Research Institute Employment

About IUP STEAMSHOP

IUP STEAMSHOP is at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of our region through cutting- edge programs in digital design and robotics. We are dedicated to empowering students, entrepreneurs, and regional businesses in their pursuit of excellence and creativity.

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary technical director to lead our organization's mission of expanding our digital electronics and physical computing makerspace facility while providing entrepreneurial training opportunities. As the Technical Director, you will play a pivotal role in steering our efforts at the RIDC Armstrong Innovation Park. Currently supported by $2.4 million in external funding, STEAMSHOP spans two locations on the IUP campus and the digital electronics facility in Armstrong County.

Key Responsibilities

The focus of the position is to build on our commitment to engage students and the community with high-impact, career-relevant training experiences at the Northpointe facility in the RIDC Armstrong Innovation Park. The position is part-time with flexible hours that range from 10 to 20 per week and could be shared between two people.

Responsibilities include developing training materials for the digital electronics laboratory classroom at Northpointe, offering workshops, building relationships with regional businesses, overseeing open lab hours, and collaborating with our dedicated team of faculty, staff, and students.

In this pivotal role as STEAMSHOP Technical Director you will also:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of our Northpointe digital electronics
• Create, plan, and advertise training
• Develop supporting documentation for training workshops, including hardware and software designed to support projects.
• Assist with grant reporting and assessment to ensure accountability and meaningful impact.

Required Qualifications

To excel in this role, you should possess:

• A strong background in digital electronics, computing, or a related
• Demonstrated experience in using digital electronics, including proficiency with use of electronics components such as breadboards, resistors, capacitors, transistors, power supplies, and wiring.
• Ability to utilize embedded electronics hardware containing microcontrollers (such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or NVIDA Jetson), A/D converters, power supplies, , including design of schematics and board layout.
• Basic programming
• Willingness to lead workshops, and track record of exceptional management and communication
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member without daily supervision, and effectively communicate with all groups of
• A passion for education, innovation, and community

Preferred Qualifications

Additional experience in the following relevant areas is highly valued and will set you apart:

• Bachelor's degree in a science, engineering, or other related
• Demonstrated knowledge in any of the following areas: designing digital and analog electronics hardware, developing software applications in an embedded environment, experience with a programming language/environment such as C, C++, Java, Python, Android, Linux, or real time operating
• Prior success in securing external funding through grants or
• Familiarity with Arduino and Raspberry
• Configuring digital communications with embedded computing or digital

Why Join Us

IUP STEAMSHOP is more than a workplace; it's a community of innovators and creators. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of our region and make a meaningful impact on the lives of students, entrepreneurs, and businesses.

How to Apply

The position is affiliated with the IUP Research Institute. To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and vision for this role, and two professional references to researchinstitute-2@iup.edu and fadkins@iup.edu. Please put ‘Technical Director’ in the subject line.

Application Deadline

We are accepting applications until April 26th, 2024. Early applications are encouraged as we will review them on a rolling basis.

Learn More About Us

Visit our website to learn more about IUP STEAMSHOP and our mission.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The IUP Research Institute embraces diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. A child abuse and criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Due to current and anticipated growth, the IUP Research Institute is seeking qualified candidates for an Assistant Director position.  Salary will be dependent on qualifications.  Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and at least 3 professional references to researchinstitute-2@iup.edu. We will not contact references without prior acknowledgement. For additional information on the IUP Research Institute, go to IUP Research Institute - IUP. The position will remain open until filled but for full consideration, apply before May 6, 2024. 

• Assistant Director with 5+ years of experience in both pre and post award, a CRA, minimum of a master’s degree. We are looking for some leadership and expertise to help round out our already amazing team. A strong working knowledge of UG, compliance, and supervisory experience.  (Potential remote)

Assistant Director 5+ years of experience

Reports to the Executive Director and manages the pre and post (nonfinancial) award services of the IUP Research Institute.  Exceptional knowledge of research administration, Uniform Guidance, and agency guidelines and submission portals is essential.  A strong understanding of the University’s research strengths and priorities and the ability to support complex, interdisciplinary research groups. Ability to work independently and collaboratively, as needed. Work is performed on behalf of IUP and the PASSHE schools with which the RI contracts. 

• Serves as AOR for the organization and serves as back up to the Executive Director, as requested. 
• In consult with the Executive Director, provides direction and oversight to the pre and post award teams and evaluates performance of direct reports.  
• Stays abreast of research administration, Uniform Guidance, and agency updates and recommends Policy or procedural changes to the Executive Director. 
• Drafts updated Policy and procedure documents to remain compliant with all regulatory bodies and works collaboratively with the Controller and Executive Director to ensure best practices and efficient workflows between and among divisions. 
• Serves as primary point of contact for University administration (chairpersons, deans, administration) on all sponsored research initiatives, proposals, awards, and report data. 
• Maintains a strong, professional working relationship with researchers, chairpersons, deans, administration and interacts regularly to ensure positive customer satisfaction. 
• Executes subcontracts, agreements for services, and other contractual arrangements  
• Reviews and serves as final approval for all proposals in Kuali for compliance to IUP, RI, and Uniform Guidance requirements 
• Prepares and disseminates award notification emails and all sponsored project reports. 
• Encourages and facilitates interdisciplinary collaborations among researchers, disciplines, and external partnerships and serves as a pre/post award specialist on collaborative or complex grant proposals.   
• Develops and delivers training opportunities for Research Institute staff and University researchers, including all research development activities and functions. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.