Job Details

Technical Research & Industry Development Lead

Position Number: 7193933
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Sponsored Programs, Grants, and Contracts

Technical Research & Industry Development Lead

Requisition Number: 72299
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Part Time
Posting Close Date: 18-Jun-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated and technically versatile professional to support the development of industry-focused research initiatives and strategic partnerships. This role works closely with CIEST Laboratory Director to identify emerging opportunities, develop project concepts, engage with industry stakeholders, and prepare compelling research proposals that lead to externally funded collaborative projects.

The ideal candidate combines broad technical knowledge across multiple engineering disciplines with strong proposal writing, business development awareness, and the persistence needed to develop projects from early concepts through funding and execution. As an initial appointment, position offers 50% FTE (i.e., part-time), with the possibility of full-time conversion per development of active projects.

The Technical Research & Industry Proposal Development Lead will help initiate and shape new research projects by identifying industrial needs, aligning them with laboratory capabilities, and developing strategic project concepts for academic-industry collaborations.

The role begins with early-stage opportunity development, including preparation of concise one-page concept summaries ("project pitches") for outreach to potential industry partners. Upon positive engagement, the candidate will lead development of full-scale technical research proposals, statements of work, budgets, technical narratives, and collaborative project structures.

This position requires a technically sophisticated individual who can quickly understand emerging technologies, communicate complex ideas clearly, and build credibility with both academic researchers and industry decision-makers.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The fields of civil, environmental and architectural engineering offer careers in planning, design, construction and management of the built environment as well as in the interaction between the built and natural environment. The Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering's mission is the education of undergraduate and graduate students to become leaders in the professional practice of engineering, contributing to technological advances that benefit humankind while enhancing the earth's physical and biological resources.

The Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering fosters an environment of inclusivity and celebrates the increasing diversity of our student body. We are committed to fostering inclusive excellence and have adopted priorities to guide our values and practices.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Industry Opportunity Development & Strategic Outreach

Work closely with the Laboratory Director to identify emerging research and commercialization opportunities
Develop one-page technical concept summaries and project pitches for industry engagement
Research industrial market needs, technology gaps, and funding opportunities
Identify potential academic-industry collaboration opportunities across multiple sectors

Research Proposal Development

Lead preparation of technical research proposals for industry-sponsored projects
Develop:

Technical narratives
Statements of work
Research objectives and deliverables

Develop project frames (schedules, milestones, budgets, and documents)
Coordinate proposal development among faculty, researchers, technical staff, and external partners
Align laboratory capabilities with evolving industrial priorities
Translate broad technical concepts into clear and compelling project plans
Maintain strong awareness of contemporary and emerging technologies and potential markets leading to commercialization

Communication & Collaboration

Engage professionally with faculty, researchers, industry representatives, and technical teams
Facilitate technical discussions and collaborative planning meetings
Communicate complex engineering concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Support long-term partnership development and relationship management

What You Should Know

A background check will be required in accordance with the Boulder Campus Background Check Policy.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this position is $50,000 to $55,000 per year. Relocation assistance will not be available for this position.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be resourceful. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Applied Science, Technology, or related technical field required
Minimum 3 years of experience in:

Technical proposal development
Research program development for academia or industry
Engineering project development or technical business development

Demonstrated track record of developing proposals that resulted in funded or implemented projects
Strong technical writing and proposal preparation skills
Broad technical literacy across multiple engineering and technology domains
Strong interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills

What You Will Need

Technically curious and adaptable across disciplines
Strong initiative and self-direction
Ability to work effectively in ambiguous or early-stage project environments
Persistent mindset to sustain long-term opportunity development efforts
Strategic thinker with practical execution capability
Excellent organizational and project coordination skills
Strong networking and interpersonal communication abilities

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials as individual files:

Cover Letter
Resume/CV
Writing Sample(s)
List of References (to be used for phone reference checks)
(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version (if applicable) as an Optional attachment.

For full consideration, please apply by June 18, 2026.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Technical-Research-Industry-Development-Lead/72299