Technical Project Specialist - National Science Foundation

Position Title:
Technical Project Specialist - National Science Foundation

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree

Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated experience in project management and leadership
Demonstrated experience in business analytics with emphasis on assisting in commercialization and go-to-market strategies
Demonstrated experience in financial planning and management
Strong working knowledge of marketing management
Demonstrated experience in supervising small work groups

Job Description:

Are you an organized, collaborative project coordinator ready to support innovative research in infrastructure and materials science?

The Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering (CCEE) at Iowa State University is seeking a Technical Project Specialist I to manage a multi-institutional research project focused on corrosion control in steel structures, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This role will provide critical support in managing day-to-day operations, communication, and outreach across the research team.

The successful candidate will support principal investigators (PIs) by coordinating project milestones, supporting cross-institutional collaboration, managing marketing efforts, and helping ensure the project stays aligned with funding goals and deadlines.

What you’ll do:

NSF Project Coordination (Research and Operations)

• Coordinate technical, financial, and business tasks across project partners and labs

• Support the PI in monitoring project milestones, deliverables, and timelines

• Facilitate collaboration across multiple institutions and research labs

• Assist in budget tracking and preparation of required NSF reports

• Maintain effective project-wide communication with partners and stakeholders

• Supervise a small group of student assistants

• Assist in project evaluation and documentation of outcomes

Marketing and Communications

• Coordinate and manage project marketing strategies in collaboration with internal team and external consultants

• Oversee website development, updates, and digital content management

• Manage the project’s social media presence and outreach campaigns

• Develop and distribute marketing materials aligned with project objectives

• Assist in conducting market research or analysis related to corrosion control and infrastructure innovation

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working across teams and institutions, values precision and clarity in communication, and has a blend of research administration and marketing skills.

Additional information:

• Position type: Full-time, Professional and Scientific

• Location: On-site at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa (some hybrid flexibility may be considered)

• Residency requirement: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

About the Department:
The Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering (CCEE) at Iowa State University is nationally recognized for excellence in education, research, and service. CCEE researchers lead multi-disciplinary projects addressing infrastructure durability, sustainability, and smart materials. Learn more at https://www.ccee.iastate.edu

What we offer – exceptional benefits:

Working at Iowa State University means you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and career:

• Work/life balance: Iowa State University was voted Best Place for Working Parents 2025

• Generous vacation and sick leave – 24 vacation days, 18 sick days, and 11 paid holidays

• Excellent health insurance options – including dental and vision coverage

• Retirement plans with employer contributions – choose from multiple plans to secure your future

• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support – grow with us

• Wellness programs and work-life resources – including mental health and counseling support

Explore Iowa State’s benefits: https://www.hr.iastate.edu/benefits

Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

August 9, 2028

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
PS808

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
 

Original Posting Date:
July 10, 2025

Posting Close Date:
July 16, 2025

Job Requisition Number:
R17378