Research Director – Training & Proficiency Testing Programs

Illinois Institute of Technology

Research Director leading food safety training, proficiency testing, and funded research at Illinois Tech’s IFSH. Supervising research personnel, managing grants, curricula, budgets, and scholarly dissemination.

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

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in managing funded training and research projects, including program design, implementation, and evaluation. Proven ability to secure external research funding and produce scholarly publications while providing scientific leadership and supervising research personnel.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Ph.D. In A STEM FieldPrincipal Investigator ExperienceGrant Development And ImplementationTraining Program DevelopmentProject Management Skills

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Research Project ManagementTraining Curriculum DevelopmentPerformance ManagementScientific CommunicationBudget ManagementData AnalysisProficiency TestingTechnical DocumentationContinuous ImprovementScholarly Publication

Soft Skills

LeadershipProblem-SolvingOrganizational SkillsAttention To DetailCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office ApplicationsResearch SoftwareAdministrative Software

Certifications & Qualifications

FSPCA Lead InstructorTrainer-Of-Trainers Approval

Industry Keywords

Research FundingTraining ProgramsPerformance ManagementScientific LeadershipProject BudgetsStakeholder ReportingPeer-Reviewed PublicationsResearch Facility Security Clearance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Identify, develop, and manage funded training and research projects through program design, implementation, and evaluation
Supervise research scientists, project coordinators, postdoctoral fellows, and students, including performance management and professional development
Develop, promote, and deliver current and new training curricula and programs
Lead proficiency testing initiatives and support reference materials management
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 while managing timelines, deliverables, and reporting obligations
Provide scientific and operational leadership aligned with IFSH strategic initiatives
Support grant development and implementation
Advise the IFSH Executive Director and training and research team
Supervise approximately 47 research scientists
Manage assigned project budgets with spending authority up to $5,000

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ph.D. in a 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 on significant grants and/or managing multiple contract research projects
Demonstrated success securing external research funding and producing scholarly publications
Experience supervising and developing research and training personnel
Experience developing and implementing training programs from concept through launch, with a focus on continuous improvement
Strong scientific, problem-solving, communication, organizational, and project management skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and other relevant research and administrative software
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in scientific records, reports, and technical documentation
FSPCA Lead Instructor and Trainer-of-Trainers approval
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Must satisfy and maintain all applicable security clearance and access requirements for the secure research facility
Ability to work Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with occasional weekend work and work-related travel
Ability to work primarily in an office environment, with time in laboratory, training, and research settings
Ability to walk throughout research facilities and occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds

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