Job Title: Program Manager for NarangLab, UCLA
Payroll title: Academic Administrator IV
Appointment: 100%
Effective date: As early as April 1, 2025

UCLA’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Division of Physical Sciences, invites applications for a position in the Academic Administrator Series to serve as Program Manager for the NarangLab at UCLA. The NarangLab is an interdisciplinary group across the physical sciences (College of Letters and Science) and engineering (Samueli School of Engineering) working on topics at the vibrant intersection of theoretical and computational science, condensed matter physics, photonics, and quantum information science. The successful candidate will:

Enable and oversee cutting-edge research in various areas of the quantum sciences. The position is across theory and experimental components with application of quantum information science to physics, chemistry, and materials science; Lead technical design reviews with the team to identify risks and problems, proactively find solutions, and drive clear actionable plans to close gaps; Lead planning and scheduling efforts in coordination with subject matter experts in the group, communicate those plans to external stakeholders, and work with the PI to secure resources (contracts and grants); Put strategic plans into practice towards increasing productivity and efficiency of the science team; Manage proposal development process for grants and contracts, and work with the PI on scientific and non-scientific aspects of the submission; Manage technical and programmatic subcontracts, technical reporting, including ensuring that schedule and cost objectives are met; Manage financial reporting on all funding sources; ensure compliance with funding agency guidelines; work with PI and business office to manage proposal process (pre and post award); Manage HPC access, software documentation, and interface with quantum hardware providers; Collaborate with the PI in managing the science team and the mission’s education and public outreach efforts.

The incumbent will supervise a team of research and administrative staff, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. Supervisory duties will include working with the PI on hiring, compensation, discipline, and dismissal. Supervisory and managerial skills in combination with strong people and excellent communication skills (includes oral and written) are expected. Detailed-oriented, excellent planning and organization skills as well as ability to build partnerships and drive decision making with cross-functional stakeholders are essential. Prior experience or interest in solid-state quantum systems, quantum networks, photonics, or quantum sensing is highly desirable.

Summary: Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the academic administrator will manage all areas of operations.

Requirements: A Ph.D in applied physics, physics, electrical engineering, materials science, computer science, theoretical chemistry, or related field.

UCLA is home to several institutes and centers that support research in quantum science. This includes the Center for Quantum Science and Engineering (CQSE), established in 2018 to coordinate research and teaching activities. The California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) provides advanced nanotechnology infrastructure and expertise for research in quantum materials and quantum optics. The Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IPAM) at UCLA, one of the six NSF math institutes, has also sponsored programs in quantum information related research.