Overview:

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry. GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.   

Georgia Tech's Mission and Values

Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do: 

1. Students are our top priority.
2. We strive for excellence.
3. We thrive on diversity.
4. We celebrate collaboration.
5. We champion innovation.
6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.
7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community.
8. We act ethically.
9. We are responsible stewards.

Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.

Project/Unit Description

As one of eight GTRI laboratories, the Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory (EOSL) focuses on optical systems engineering research for sponsors across the Department of Defense. Additionally, the EOSL research portfolio includes lidar; sensing and seekers; photonic devices and microelectronics; and survivability-related modeling, simulation, and analysis for multi-spectral applications.

The EOSL has over 150 researchers and staff, with three main divisions: the Electromagnetic Warfare & Survivability Modeling & Simulation Division, the Electro-Optical Infrared Systems Division, and the Photonics & Microelectronics Division.

Job Purpose

The Research Program Analyst may serve as a co-Project Director or Task Lead and plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth execution of technical government programs, overseeing all stages from initiation to closeout. This involves the development of comprehensive project plans, meticulous coordination of resources, and diligent monitoring of program budgets. A key responsibility is serving as the primary (or alternate) point of contact for sponsors, facilitating clear communication between the sponsor and the project stakeholders, and managing expectations.

Furthermore, the analyst contributes to financial management by providing detailed reports and validating expenditures, ensuring projects remain on track. In higher-level positions, the role may also include assisting in business development, identifying funding opportunities, and contributing to research proposals, demonstrating a blend of project management and technical research work.

Ultimately, the Research Program Analyst is instrumental in driving project, task order, or IDIQ level success and fostering strong relationships with sponsors and research teams.

Key Responsibilities

• 1. Project Management and Oversight:
  • Works closely with a senior Research Program Manager who provides oversight, direction, and mentorship.
  • Directs low-risk, low-complexity technical government programs or portions of larger programs.
    • This includes overseeing technical performance, technical deliverables, schedule and cost for each project.
  • Ensure availability of required resources, including engineering expertise, manpower, production, computer infrastructure, research security, and facilities.
  • Serve as the primary (or alternate) sponsor contact for program information inquiries.
    • This requires adept ability to interface with GTRI technical project leads as well as government technical personnel.
  • Must be able to understand complex engineering concepts and to effectively communicate them to a variety of audiences. Must understand complexities related to managing classified projects and be able to deconflict as necessary.
  • Coordinate schedules, briefing materials, minutes, and logistics associated with project meetings.
  • In coordination with the Project Management Office, provide purchasing support and inventory management for projects.
  • Coordinate logistics and scheduling for project activities.
• 2. Financial Management:
  • Maintain project budgets and track expenditures.
  • Incumbent is expected to manage and make independent decisions related to project budgets up to $100,000.
  • Provide financial reporting to project managers for monthly reporting to sponsors.
  • Maintain information within appropriate systems of record.
• 3. Administrative Support:
  • Serves as liaison between project team and support units to ensure administrative tasks are completed as required
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Responsibilities

• Contribute to contract proposals as needed
• Attend external sponsor meetings as needed

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in STEM related field of study
• Familiarity with project management or financial management concepts
• Expert proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Top Secret Clearance
• Masters of Science Degree in STEM related field of study
• Familiarity with Electro-Optical/Infrared technical concepts
• Familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)

Travel Requirements

<10% travel

Education and Length of Experience

This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook

• 0-8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Science, Engineering or other STEM related degree
• 0-6 years of related experience with a Masters’ degree in Mathematics, Science, Engineering or other STEM related degree
• 0+ Years of related experience with a PhD in Mathematics, Science, Engineering or other STEM related degree

Please refer to our Research Faculty Technical Level Guidelines for minimum requirements at the higher levels.

U.S. Citizenship Requirements

Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.

Clearance Type Required

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Benefits at GTRI

Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://benefits.hr.gatech.edu/.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Institute is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and Institute policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (“USG”) and Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of an individual’s race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.