Research and Development Engineering Supv 2

RSCH AND DEV ENGR SUPV 2 (000446)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_941347

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

6/16/2026 8:29:42 PM

Date Last Edited:

6/16/2026 8:29:36 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1300O

Organization:

LETTERS AND SCIENCE                    

Division Code:

1340D

Division:

L&S PHYSICAL SCIENCES                  

Department:

100000 - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_941347

Position Description ID

255101

UC Payroll Title:

RSCH AND DEV ENGR SUPV 2 (000446)

Personnel Program

Management and Senior Professional (MSP)

Salary Grade:

Grade 25

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

C: Supervisor - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40044004

Reports to Payroll Title:

PROF-AY

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40056567

Department Head Payroll Title:

ADMIN MGR 2

GENERAL DIRECTION - Indicates that the incumbent receives guidance in terms of broad goals and overall objectives and is responsible for establishing the methods to attain them. Generally the incumbent is in charge of an area of work, and typically formulates policy for this area but does not necessarily have final authority for approving policy.

4899

R&D Engineer 4 - MSP TX

1

4758

R&D Engineer 3 - TX

1

4757

R&D Engineer 2 - TX

1

8301

Electr Techn Prin 2 - TX

1

4699

System Admin 3 - TX

1

4722

Administrative Assistant 3 - CX

1

POSITION SUMMARY

Serve as the Managing Director for the Infrared Laboratories and UC Observatories. This includes managing several projects simultaneously that require managing personnel, organization, planning, execution, validation, risk and financial management. Potential projects vary significantly in scale, with costs ranging from thousands to ~$100M, and timelines spanning from a few months to more than a decade.  The candidate will oversee a diverse workforce, including technical staff in a diverse variety of domains (i.e. optical, mechanical, electronic, software) and coordinate with academic personnel over the entire lifecycle of multiple simultaneous instrumentation projects, work with collaborative partners and institutions, and negotiate with commercial and academic subcontractors. The candidate will also report on project statuses to various stakeholders.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy consists of faculty, undergrads and graduate students, academic researchers, scientists, staff and postdocs. Our department is located in Knudsen Hall, the Physics & Astronomy Buildings, the Planetarium (located in the Math Sciences Building), the Science and Technology Research Building (STRB) and a portion of Kaplan Hall (Infrared Laboratory Shop and Division Mechanical Shop) totaling approximately 155,000+ square feet.

Project Management & Development

1. Project Manager for the entire lifecycle of multiple instrumentation development for the IR Lab and UC Observatories. 2. Manage risks and finance by maintaining project budgets and schedules. Use metrics like earned value management (EVM) and identify potential issues. Mitigate strategies and propose descope measures to control costs. 3. Regular consultation with project's leadership/PIs and multidisciplinary teams, both internal and external to ensure finances, resources, and efforts align with project goals. 4. Manage progress reports. Include challenges and financial status to stakeholders. 5. Negotiate commercial and institutional contracts with stakeholders. Develop budgets & statements of work in support of subcontracts. 6. Represent projects and the Laboratory on behalf of PIs.

50%

Laboratory Management

1. Manage all operational aspects of a technical facility, including staff supervision of a variety of domain-expert professionals, resource allocation, and facility management.

2. Manage all aspects of environmental, health and safety, maintenance, troubleshooting and regulatory compliance requirements of sponsors and UC.

3. Manage and oversee project budgets, as well as identify and coordinate operational decision-making regarding financial resources, staff FTE, and space planning.

4. Collaborate with HR, Finance, and other internal and external resources, business units, and funding sponsors.

5. Manage documentation and operating procedures for research and laboratory equipment.

30%

Staff Management

1. Supervise a growing research team with a broad range in classifications (Research, Engineering, Administration, Technical, Machining, and Information Technology). 

2. Manage time reporting approvals, performance evaluations, employee & labor relations matters and the full recruitment cycle of staff.

4. Manage staff professional development within their respective domains of expertise.

5. Manage the training of staff, academic researchers, academic students, postdocs, etc. on correct procedures and operation of equipment.

6. Schedule regular on-going team and 1:1 meetings with staff throughout the year.

7. Recommend staff awards as appropriate.

20%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

Required

And

Some graduate level coursework preferred.

Preferred

Master's Degree

in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Preferred

PhD

in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Preferred

Staff supervision

experience in managing a diverse group of staff in an academic laboratory and research setting.

Required

And

Project Management

experience managing a technical development project in a laboratory and/or research setting

Required

1. Advance knowledge and expertise associated with academic institution(s) in laboratory and scientific research experiments and findings.

Required

2. Advance knowledge of Engineering functions and domains (i.e. optical, mechanical, electronic, software) including the identification of laboratory equipment and process improvements.

Required

3. Leadership skills in employee management and Human Resources.  Advance conflict resolution skills in personnel issues and performance management to foster a positive and cooperative work environment.

Required

4. Ability to effectively manage and plan multiple high level priorities and projects in a complex, challenging environment. Ability to anticipate and effectively handle issues and change.

Required

5. Demonstrated skill and knowledge of lab and research disciplines to represent the research unit and academic PIs in meetings, conferences and in all other matters relating to the research and projects.

Required

6. Ability to make complex business decisions using sound judgement. Proven analytical skills and problem solving abilities to evaluate complex issues and identify resolution options.

Required

7. Manage all operations in compliance with UC internal and external regulatory procedures and reporting.

Required

8. Manage the planning and coordination of research lab activities via high level personnel with responsibility in terms of costs, methods and employees.

Required

9. Advance interpersonal communication skills to effectively supervise staff.

Required

10. Consults with academic PIs on innovation progress to ensure success in current and future engineering activities and projects.

Required

11. Strong analysis knowledge and technique to report on finances and project statuses.

Required

12. Strong skills and abilities to manage scientific lab and research experiments and findings. Advance knowledge of lab safety procedures and requirements, including chemical and biological disposal guidelines.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

5%

Travel to Instrument Project Reviews at partner institutions, UCO Advisory Committee meetings around UC, topical conferences, and observatories.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Knudsen Hall 6-164

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.