Position:          Emerging Technologies Engagement Manager

Department:    Turner Center for Entrepreneurship

Reports to:      Turner Center Director & Principal Investigator for the NSF EPIIC Grant

Appointment:  Temporary Hourly; Non-Benefit Eligible

Status:             Non-Exempt

Pay Rate:         $35.00 - $43.00 per hour

Responsible for engaging with potential corporate, academic, and non-profit entities to establish research partnerships with Bradley University. The position is focused on the Chicago metropolitan area. The position is part-time, temporary and grant-funded.

In September of 2025, Bradley University was awarded a three-year NSF grant to expand our sponsored research, with a focus on emerging technologies. Activities of the grant include a gap analysis of our current research capabilities, developing marketing materials to support awareness of the university’s research capabilities, and strengthening our research policies and procedures with an emphasis on technologies.

In addition, the grant provides funding to create a new part-time position based in Chicago, IL. The role of the Emerging Technologies Engagement Manager is to leverage existing tools and relationships to identify new opportunities for sponsored research between Bradley University and corporate, academic, and non-profit entities. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Partnership Research: Develops lists of potential corporate, academic, and non-profit entities with research needs that align with the capabilities of Bradley University faculty and students.Leverage AI tools: Access the AI-enabled FirstIgnite platform to support the identification of potential partners.Coordination with the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC): Leverage contacts/members of ISTC to identify potential partners.Networking Events: Helps plan and coordinate a partnership networking event in each of the years 2026, 2027, and 2028. The goal of the networking event is to link current and potential research partners with Bradley University faculty and leadership.Virtual and Onsite Meetings with Potential Partners: Contact and meet (virtually or in person) with current and potential partners to assess the research needs of the potential partner (or expand research with existing partners) and support the development of sponsored research proposals. Assist in the finalization of such agreements in coordination with the university Office of Sponsored Programs and the related faculty.Awareness of Bradley University Research Capabilities: To develop a strong understanding of the university's research capabilities, especially as relates to emerging technologies. The position requires overnight travel to Peoria for meetings with university faculty and leadership. Current plans include six visits in 2026 and four in each of the years 2027 and 2028.Reporting and Documentation: The position requires ongoing reporting and documentation of partnership development activities and tracking of related metrics.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Past experience in corporate or nonprofit research activities, either through direct involvement as a researcher or through oversight of such research activities.Ability to independently research potential industry partners based on prior experiences in industry, nonprofits, or an academic setting.Excellent communication skills.An ability to communicate and understand concepts relating to technology, especially emerging technologies such as computing & AI, Biotech, advanced communications, robotics, advanced materials, energy & sustainability, advanced sensing, and human-machine interface.

Time commitment and Remote Work: This position manages their own schedule, including the potential for no hours in a given week to 20+ hours.   The total hours anticipated for 2026 are 500, for 2027 are 400, and 200 for 2028.  The position ends at the conclusion of the NSF grant on September 30, 2028. The position is fully remote but should be located in the metro-Chicago area to maximize opportunities for on-site meetings.

Some local and regional travel is required, and must be capable of accessing facilities that may not be ADA accessible. There are also occasional commitments before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m., and on weekends both off and on campus.

This position is grant-funded and subject to the availability of NSF grant funds, which are allocated annually by Congress.

Salary & Benefits: This position is paid on an hourly basis, with a range of $35 to $43 per hour based on qualifications. This is a part-time, temporary position and does not provide any benefits. This position is as an employee, not a contractor. Bradley University pays the related payroll taxes.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Please complete the online application process and submit a resume, complete contact information for three professional references, and any certificates and/or licenses. Please upload all documents at the time of initial application. 

Applications will begin being reviewed immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Employment at Bradley University is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal background check.

Bradley University is a top-ranked, private university in Peoria, Illinois, offering nearly 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students’ opportunities, choices, and resources to build their futures. Innovation, action, and collaboration drive Bradley students to generate ideas and create solutions that remake the world around them. Our comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate academic programs includes business, communications, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and technology. 

Bradley University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The administration, faculty and staff are committed to attracting qualified candidates from underrepresented groups.