Job Details

Acoustical Lab Director - OARL: Portland, OR

Position Description:

Job no:534858
Work type:Officer of Administration
Location:Portland, OR
Categories:Accounting/Finance, Administrative/Professional, Executive/Management/Director, Music/Dance, Research/Scientific/Grants, Engineering/Biomedical Engineering

Department:Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation
Appointment Type and Duration:Funding Contingent (Faculty, Research OAs), Ongoing
Salary:Commensurate with experience; starts at $150,000 annually
Compensation Band:OS-OA13-Fiscal Year 2024-2025
FTE:1.0

Application Review Begins: January 13, 2025; position open until filled.

Special Instructions to Applicants: With your online application, please provide a resume and a cover letter describing how you meet the minimum requirements, professional competencies, and any preferred qualifications. Please submit the names and contact information of three professional references. Candidates will be notified prior to contacting references.

Department Summary: The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) serves as an advocate and catalyst within the University of Oregon (UO) for expanding the range and impact of UO's research, scholarship, and creative endeavors. The OVPRI oversees sponsored programs, research compliance, technology transfer, economic development, industry engagement, research-based ventures, and research development and administrative responsibility for numerous high-profile research centers and institutes and core research facilities, which provide opportunities for faculty across the university to collaborate on research efforts that are inherently interdisciplinary, and of significant societal importance.

Position Summary: The Acoustical Lab Director is responsible for the comprehensive oversight of Oregon Acoustic Research Lab (OARL), ensuring it delivers practical, high-quality acoustical testing services and analysis tailored to client needs while maintaining rigorous industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO). This role involves managing day-to-day operations, including planning, budgeting, and staffing, while ensuring adherence to regulatory compliance, client satisfaction, and safety standards. The director will collaborate with clients, regulatory bodies, and internal teams, promoting a balance between research and commercial services to meet facility and market demands. A strategic focus on commercial business development is essential, as the director will drive initiatives to expand the lab's commercial client base, develop marketing strategies, and foster client partnerships.

As the lab's administrative leader, the director will oversee the full employee lifecycle for technical staff and student workers, holding authority over hiring, training, performance evaluations, and staff development. This role also entails facilitating partnerships with research faculty, supporting their use of the lab, and identifying grant opportunities to fund ongoing research and innovation in acoustics. The Director, who directly reports to the VP for Research and Innovation, is responsible for shaping the lab's commercial strategic direction, integrating client feedback, managing lab resources, and ensuring the efficient execution of both commercial and academic projects to meet high standards of accuracy and relevance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Acoustics Engineering, or a related field.
• Acoustical experience, project management, business development, customer service with a proven track record in client-facing roles, emphasizing both testing and business growth.
• Three years project budgeting experience.
• Strong knowledge of acoustical testing standards and methodologies.
• Candidates should demonstrate strong management skills, including exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong ability to communicate technical findings in a clear and actionable manner to clients demonstrating expertise in managing client expectations and service delivery in a commercial lab environment.
• Strong customer service and client management skills, ensuring that testing services are delivered on time and exceed client expectations.
• Extensive knowledge of industry standards (ASTM, ISO) and experience maintaining lab accreditation (e.g., NVLAP).
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams in a lab environment and manage multiple, simultaneous projects.
• Experience managing a budget and ensuring cost-effective operations within a testing lab environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Acoustics Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic business plans for acoustical lab growth and familiarity with commercial acoustical testing methodologies and standards (e.g., NVLAP, ASTM).
• Experience in a team-based professional setting.
• At least three years of supervisory experience.
• Experience with managing client-facing projects in acoustical testing services is highly desirable.