Research Development Specialist, UTC Research Institute

The Research Development Specialist provides expertise in research development and sponsored program administration to support the UTC Research Institute (UTCRI). The position identifies and interprets funding opportunities, advises on proposal strategy, and coordinates the development of competitive proposals aligned with institutional priorities.

The position independently manages proposal development and serves as a subject matter resource on sponsor guidelines, federal regulations, and university policies. This role works closely with faculty, staff, and institutional partners to develop proposal budgets, assemble required documentation, and ensure compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements. The Specialist oversees the proposal development process, including identifying sponsor opportunities, coordinating technical team meetings, managing timelines to meet institutional and sponsor deadlines, drafting non-technical documentation, and submitting proposals.

This position contributes to the growth of UTCRI's research portfolio by supporting strategic initiatives, analyzing funding trends, and developing tools, resources, and training to enhance proposal competitiveness across UTCRI and its affiliated programs.

Research Development & Strategic Support

Identifies and assesses funding opportunities aligned with UTCRI's priority areas and emerging research initiatives.

Develops and implements strategies to enhance proposal competitiveness, including positioning, team formation, and alignment with sponsor priorities.

Maintains knowledge of faculty expertise, institutional capabilities, and research strengths to support targeted outreach and team-building.

Analyzes funding landscapes, sponsor priorities, and research trends to inform UTCRI's strategic planning and research growth initiatives.

Supports campus-wide research development initiatives and collaborative efforts.

Proposal Development & Sponsored Programs Administration

Analyzes and interprets funding opportunity announcements (e.g., solicitations, requests for proposals, program guidelines) to determine application requirements, eligibility, and strategic positioning

Independently coordinates proposal development activities, including setting timelines, tracking deliverables, and ensuring timely completion of proposal components

Facilitates the development of complex proposals, including multi-investigator and multi-institution submissions, by coordinating with internal and external stakeholders

Develops proposal budgets and justifications in collaboration with principal investigators, ensuring accuracy, allowability, and alignment with sponsor guidelines and university policies

Ensures alignment among the technical narrative, project scope, and budget allocation

Coordinates and reviews required proposal documentation (e.g., biosketches, current and pending support, letters of collaboration, facilities documents) for completeness and compliance

Drafts and coordinates review of non-technical documents (e.g., mentoring plans, letters of support, facilities documents)

Provides rule-driven editing and compliance review of the proposal to ensure adherence to sponsor guidelines and institutional requirements

Initiates and manages proposal routing and approvals in Cayuse (transitioning to Huron/DASH Research & Agreements), ensuring compliance with university policies and submission requirements

Serves as liaison among principal investigators, UTCRI leadership, and administrative units to facilitate proposal submission and resolve pre-award issues

Communication & Engagement

Develops and delivers training on proposal development, budgeting, sponsor guidelines, and research administration processes for research faculty and postdoctoral researchers

Serves as a subject matter resource on sponsor requirements, federal regulations, and institutional policies

Maintains regular communication with UTCRI leadership to report on activities, outcomes, and strategic opportunities

Coordinates and supports research development events, workshops, and outreach efforts to enhance collaboration and proposal activity

Works with internal administrative units (e.g., ORSP, ORI) to facilitate proposal processes, resolve issues, and ensure compliance

The ideal candidate will possess the following (KSAs):

Working knowledge of funding agency guidelines and sponsored research requirements

Ability to interpret and apply sponsor guidelines, federal regulations, and institutional policies

Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex information and provide actionable guidance

Ability to independently manage multiple, deadline-driven projects

Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including editing and developing content

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, and external partners

Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment

Application Review

Application review will begin October 21, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Priority consideration may be given to applicants who submit complete application materials by the initial review date.

Minimum

Bachelor's degree

Two or more years of relevant professional experience in research administration, project or program management, grant development, higher education administration, or a related field

Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered

Preferred

Master's degree or relevant advanced training

Experience in research development, grant writing, sponsored programs, or supporting externally funded projects in an academic, research, government, or nonprofit environment

Work Location

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee

This is a fully on-site position

Compensation and Benefits

UT Market Range: MR08

Find more information on the UT Market Range structure

Find more information on UT Benefits

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is in the heart of one of Tennessee’s largest and most dynamic cities. As a national model for metropolitan universities, UTC collaborates with its many regional partners to offer an experiential learning environment with outstanding teaching scholars in 128 undergraduate degree programs and 55 graduate programs—at both the master's and doctoral levels. UTC and Chattanooga—nationally recognized for its downtown redevelopment and wealth of outdoor recreation—are inextricably linked, and the University is central to the workforce and economic development efforts of the region and the state.

Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Engineering and Computer Science; Health, Education and Professional Studies; and the Honors College are home to an array of award-winning programs from Nursing to Computer Science, Entrepreneurship to Veteran Student Support. Innovation is a strategic focus, and UTC research and development in smart city technology is an industry leader. UTC is the first and only university in the country with access to a managed, commercial quantum computing network, and we are introducing an artificial intelligence initiative involving entities across campus and engaging partners throughout the region.

From our deep ties to the city of Chattanooga to our national reputation for innovation and hands-on learning, UTC stands out as a university where students thrive, faculty inspire, and partnerships create real impact.