Department: CAS Earth Sciences
Rank: Research Associate
Annual Basis: 12 Month

Review of Applications Begins

November 29, 2023; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

A complete application should include:
1. A current resume;
2. An up to two-page cover letter that demonstrates how your skills and experience meet the minimum and preferred qualifications for the position; and
3. Names and contact information for three (3) professional references

Department Summary

The Cascadia Region Earthquake Hazards Center (CRESCENT) is a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded research center that coordinates research, educational, and community engagement activities related to earthquake science and hazards in the Pacific Northwest. CRESCENT is operated out of the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Oregon, but its activities include participants from academia, government, the private sector, and the public.

The Department of Earth Sciences is an instructional department within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) that supports significant research activities in many fields of Earth and Environmental Science. The Department includes approximately 25 tenure-track faculty, many of whom have large research grants, 30 research assistants and associates, 42 graduate students, and 90 undergraduate majors.

Position Summary

The Center Assistant Director manages overall program outcomes, including oversight of CRESCENT staff positions that coordinate research, educational, community building, and outreach activities. This position will supervise two other Career Faculty manager positions within the Center and reports directly to the Center Director. As a member of the leadership team for CRESCENT, the Assistant Director will provide direction to the unit staff to ensure programmatic compliance and understanding of operations to perform quality assurance activities. The Center Assistant Director will work closely with the Principal Investigator on the NSF grant and the Center Director to ensure vibrant and sustainable program operations and the growth of new research endeavors. This includes identifying opportunities to submit new external grants to pursue the center's mission. The Center Assistant Director is also expected to ensure best practices within University of Oregon standards.

This position requires the exercise of independent judgment and the recognition of and response to new opportunities by authoring and serving as principal or co-investigator on externally funded projects. Additionally, the position necessitates working knowledge of Earth Science and earthquake hazards, and direct supervision of staff members. This position will coordinate the programmatic or institutional requirements of sponsors, the University of Oregon, and a broad range of external collaborators.

Minimum Requirements

• Terminal degree in Earth Sciences or a related field. In exceptional circumstances, 5 years of professional experience and a Master's degree in a related field may be considered equivalent.
• Two years of progressively responsible experience in higher education program management.
• Three years of supervision or leadwork experience.

Professional Competencies

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong working knowledge of earthquake science and earthquake hazards; familiarity with research design and methods in natural hazards research.
• Ability to develop a work plan and timeline based on grant guidelines; work effectively with collaborators; and ensure submissions meet deadline targets.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with overlapping deadlines and frequent interruptions while maintaining a high level of customer service.
• Familiarity with research program funding through grants process.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of constituents, including strong writing and editing skills.
• Ability to develop knowledge of and respect for those from a broad array of cultures and backgrounds.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; electronic citation/reference managers; Adobe Acrobat; and using the internet.
• Ability to apply administrative policies, rules, and procedures in a large complex setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• One or more years of experience related to program coordination in higher education, research organizations, or a related environment.
• Experience with research and science advocacy.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Experience with formal project management workflows.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits.

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination.

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