Research Area Specialist Assoc

Company: College Engineering
Location: Ann Arbor
Posted on: January 16, 2020

Job Description:

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of the resume. The cover letter should address why the candidate is interested in the specific position and outline their skills and experiences that directly relate to this position. Include at least three references with contact data that can provide input on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Job Summary
The successful candidate is expected to provide administrative support to the Applications Driving Architectures (ADA) Research Center on a wide range of aspects, including interfacing with sponsors, faculty researchers at multiple Universities, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
The Center engages 22 PIs at eight major research institutions, including the University of Michigan, and is charged with designing and enabling the computing systems for the 2030 decade ( www.adacenter.org - twitter @ADA_Center). The Center is sponsored by a consortium of DARPA and eleven industry sponsors, which require both collective and individual engagements. The Center is responsible for reporting regularly to the sponsors about its research accomplishments, its financial expenditures, and activities that support and guide the development of a research community on the forward-looking computing systems that the Center seeks to develop. Moreover, the Center organizes two symposia each year, including a variety of activities (poster presentations, demos, plenary sessions, panels and hackathons). Finally, one of the key tenets of the Center is that its research output and impact should far surpass the sum of its faculty's research - to this end it seeks to promote and enable collaborations among the researchers, and promote a rich flow of idea exchanges and communication within the members of the Center. The ideal candidate will support the ADA director in all the activities of the Center described above, and will contribute toward the development of new initiatives to promote the Center's excellence.
ADA began in January 2018 and is located in the College of Engineering's Computer Science & Engineering Division. ADA is part of the SRC/JUMP initiative ( https://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2018-01-17 ) and is due to end December 31, 2022.
Note: This is a term-limited position with funding through 12/31/2022. In addition, the position entails occasional evening commitments, particularly surrounding annual and semi-annual symposia events.

Mission Statement
Michigan Engineering's vision is to be the world's preeminent college of engineering serving the common good. This global outlook, leadership focus, and service commitment permeate our culture. Our vision is supported by a mission and values that, together, provide the framework for all that we do. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/ .
The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). The Michigan Engineering component of the University's comprehensive, five-year, DEI strategic plan-with updates on our programs and resources dedicated to ensuring a welcoming, fair, and inclusive environment-can be found at: http://www.engin.umich.edu/college/about/diversity .

Responsibilities*
The ideal candidate will be responsible for coordinating the activities entailed by the preparation of reporting documents to the sponsors, by gathering input from the relevant parties, assembling data and proof reading the final reports. They will be working closely with the sponsors in addressing requests, coordinating meetings, occasionally collaborating in the organization of events. They will also track relevant data related to students and their employment, research outputs of the center, presentations and collaborative exchanges.
The individual in this position will be expected to understand the operational aspects of the Center, support them, and contribute new ideas to improve its reach and impact.
They should also contribute to supporting the financial and budgeting aspects of the Center, and they should coordinate the gathering of financial queries and reports to meet the business needs of the Center.
The ideal candidate will also be responsible for the organization of all aspects of the two yearly symposia, including schedule planning, invitations, gathering of presentations, brainstorming of session formats, and securing all spaces and resources.

Required Qualifications*
A Bachelor's degree or equivalent and three years of directly related experience are required. Key traits of the ideal candidates are:

• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail, accuracy, diligence, and task focus
• Must be a self-starter, passionate and with high energy levels, capable of working under time constraints and to meet deadlines
• Must be a quick-learner, capable of contributing ideas to the Center's communications and organizational activities.
• Must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and an ability to conveying information efficiently
• Ability to interact effectively and collaborate with others in carrying out projects, including with both co-located and remote collaborators. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Powerpoint), Google Suite, Adobe PDF and general communication media apps (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) is absolutely essential. Candidates selected for interview will be asked to provide written examples of their communication and organizational skills. Prior career experience should include a minimum of three years of experience in an administrative and/or research support setting. Candidate should be knowledgeable in general accounting standard and practices, or should demonstrate strong mathematical skills to support the financial operation of the center.
  The ideal candidate understands and values diversity and the importance of inclusion, as demonstrated through a commitment to apply and incorporate the differences, complexities, and opportunities that diversity brings to an organization.
  Experience managing and working with data sets related to students, projects and PIs in the Center, conducting surveys, coordinating the efforts of graduate and undergraduate students. Flexibility in adopting software tools as needed to carry out the activities of the Center.
  Highly qualified candidates who seek to work at 70-90% time will also be considered.
  
  Desired Qualifications*
  Experience in event planning is desirable.
  Knowledge of PeopleSoft or equivalent applications, Business Objects, CONCUR, MReports, MPathways, student administration.
  
  Work Schedule
  Working hours: 8am to 5pm, Mon-Fri
  
  Application Deadline
  Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
  
  U-M EEO/AA Statement
  The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Keywords: College Engineering, Ann Arbor , Research Area Specialist Assoc, Other , Ann Arbor, Michigan