Academic Program Management Officer (ACAD PRG MGT OFCR 5 RP)

The Director of the Market Transformation Research Program will manage and develop an extensive research portfolio that integrates social science perspectives with engineering innovation to inform energy policy and advance market adoption strategies. This position will establish a long-term vision and strategy for achieving the Program's research objectives.
The Director will provide strategic program leadership and oversight, including planning, directing, and administering all aspects of financial management, program planning, and the strategic allocation of a multimillion-dollar budget. This position will identify and secure funding from a range of sources-including state, federal, utility, and industry sponsors-to support the Program's mission and long-term growth.
The Director will lead the technical and scientific activities of the Market Transformation Research Program. As a recognized subject matter expert in their field, both on campus and beyond, the Director will develop and implement research initiatives and serve as Principal Investigator or technical lead on ten or more concurrent research projects. To support this portfolio, the Director will supervise academic researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students. The Director will also cultivate strategic partnerships with campus research groups and external academic, industry, and government partners to advance interdisciplinary research. This position will maintain an active record of publication in leading academic journals and presentations at national and international conferences to disseminate research findings and support the development of new collaborations.
The Market Transformation Research Program is housed within the Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC). In addition to advancing its own research agenda, the Program will provide critical technical expertise to WCEC by ensuring that the Center's engineering research is informed by policy, economic, and behavioral considerations that shape technology markets. The Director will work closely with the WCEC Faculty Director and other senior researchers to ensure the Program's strategic contributions enhance the overall impact of WCEC's engineering research.

Apply By Date March 27, 2026 at 11:59pm PST

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• PhD Economics, policy analysis, related areas and/or equivalent experience training.
• Extensive senior-level management and leadership experience, including leading, managing, motivating, and developing technical staff.
• Leadership and networking experience to identify and collaborate effectively with appropriate individuals at universities, national laboratories, educational and public institutions and industry (domestic and international) in the development and cultivation of research initiatives.
• Experience developing solutions, setting priorities, and making sound decisions involving long-range, strategic, and highly visible projects that span disciplines or functions.
• Proven ability Experience using negotiation, interpersonal and communication skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships across various levels.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with high ranking officials in state and federal government departments and agencies.
• Demonstrated ability preparing research grants for a variety of public and private sponsors and familiarity with grant making processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience exercising management skills, including critical thinking, planning, problem-solving and decision-making to take independent action and exercise authority.
• Experience managing complex research issues or coordinating research initiatives at a research university, national laboratory or large funding agency.
• Experience working with companies and negotiating contracts. Experience preparing federal research grants.
• Experience leading analytical research related to technological development and energy transitions at a research university, national laboratory or large funding agency.

Key Responsibilities

• 60% - Operation Management
• 20% - Dissemination, Outreach and Stake Holder Engagement
• 10% - Leadership, Strategic Direction and Partnership Development
• 10% - New Research Grants and Contracts

Department Overview

The Energy Efficiency Institute (EEI) was established in the spring of 2006 as the nation's first university center dedicated to energy efficiency. Its mission is to accelerate the development and commercialization of energy efficiency technologies and to train future leaders in energy efficiency. Positioned under the EEI umbrella lie three separate UC Davis centers dedicated to Energy Efficiency: the California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC); the Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC); and Center for Water-Energy Efficiency (CWEE). There is also another related center in the EEI family -- the Plug-in Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Research Center. This position helps to guide and coordinate the R&D efforts of these organizations and other researchers on campus working in Energy Efficiency. The Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC) conducts applied engineering research and technology development to support innovation in heating, cooling, and ventilation technologies. WCEC conducts technology evaluations in its state-of-the-art thermal measurements and HVAC research lab and in the field, both in residential and commercial buildings. It has conducted laboratory and field evaluations of a wide range of systems, including direct and indirect evaporative coolers, air-source and ground-source heat pumps for space conditioning, heat pump water heaters, multifunction heat pumps, high-efficiency motors, ventilation devices, envelope sealing methods, residential dryer controls, thermostats, and variable refrigerant flow systems.

WCEC bridges the gap between research and practice, collaborating closely with industry to bring innovative technologies and solutions to market. WCEC has developed and commercialized multiple technologies and contributed to advancements in building codes and standards to support energy efficiency and proper mechanical ventilation in schools and multifamily buildings.

WCEC has 16 full-time engineering staff and researchers (5 with PhDs and 8 with MS degrees), as well as numerous graduate and undergraduate students.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $122,300/annually - $259,900/annually
• Salary Frequency: Annually
• UC Job Title: ACAD PRG MGT OFCR 5 RP
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday -Friday, 8am - 5pm
• Location: Davis, CA.
• Union Representation: RP - Research and Public Service Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Constant Interaction - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks