Temporary Professional - Laboratory Research, Fund Creation & Experimentation Consultant, Office of Strategic Innovation, 82394

The Office of Strategic Innovation (OSIN) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC).

The Temporary Professional - Laboratory Research, Fund Creation & Experimentation Consultant serves as a strategic and operational partner supporting laboratory experimentation, researcher collaboration, problem identification, and capital fund creation. The position assists leadership, research teams, and external partners in advancing organizational priorities through structured research engagement, development of fund strategies, and execution of laboratory testing and process optimization.

This role supports cross-functional collaboration across research, operations, and funding stakeholders, helping translate scientific challenges and opportunities into actionable experiments and capital initiatives. The position requires strong analytical skills, familiarity with laboratory environments, and the ability to connect technical needs with funding strategies.

Roles

1. Fund Creation & Capital Strategy Specialist
2. Researcher Collaboration & Problem Identification Lead
3. Laboratory Experiments & Process Development Coordinator

Responsibilities

1. Fund Creation & Capital Strategy. Responsible for supporting the development of funding strategies by identifying capital sources, structuring funding opportunities, and assisting in the creation of investment, grant, and partnership vehicles that support the Critical Materials Crossroads (CMC).
2. Researcher Collaboration & Problem Identification. Responsible for engaging with researchers, scientists, and stakeholders to identify critical technical challenges, research gaps, and high-impact problem areas that can be addressed through targeted experimentation and funding.
3. Laboratory Experiments & Process Development. Responsible for supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of laboratory experiments and testing processes, ensuring alignment with identified problems and research objectives.
4. Other Duties as Required. Responsible for supporting additional research, testing, fundraising, or operational tasks that advance the mission of the CMC.

Duties

Fund Creation & Capital Strategy

• Identify and evaluate funding sources including grants, investors, and partnerships
• Assist in structuring research-focused funding initiatives and capital vehicles
• Prepare proposals, pitch materials, and funding applications
• Support financial planning and alignment of capital with research priorities
• Maintain tracking systems for funding opportunities and engagement efforts

Researcher Collaboration & Problem Identification

• Engage with researchers to identify key scientific and technical challenges
• Facilitate discussions to define research problems and experimental needs
• Synthesize inputs into clearly defined problem statements and opportunity areas
• Track emerging research trends and areas of high impact
• Prepare briefing materials summarizing identified problems and research priorities

Laboratory Experiments & Process Development

• Assist in designing experimental plans and testing protocols
• Support execution and coordination of laboratory experiments
• Document procedures, methodologies, and results
• Analyze experimental data to support conclusions and next steps
• Contribute to process improvement and optimization efforts within lab environments

Expectations

• Balance workload across collaboration, experimentation, and capital development
• Deliver high-quality technical and strategic documentation
• Communicate effectively with scientific, operational, and financial stakeholders
• Maintain professionalism and compliance in laboratory and funding environments

This position is grant funded and is contingent on continued funding.

This is a temporary position expected to conclude work on and not extend past July 31, 2026.

This position may involve travel.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Business, or related field
• Experience supporting research, laboratory testing, or technical programs
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or similar productivity tools
• Ability to attain and hold a U.S. security clearance

• Master's degree in a technical or business-related field
• Experience in laboratory environments, R&D, or experimental programs
• Experience supporting fundraising, grant development, or investment strategy
• Background in experimental design, data analysis, or research coordination
• Experience working in research institutions, industry labs, or complex organizations

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $38.46 per hour.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Grade: Ungraded within the GGS system.
University Title: TEMPORARY PROFESSIONAL
To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Job posting will remain open until filled.

This position is not eligible for University benefits. Individuals in non benefit eligible positions may choose to participate in the Tax Deferred Annuity Plan (403b). For information about this plan, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 573-341-7734.