Research & Industrial Liaison Officer

Colorado School Of Mines
$80,000
paid holidays, retirement plan
United States, Colorado, Golden
Apr 25, 2025
Research & Industrial Liaison Officer Posting Number: JR106562 Location: Colorado Engineering a world of possibilities The PFAS@Mines Initiative at the Colorado School of Mines is seeking a Research & Industrial Liaison Officer. This position supports both the research and the industrial/practitioner outreach mission of PFAS@Mines. This position exists primarily to facilitate and support the PFAS@Mines research initiative as well as the shared instrumentation facility's (SIF's) liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) laboratory. The majority of the work is to support these two efforts, but some effort is expected for additional specific research projects, as assigned. The position requires a knowledge and understanding of how research at the graduate and post-graduate level is conducted at R1 research universities. This specifically includes approaches to environmental laboratory and field work as well as health and safety protocols for researchers. The PFAS@Mines Initiative is an interdisciplinary effort at Mines whose goal is to address the environmental challenges posed by poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). This is a 1-year term appointment, with additional years contingent on funding availability. This position supports both the research and the industrial/practitioner outreach mission of PFAS@Mines. Working with the PFAS@Mines Executive Team, the RILO assesses the progress of research projects towards attainment of Initiative-wide goals and works with faculty to maximize research impacts. The RILO designs a vision for the industrial/practitioner program, manages the execution of the program and is responsible for promoting industrial engagement. The RILO leads practitioner outreach activities for translating PFAS@Mines innovations into workable solutions and develops executable plans consistent with available budgets. The position requires an inspirational technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field of environmental engineering and science, particularly with respect to water. Problem-solving requires intellectual understanding of the field, nuanced assessments of research collaborations and outcomes, and analysis of industry long-term planning and opportunities for sponsored projects. Practical experience in the field is strongly desired. The successful applicant will manage efforts that include technical work with faculty and researchers, formulating strategies and administering policies, and manage fund raising and resources with a high degree of autonomy. RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. PFAS@Mines Research and Industrial Liaison Office Duties (60%) Manages and tracks the research program across multiple departments at Mines. Makes recommendations to PFAS@Mines Initiative leadership on the direction of research. Manages regular reporting to PFAS@Mines sponsor agencies, including but not limited to compiling monthly and annual reports Responsible for and contributes to outreach and technology transfer, industrial practitioner relations, and organizational involvement in innovation and entrepreneurship activities Provides support for grant applications, proposals, and other information requests Organize, facilitate, and host internal biweekly student seminars Meet at least monthly with all research thrusts Meet with at least two students or postdocs per week to facilitate internal communication and collaboration as well as review research plans (i.e., meet with every PFAS@Mines graduate student or postdoc at least twice per year) Work with faculty and graduate students to ensure milestones and deadlines are met Assist the PFAS@Mines Principal Investigator with preparation of sponsor-required project reports Organize and facilitate workshops (up to two per year) Manages ongoing industry partnerships Communicates with industrial partners about new and ongoing projects and opportunities Represents the PFAS@Mines Initiative at utility and industry meetings 2. LC-MS Laboratory Manager Duties (20%) Oversee and conduct primary training of new equipment users (when appropriate trainers are unavailable from existing research groups) on appropriate equipment use Evaluate equipment use requests and conduct analytical method development appropriate to new requests Communicate with new and outside users on equipment availability and capabilities Serve as backup for LC-MS laboratory technician (all duties), when necessary Update training courses and SOPs on a regular basis (as needed) Ensure annual compliance with all research sponsor analytical requirements, including collection of data and analysis for analytical confirmation white papers 3. Research Associate Duties (20%) Attend weekly group research and administrative planning calls Participate in project calls, as needed Assist in preparation of documents for grant proposals Assist in facilitating logistics for field-based projects Conduct and/or lead primary research projects, including all levels of research and publication Initiate new research activity and submit proposals QUALIFICATIONS: Minimal Level of Education and Experience: MS/PhD + >3 years experience in Environmental Engineering or a related discipline Bachelor's degree and three or more years of relevant experience or combination of education, training, and relevant experience Experience working on water issues desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities and Other Attributes (KSAOs): Understanding of laboratory operations and LC-MS operation Experience training others Experience designing and conducting environmental engineering research studies Experience with technical writing (scientific manuscripts and/or reports) Exceptional initiative, resourcefulness, and interpersonal skills. Ability to lead and work effectively with a high degree of autonomy as well as collaboratively with Mines faculty, students, and industrial/practitioner partners. Superb abilities in technical writing and communicating to professional and lay audiences Strong interpersonal skills to inspire trust and motivate team members and external stakeholders. Willingness to listen to and learn from others. Ability to independently prioritize work based on an organization's strategic vision/goals. A practical bent with a focus on applied solutions and turning ideas into action. Entrepreneurial skills, ability to function effectively in large complex organizations Demonstrated experience in project management About Mines & Golden, CO When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines. Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines' scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023). Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds. At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that's manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 "Very High Activity" research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size. Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world's problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience? Look to Mines. Equal Opportunity Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety. Annual Rate $80,000 Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate's education, training and experience as well as the position's scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees. In addition to the amazing benefits mentioned below, Mines continues to show its dedication to its employees by offering an 11% employee contribution through our Mines Defined Contribution Plan and an incredible 12% employer contribution with immediate 100% vesting for our Administrative Faculty positions! Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes: Flexible health and dental care options Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year - including a week-long winter break for entire campus. Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents) Free RTD Ecopass All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state-of-the-art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits. How to Apply This posting will close on Monday, April 28, 2025. Applicants will be asked to complete an online application and upload a resume. References will not be collected or contacted until later in the selection process and the candidate will be informed before that contact is made. Contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, at dorie.gelber@mines.edu with any questions about this opportunity. Background Investigation Required Prior to Start Accommodations - It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities to promote diversity and inclusion at Mines. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance. Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting Apply online at https://mines.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Mines_Careers/job/Colorado/Research---Industrial-Liaison-Officer_JR106562 jeid-82c3480c7132f246be330c0bce9a689a