Acoustical Lab Director - OARL - University of Oregon
Portland, OR
About the Job
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. As a university that holds the distinction of a “very high research activity” ranking (R1) in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the UO is also one of only two Pacific Northwest members of the Association of American Universities (AAU). Visit research.uoregon.edu to learn more.
OVPRI, including centers and institutes, has over 700 employees across faculty, classified and unclassified staff, postdoctoral scholars, graduate and undergraduate students, with a $45m annual budget. The Research Operations unit is comprised of more than twenty-five financial, technology, and administrative staff that ensure the smooth operations of this organization. The Research Operations portfolio spans activities from a major technology upgrade for research administration, managing faculty startup distributions, research core administrative operations, human resource development, research data analysis financial budgeting, and, reporting and forecasting tools.
The OVPRI is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we welcome, respect, and foster a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. We strongly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and/or LGBTQIA+ community members.
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 Requirements
•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.
Professional Competencies
• 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.
FLSA Exempt: Yes
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit https://hr.uoregon.edu/about-benefits.
The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.
In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report.