Assistant Director, Applied Research for National Security Lab

Job no: 541410 Work type: Staff Full\-Time Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL) Categories: Executive/Director/Management, Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support, Grant or Research Administration Department:11010000 \- RE\-VP FOR RESEARCH Classification Title: AST DIR, Educ/Training Prgms Classification Minimum Requirements: Master’s degree in appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience or a bachelor’s degree in appropriate areas of specialization and four years of experience. Job Description: Strategic Leadership and Laboratory Advancement Assist the Director and Associate Directors in developing and executing the strategic vision of the Applied Research for National Security (ARNS) Laboratory through the implementation of new education, student engagement, workforce development, and research initiatives. Participates in the strategic planning for the ARNS Lab and assists the Director and Associate Directors in developing and implementing the strategic plan. Identify opportunities to expand ARNS partnerships across government, academia, and industry in support of national security priorities. Educational Programs and Workforce Development Assist in the planning, instruction, and execution of the Innovating for Defense (I4D) program by mentoring student teams, coordinating with faculty and government sponsors, and helping guide projects from problem definition through final deliverables. Help identify opportunities for student engagement, internships, experiential learning, and workforce development that strengthen the national security talent pipeline and connect students with defense and government partners. Assist in developing educational content, instructional materials, and experiential learning opportunities that expose students to national security challenges, defense innovation processes, and emerging technologies. Partnership Development and External Relations Serve as a liaison between the University of Florida, Department of Defense organizations, industry partners, and other external stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, student engagement, and sponsor participation. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty, students, government sponsors, military organizations, industry partners, and other stakeholders to promote interdisciplinary participation in ARNS activities. Program Management and Operational Coordination Assist the Assistant Vice President and Associate Director team in coordinating Applied Research for National Security (ARNS) Laboratory activities, including strategic meetings, demonstrations, sponsor visits, workforce development initiatives, and special projects supporting the laboratory's mission. Assist with planning and execution of conferences, seminars, executive briefings, tabletop exercises, and outreach activities that advance the mission of the ARNS Laboratory. Ensure assigned activities comply with University policies and applicable sponsor requirements. Communications, Reporting, and Sponsor Engagement Prepare reports, presentations, briefing materials, and sponsor documentation supporting the DIU program and other ARNS Laboratory initiatives. Other Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Vice President of National Security Research. Expected Salary: Commensurate with Education and Experience Required Qualifications: Master’s degree in appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience or a bachelor’s degree in appropriate areas of specialization and four years of experience. Preferred: Military service or extensive experience working with the Department of Defense or other federal agencies. Experience leading multidisciplinary teams or complex operational programs. Experience mentoring students, junior professionals, or military personnel. Experience in defense innovation, technology transition, acquisition, operational planning, or national security programs. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to build partnerships across academia, government, and industry. Familiarity with project management and execution of federally sponsored programs. Special Instructions to Applicants: In order to be considered, applicants must provide a cover letter, resume, and list of professional references. Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date. This is not a remote position and is located on the University of Florida main campus in Gainesville, FL. * A criminal background check is required. Health Assessment Required: No Advertised: 18 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time Applications close: 25 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time