Senior Program Associate, Physical Sciences, Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing

SUNY University at Buffalo, United States

Updated: 10 days ago
Location: Buffalo, NEW YORK
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: Open Until Filled;

Posting Details
Position Information


Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Position Title Senior Program Associate, Physical Sciences, Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing
Classification Title Project Staff Associate
Department Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships
Posting Number R250150
Posting Link https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/postings/59290
Employer Research Foundation
Position Type RF Professional
Job Type Full-Time
Appointment Term
Salary Grade E.99

Posting Detail Information


Position Summary
UB Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships (BEP) is seeking a Senior Program Associate to strengthen industry engagement and foster collaborative research and development projects in the physical sciences, engineering, and advanced manufacturing sectors. These industries encompass areas such as semiconductors, materials, energy, applied AI for manufacturing, and other technology-driven fields.
The Associate will connect companies with UB’s research expertise, facilities, and technology assets; develop proposals and agreements; manage applied R&D projects; and represent BEP in industry-facing activities. This position will oversee UB’s partner program of the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub’s Commercialization and Collaboration Center (C3) and support the Center of Excellence in Materials Informatics (CMI).
Key Responsibilities:

Industry Engagement & Partnership Development
  • Serve as a front-door contact for companies in physical sciences, engineering, and advanced manufacturing industries, with a strong focus on the semiconductor industry.
  • Identify and cultivate relationships with prospective partners through outreach, events, referrals, and collaboration with BEP colleagues.
  • Represent UB and BEP at conferences, trade shows, workshops, and company visits to promote university-industry collaboration.


Project Development & Management
  • Support the development of proposals, statements of work (SOWs), budgets, and agreements for collaborative projects, including those funded through state and federal programs.
  • Manage active projects to ensure milestones are met, relationships are maintained, and deliverables are reported.
  • Administer and track industry-facing projects supported by BEP programs, including the C3 tech vouchers, interfacing with program sponsors.
  • Work with BEP Finance, Sponsored Projects Services, and Technology Transfer to formalize and manage contracts.

University-Faculty Collaboration
  • Facilitate engagement between UB faculty and external partners in the physical sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors.
  • Help identify and scope research opportunities aligned with faculty expertise and company needs.
  • Support faculty participation in BEP programs, including CMI research initiatives and C3 voucher projects.

Outreach, Programming & Reporting
  • Contribute to the design and delivery of outreach programs, events, and marketing materials that highlight UB’s capabilities and industry partnerships.
  • Represent UB in regional Tech Hub and CMI meetings and events.
  • Provide regular reports on engagement activities, project outcomes, and emerging opportunities to BEP leadership.

Learn more:
  • Our benefits , where we prioritize your well-being and success to enhance every aspect of your life.
  • Being a part of the University at Buffalo community.

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, the Research Foundation will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin and veteran or disability status.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Three (3) years of experience in business development, entrepreneurship, innovation, or economic development in industry, academia, or government.


This requirement may be satisfied by an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Ability to manage projects, contracts, and company relationships.
  • Willingness to attend events, visit local companies, customers, and faculty.
  • Self-motivated to achieve unit and program goals and objectives.
  • Excellent communication capabilities, including strong presentation and written skills.
  • Strong Microsoft Office proficiency, particularly in Word and Excel.
  • Self-motivated, with the maturity to engage with faculty and represent UB to external stakeholders.
  • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without visa sponsorship.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in engineering, engineering technology, or physical sciences and five (5) years of related business development or product development experience in industry, academic, governmental, or economic development settings.
  • Experience developing R&D project plans and managing contracts.
  • Familiarity with intellectual property protection and technology commercialization.
  • Experience with a customer relationship management system (e.g. Salesforce).
  • Experience working with or within a university environment.
  • Knowledge of NYS and federal economic development and innovation programs.
  • Marketing and outreach experience with the business community.
Physical Demands
Salary Range $70,000 - $80,000
Additional Salary Information The salary range reflects our good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting, the role and associated responsibilities, and the experience, education, and training of the selected candidate.
Work Hours
37.5 hours per week
Campus All Campuses
Posting Alerts
Special Instructions Summary
Is a background check required for this posting? No
Background Check Notification

Contact Information


Contact's Name Steven Shepler
Contact's Pronouns
Contact's Title Senior Finance & Grants Manager
Contact's Email shepler2@buffalo.edu
Contact's Phone 716-645-2990

Posting Dates


Posted 09/26/2025
Deadline for applicants Open Until Filled
Date to be filled 11/03/2025

References


Number of references required 3
Reference Cutoff Date
Instructions to Applicant

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