MATRIX Lab Hiring Research Development Director

Join a team dedicated to high-quality research, innovation, education, and outreach opportunities. The University of Maryland (UMD) MATRIX Lab is looking for an Assistant Director for Research Development to provide visionary leadership for the lab, which serves as Southern Maryland’s hub for autonomous technologies and uncrewed systems research.

The job

The Assistant Director for Research Development will support the MATRIX Lab’s mission to bring innovative research and world-class education to the region by building research, education, and economic development partnerships. The position would be responsible for increasing the number and depth of these partnerships, with a specific focus on nontraditional, interdisciplinary, and/or defense-related opportunities, by promoting the lab’s unique facilities, equipment, and resources.

The region

In Southern Maryland, industry, government, and academic organizations work together toward a common goal of advancing innovation and enhancing education. It’s an incredibly collaborative and supportive area with many opportunities for outstanding industry and government partnerships. Located in the heart of the AeroPark Innovation District, the MATRIX Lab is collocated with another UMD presence – the UAS Research and Operations Center – as well as the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport and several engineering companies. It’s down the road from the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, which is home to government organizations include the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, a close current partner.

The position will also work closely with the University of Maryland College Park campus, especially the MATRIX Lab’s affiliate faculty. Close units include the Clark School of Engineering; College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS); and the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS).

The ideal candidate will find creative ways to work with these organizations to integrate innovation and entrepreneurship into research and education as well as contribute to meaningful work in AI and autonomy. They will also stay aware of emerging needs, trends, and services in the autonomous technologies and uncrewed systems space.

The current team

The Assistant Director for Research Development will be joining a small and mighty team working to position the MATRIX Lab and UMD as a leader in autonomous systems research and education. The team also executes thought leadership through conferences, tech talks, courses, internships, and outreach events. It is a collaborative and supportive atmosphere.

This position is located in Southern Maryland, at the UMD MATRIX Lab within the state-of-the-art USMSM SMART Building. Applicants must have three to five years of business development experience and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant area. They also must be a U.S. citizen due to ITAR information and must have or be able to obtain a security clearance.

To learn more about the position and apply now, click here. Best consideration is March 7, 2025, but the position will remain open until it is filled. If you have any questions about the job please email matrix@umd.edu.

Published February 28, 2025