Information Session: Program Development Rotation Opportunity

The Argonne Commercialization Council (ACC) and Technology Development and Commercialization (TDC) will hold an information session Thursday, July 28, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Bldg. 213 Cafeteria Conference Room on the launch of a rotation program for early- or mid-career staff in the programmatic divisions at Argonne.

The proposed rotation assignment enables the selected staff members to devote a portion (up to 50 percent) of their time to working closely with TDC and other Mission Support functions at Argonne in order to develop a sponsored research program while spending the remainder of their time conducting their research. The portion of staff effort dedicated to program development will be paid for by TDC.

This program is being launched in FY 2017 as an additional driver of new programs that grow our research portfolio and sponsorship thereof. Specifically, we are looking for passionate, intrinsically motivated candidates who have a vision for a research program that, over the next three to five years, can be grown to at least $10 million in annual sponsored research. The intention is for this program to serve as a great career development opportunity for future leaders of Argonne.

Objective: By offering the resources and time to develop and execute a growth strategy, Argonne seeks to encourage staff members interested in substantially growing their technology programs. Specifically, we seek to identify two or three individuals for FY 2017 who are passionate about their technology interests and keen to grow their programs through federal (DOE or other departments) and non-federal (industry, state, or local governments, etc.) sponsorship.

The purpose of this rotation assignment is twofold:

1. Develop and execute a strategy for technical program growth and
2. Learn how Argonne executes sponsored research contracts and build a network within the Laboratory’s Mission Support organizations.

Program: For the duration of the rotation, selected staff will work with a support team to develop and begin execution of a relevant technology strategy. The rotation is for up to 50 percent time for a duration of up to one year (renewals may be possible, if appropriate). It is expected that the research programs of the selected staff members will continue during the rotation. The following resources will also be provided to the selected staff:

1. Mentorship from a senior leader at Argonne and
2. A dedicated support team to help build and begin execution of the business elements of the program strategy.

Eligibility: Early- or mid-career candidates are encouraged to apply. We are seeking intrinsically motivated individuals who have a vision for building and growing a technology program at Argonne in areas consistent with the Lab’s mission.

Application Process:

1. A written application is due by Monday, August 15, 2016: Describe your technology program vision (no more than two pages, 11-point font, or about 600 words). Recommended format is as follows:
   1. Description of technology program (~250 words)
   2. Objectives for the program (~150 words)
   3. Targeted federal and non-federal sponsors and potential opportunity set (high-level, qualitative market analysis) (~200 words)
   4. Identify an internal champion for this effort (direct supervisor, division director, or directorate leadership). Please provide only names and contact information.
2. Please submit the application to ssunderrajan@anl.gov by 5 p.m. Central Time on August 15, 2016.

Selection Process and Timeline: The deadline for applications is Monday, August 15, 2016. A selection process, composed of application reviews to identify the top few candidates followed by a set of interviews with members of the ACC, will be conducted immediately after the application deadline. Our goal is to have the candidates selected by September 15, 2016, and ready to begin the rotation assignment on October 1, 2016 (coincident with the new fiscal year).

Interested candidates are encouraged to attend the information session to learn more about the program and have questions addressed. If you are unable to attend and would like more information on the program, please contact Laura O’Brien at ext. 2-4158.