Program Manager, Sustainable Energy Research Consortium (SERC)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a full-time Program Manager for the Sustainable Energy Research Consortium (SERC). This permanent position involves overseeing research facilities, supporting cross-disciplinary projects, and fostering networking and training in sustainable energy. The role is based in Chapel Hill, NC, and offers a comprehensive benefits package. The position is set to start on November 3, 2025.
Department:Chemistry-318300

Career Area :Development and Fundraising

Posting Open Date:08/20/2025

Application Deadline:09/19/2025

Open Until Filled:No

Position Type:Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title:Program Manager, Sustainable Energy Research Consortium (SERC)

Appointment Type:EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number:20072092

Vacancy ID:NF0009236

Full Time/Part Time:Full-Time Permanent

FTE:1

Hours per week:40

Position Location:North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:Dependent on education and experience

Proposed Start Date:11/03/2025

Be a Tar Heel!:A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest in the College of Arts & Sciences. There are over 40 faculty members, over 40 staff members, over 250 graduate students, over 30 postdoctoral research associates, and over 700 undergraduate majors. The Department is housed in five buildings with over 580,000 sq. feet of space. The faculty participate in teaching assignments which involve an average of 200 students per faculty member per semester. The majority of faculty are research active and supervise graduate students working towards Ph.D. degrees, undergraduate students carrying out independent research and honors programs, research technicians and postdoctoral research associates. Primarily the research is funded by federal and private agencies such as NSF, NIH, Army, Navy, DOE, PRF and involves expenditures of more than nineteen million dollars annually. A total of over thirty-two million dollars from all sources is expended annually in the Department.

Position Summary:The Sustainable Energy Research Consortium (SERC) is a nexus for training and innovation in sustainable energy science and engineering that powers North Carolina’s future energy workforce and translates research innovations to industry. SERC 1) oversees core facilities, and their technical staff, that provide critical tools for research and training in energy science, 2) nucleates and supports cross-disciplinary team projects, and 3) cultivates forums for networking and training across the university, the UNC system, and the state.

This position will be the Managing Director for SERC. The Managing director will work closely with the faculty Director of SERC to lead and support all aspects of SERC. The Managing Director will be responsible for managing the SERC research portfolio and supporting the scientific and management aspects of all SERC team projects, both pre- and post-award. The Managing Director will partner with the university stakeholders to nucleate research teams that address priority challenges identified by North Carolina.

The Managing Director will support the Director in developing programmatic materials for annual technical and non-technical events, be responsible for the internal communications within SERC, and will support the public-facing elements of SERC including its web-presence, press releases, and external reporting.

The Managing Director will lead SERC-led forums, meetings, and conferences, and support workforce training and scientific outreach programs.

The Managing Director will lead the annual budgeting process for SERC and manages SERC finances, providing recommendations to the faculty Director on mechanisms for funding research activities.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:Ph.D. in chemistry or a related field required.
A minimum of three years of research experience in energy science and two years of experience in leading or managing a major research center or project. Multi-tasking, organizational, interpersonal and project management skills are essential. Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to edit and compile materials from multiple sources and tailor information to various purposes required. Strong budgeting, spreadsheet, financial analysis, and computer proficiency (Microsoft Office Suite) required. Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment subject to frequent interruptions and changes in priorities. Candidate should demonstrate eagerness to work as part of a team within SERC and across campus with research development partners. Work history should demonstrate a strong technical background in fields relevant to energy research, and experience in scientific writing, including significant contributions to research papers, research proposals, and/or post-award reports. Experience with outreach, development, conference planning would be of benefit.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:Two or more years of experience in sponsored project administration. Technical knowledge of renewable energy, including solar energy conversion and electrochemical energy storage. Experience in electrochemistry, photochemistry and/or fuels research. Knowledge of and experience in university business practices and systems is desirable.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:Not Applicable.

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