Director, HUB Opportunity Fund - College of Engineering

Director, HUB Opportunity Fund - UIC College of Engineering

Hiring Department: Biomedical Engineering

Location: Chicago, IL

Requisition ID: 1038825

Posting Close Date: December 29, 2025

Salary: The previously determined salary range for this position is $100,000-125,000.

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Position Summary
Reporting directly to the HUB Faculty Leads, the HUB Director will serve as the senior academic and scientific administrator for the Center, with primary responsibility for coordinating and advancing all HUB research activities. This leadership role includes oversight of center-wide communications, stewardship of national scientific databases, management of the NIH-funded Opportunity Research Fund review process, and administration of all phases of the scientific merit review and project selection workflow. The Director will collaborate closely with biomedical engineering faculty across multiple institutions, providing high-level scientific insight and strategic guidance to accelerate the translation of biomaterials research toward clinical impact. In partnership with principal investigators (PIs) of HUB-funded projects, the Director will monitor research progress, facilitate cross-institutional collaborations, and ensure effective and compliant use of federal resources.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Operations Management: Partner with PIs to shape the scientific vision, strategic priorities, and operational approach needed to advance the HUB’s research and translational goals. Coordinate multi-institutional research activities to ensure alignment with the HUB’s mission and NIH expectations.

• Research Finance and Federal Resource Stewardship: Provide high-level oversight of research-related financial operations, including responsible disbursement, monitoring, and documentation of federal funds. Manage cross-institutional payment workflows to ensure compliance with sponsor requirements and support efficient project execution.

• Scientific and Translational Leadership: Offer scientific expertise to guide research translation, including advising PIs on experimental strategy, study design, and translational pathways. Work closely with PIs and the Advisory Board to foster collaborations, catalyze new research partnerships, and promote scientific integration across HUB institutions.

• Proposal Reviews, Evaluations, and Reporting: Lead the scientific review process for Opportunity Research Fund proposals, ensuring rigorous assessment of merit, feasibility, and alignment with HUB objectives. Prepare and submit required reports, documentation, and justifications to NIBIB program staff in accordance with federal guidelines.

• Advisory Board Development and Engagement: Establish, coordinate, and steward the HUB Advisory Board. Organize and facilitate meetings that support strategic guidance, high-level scientific discussion, and informed decision-making for center activities.

• Mentorship, Community Building, and Faculty Support: Support cross-institutional mentorship networks by connecting PIs with scientific advisors and collaborators. Promote effective communication and coordination across the HUB research community.

• Scholarly and Professional Representation: Represent the HUB at scientific conferences, workshops, and meetings to disseminate progress, cultivate partnerships, and stay current with emerging trends in biomaterials and translational research.

• Team Leadership and Supervisory Responsibilities: Provide direct supervision and professional mentorship to the HUB Administrative Assistant, supporting high-quality contributions and continued growth.

• Perform other research-centered or strategic duties as assigned to advance the mission and impact of the HUB.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
1. PhD in Chemical or Biomedical Engineering or closely related field, with focus on Biomaterials development and /or tissue Engineering

2. Minimum of 5 yr research experience

3. Experience in program or project management within an academic or research field

4. Experience in translation of academic research to clinic

Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated understanding of government regulations pertinent to biomaterials field.
Strong financial management skills, including accounting and budget oversight.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and other engineering software.
Experience coordinating and administering funding opportunities.
Proficiency in website management and digital communication strategies. Demonstrated ability to lead and support others through empowerment, collaboration, mutual respect, and mentoring.
Demonstrated commitment to supporting an organizational culture that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.