The Argonne Commercialization Council (ACC) and the Technology Commercialization and Partnerships Division (TCP) are pleased to invite early- or mid-career staff in the programmatic divisions at Argonne to apply to be part of Cohort 2 of the Program Development Rotation opportunity.
The rotation assignment enables the selected staff members to devote a portion (up to 50 percent) of their time to working closely with TCP 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 is paid for by TCP.
This rotation was launched in FY 2017 as an additional driver of new programs that grow our research portfolio and sponsorship thereof. Eighteen high-quality applications were submitted for Cohort 1, and three were selected. Those researchers/teams have been participating in the rotation since Oct. 1, 2016.
Organizers are looking for passionate, intrinsically motivated candidates who have a vision for a research program that, over a 3- to 5-year period, can be grown to at least $10 million in annual sponsored research. In addition to growing Argonne’s research portfolio and sponsorship streams, the rotation also aims to serve as a career development opportunity for future leaders of Argonne.
Rotation objectives
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 individuals who are passionate about their technology interests and keen to grow their programs through federal (U.S Department of Energy or other departments) and non-federal (industry, state or local governments, etc.) sponsorship.
The purpose of this rotation assignment is twofold:
- Develop and execute a strategy for technical program growth and;
- Learn how Argonne executes sponsored research contracts and build a network within the laboratory’s mission support organizations.
Program details
For the duration of rotation, selected staff 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 are also provided to the selected staff:
- Mentorship from a senior leader at Argonne and;
- A dedicated support team to help build and begin execution of the business elements of the program strategy.
Program 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
- A written application is due by June 5, 2017: Describe your technology program vision (no more than two pages, 11 pt. font or about 600 words). Recommended format is as follows:
- Description of technology program (~250 words)
- Objectives for the program (~150 words)
- Targeted federal and non-federal sponsors and potential opportunity set (high-level, qualitative market analysis) (~200 words)
- Identify an internal champion for this effort (direct supervisor, division director, or ALD leadership). Please provide only names and contact information.
- Please submit the application to TCP’s John Harvey by 5 p.m. CDT on June 5, 2017.
Selection process and timeline
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. The goal is to have the candidates announced by July 10, 2017, and ready to begin the rotation assignment on Oct. 2, 2017 (coincident with the new fiscal year).
An information session on the Program Development Rotation will be held May 10, 2017, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Building 213 Cafeteria Conference Room. Interested candidates are encouraged to attend to learn more about the program and have questions addressed. If you have immediate questions, please contact John Harvey at ext. 2-3566.
Information session: Add to Your Calendar
