEM FieldPrincipal Investigator ExperienceResearch Funding AcquisitionProject Management SkillsRegulatory Compliance Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Research Program DesignProject Budget ManagementPerformance ManagementScientific DocumentationHigh-Pressure Processing SystemsThermal Processing Retorts

Soft Skills

Problem-SolvingCommunicationOrganizational SkillsAttention To Detail

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office Applications

Certifications & Qualifications

Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Select Agent ProgramResearch Facility OperationsPeer-Reviewed PublicationsStakeholder Presentations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Identify, develop, and manage a portfolio of funded research projects through research program design, implementation, and evaluation
Supervise research scientists, project coordinators, postdoctoral fellows, and students, including performance management and professional development
Support pilot plant operations and related research activities
Serve as Alternate Responsible Official (ARO) for the Moffett Campus Select Agent Program and support regulatory, security, and compliance requirements
Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed journals and national and international conferences
Develop reports, briefs, and presentations for stakeholders
Guide project budgets and resource allocation
Manage project timelines, deliverables, and reporting obligations
Provide scientific and operational leadership aligned with IFSH strategic initiatives and funded research projects
Provide scientific advice to the IFSH Executive Director and research team

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ph.D. in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field or related discipline, with 15+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience serving as a Principal Investigator (PI) on significant grants and/or managing multiple contract research projects
Demonstrated success securing external research funding and publishing scholarly work
Experience supervising and developing research personnel
Strong problem-solving, communication, organizational, and project management skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and scientific documentation
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in research records and reporting
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Must satisfy and maintain all applicable security clearance and access requirements for employment in a secure research facility
Ability to perform regular computer and documentation work and walk throughout research facilities
Ability to occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds
May operate or oversee specialized research and pilot plant equipment, including high-pressure processing (HPP) systems and thermal processing retorts

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Life and long-term disability insurance
403(b) retirement plan with university contributions and matching for eligible employees
Tuition assistance programs
Flexible spending and commuter benefits
Employee assistance program
University holidays
Applicable paid and job-protected leave benefits
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities