Assistant Director for Applied Research

Position Function:

The National Strategic Planning & Analysis Research Center (NSPARC) at Mississippi State University is seeking an Assistant Director for Applied Research. This role is integral to NSPARCs research initiatives overseeing project management research design stakeholder engagement and the supervision of applied research staff and students. The position is responsible for ensuring the successful execution of applied research projects by providing leadership in methodology analysis reporting and proposal development. The Assistant Director will serve as a liaison between NSPARC and external stakeholders ensuring that research efforts align with the needs of funding agencies and research partners.

Salary Grade:18

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC these positions are Unclassified and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Lead and oversee applied research projects ensuring adherence to project timelines research objectives and deliverables. Manage multiple concurrent research initiatives while maintaining quality efficiency and compliance with funding requirements ensuring all completed work aligns with center standards guidelines and policies.
2. Develop and implement robust research designs ensuring the use of appropriate quantitative and qualitative methodologies for each project. Conduct data analysis interpretation and reporting while overseeing the development of research models frameworks and technical approaches to support applied research initiatives and provide actionable insights for stakeholders.
3. Communicate research findings clearly through written reports presentations and executive summaries. Serve as a primary point of contact for external clients funding agencies and research partners ensuring that project goals align with stakeholder expectations.
4. Identify research funding opportunities and lead the development and submission of grant proposals contracts and sponsored research applications. Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop competitive funding proposals aligned with NSPARCs research strengths.
5. Collaborate with center executives senior managers project managers and business office personnel to meet grant and contract reporting requirements. Collect and prepare information for internal and external reports to ensure accurate project documentation.
6. Supervise research staff postdoctoral research associates graduate assistants and student researchers providing mentorship and professional development opportunities. Ensure compliance with ethical research standards university policies and federal/state regulations. Evaluate the performance of direct reports and recommend personnel actions as needed.
7. Perform related duties as assigned to support the overall mission and objectives of the center.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelors degree with focus in Sociology Economics or closely related field.

Five (5) years experience in Applied research project management and research leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

Masters or Ph.D in Sociology Economics or Closely related field.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Ability to lead and manage multiple often complex research projects simultaneously.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to develop innovative research solutions.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams.
Proficient in both oral and written communication with the ability to translate complex research findings into actionable insights for decision-makers.
Proven ability to supervise and train staff including skills in organizing prioritizing and scheduling work assignments.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

No unusual physical requirements. Requires no heavy lifting and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
Frequent externally imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond ones control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; irregular hours may be required; meeting deadlines and coordination of related activities are key to position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
Job frequently requires walking sitting reaching talking hearing handling objects with hands.
Job requires standing stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling and lifting up to 10 pounds.
Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply: should complete online application at and upload a cover letter and current resume.

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment programs or activities based on race color ethnicity sex pregnancy religion national origin disability age sexual orientation genetic information status as a U.S. veteran or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance 231 Famous Maroon Band Street P.O. 6044 Mississippi State MS 39762 .

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