Research Project Manager

San Jose State University Research Foundation
$135,000-$150,000 per year - Exempt, Benefited.
retirement plan
United States, California, Mountain View
May 02, 2025
OUR STATEMENT The San Jose State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value. GENERAL NATURE OF POSITION The Department of Psychology at San Jose State University is involved in collaborative research with civil service scientists from the Airspace Operations Laboratory (AOL) in the Human Systems Integration Division at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. We seek a research project manager to collaborate, provide laboratory logistical support, and system oversight to ensure that aviation and air traffic management activities continue to further NASA's aeronautics research. The research performed in the AOL is a collaborative, team-based activity that relies upon an advanced, distributed human-in-the-loop simulation environment and state-of-the-art facilities to investigate the roles, responsibilities and requirements for human operators and automation in future air traffic management systems. Research participants include aviation industry partners, professional air traffic service providers, pilots, and aviation operators who help to develop and test novel aviation concepts, technologies, or procedures for designing and testing new air traffic operations in the global and United States National Airspace System. Foundational to the ability of the AOL to successfully conduct its research is a fully functioning, well-maintained, safe, secure, and updated lab infrastructure that includes the systems, software, displays, associated peripherals, and other necessary component layers all working seamlessly and with a high rate of availability. The ideal candidate for this position would be comfortable overseeing a complex laboratory ecosystem and ensuring that it continues to support current and future research. We are seeking someone who is detail oriented, self-motivated, able to work with others, and can propose AOL operational improvements. The AOL, like NASA, prizes a healthy work-life balance. We believe that fostering a comfortable workplace for everyone is important! Our work environment is open, collaborative, and welcoming; we are a diverse and tight-knit team that enjoys off-site team building events and activities. The candidate will contribute to our diversity of skills and incorporate new ideas into our lab environment. The candidate will work with others throughout NASA on supporting forthcoming missions. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Oversee the management and maintenance of the AOL's infrastructure ensuring availability, reliability, and providing systems security. Provide the necessary support for the development and deployment of laboratory capabilities used for simulation, real-time data collection and analysis, monitoring, and visualization. As part of the human factors research team, be responsible for understanding the lab's research agenda and mapping its capabilities and any new technological requirements to research goals. Oversee the laboratory layout including equipment, furnishings, and accessories, and modify/adapt as necessary. Other duties as assigned. INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS Reports to the project director. Interacts with SJSURF staff and civil service staff daily. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None, though may be called upon for advice and direction by others. QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience Currently possess an Associate's degree or higher in computer science or related discipline or able to earn a similar degree within 12 months of the start date. 5+ years working in a NASA aeronautics research laboratory setting. 5+ years overseeing laboratory systems and equipment. 10+ years supporting research and outreach activities. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Required Methodical and detail oriented with solid analytical skills and problem-solving ability required. Capacity and willingness to adopt new methodologies and skills in line with core responsibilities required. Willingness to share knowledge and skills and willingness/ability to help train colleagues required. Ability to work effectively and efficiently in culturally and organizationally diverse research teams required. Ability to oversee the functioning and management of the laboratory as a facility and work cross-organization as necessary required. Knowledge of laboratory system design, interactions, and requirements required. Knowledge of facility and system security required. Knowledge of scientific experimentation and the various phases therein (experimental design, research methods, data mining & analysis, etc.) desired. Knowledge of inter- and intra-process communications desired. Work within time constraints and under pressure. Physical Requirements Ability to work on-site when needed (NASA Ames Research Center). Employee must meet security qualifications for entrance to the Center, including an Agency background check. Frequent and ongoing use of a computer terminal to conduct a variety of tasks. Strength, dexterity, and coordination and/or ability to use a computer keyboard and read a video display terminal on a regular basis. Ability to install and move pieces of equipment: monitors, computers, joysticks, projectors, etc. The location is equipped for full accessibility. NOTE: This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant. BENEFITS The SJSURF provides an excellent benefits package to benefited employees. The comprehensive benefits package includes: Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage). Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents. Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities. 14 paid federal & state holidays. Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately. Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations. Employee discounts. Paid training and professional-development conferences. Please visit the Benefits & Compensation page on the SJSURF website for more detailed information. APPLICATION PROCEDURE To apply for this position, an applicant must submit a formal application for employment. Select "Apply Now" to complete the SJSURF online employment application. REASONABLE ACCOMODATION The San Jose State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical or mental disabilities in the employment, recruitment, examination, hiring and interviewing processes. If you are a job seeker with a physical or mental disability and require a reasonable accommodation to search, apply, or interview for a job opening or otherwise need a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, please contact us at foundation-jobs@sjsu.edu. In the email message, please indicate your full name, phone number and the type of assistance required. You must not reveal the underlying medical reason for your needed reasonable accommodation or otherwise disclose confidential medical information. ABOUT THE SJSU RESEARCH FOUNDATION SJSURF employment is separate and distinct from San Jose State University or state of California employment. SJSURF employees are not employees of SJSU or of the state of California. SJSURF is a non-profit auxiliary of San Jose State University. SJSURF is totally self-supported. The majority of the organization's funding comes from the federal government, and other public and private entities. With annual revenues totaling over $65 million, programs managed through SJSURF cover a rich diversity of applied research, public services, and educational related activities.