Director of Research Strategy and Operations

Help build what's next. We are seeking a forward-thinking Director of Research Strategy & Operations to lead the development and execution of research initiatives that expand our institutional impact. From launching research centers and securing strategic funding opportunities to overseeing research agreements, compliance, and technology transfer activities, this position offers a unique opportunity to influence the growth of a dynamic research enterprise.

The ideal candidate brings both strategic vision and operational expertise, with a proven ability to turn ideas into sustainable programs.

What you’ll do:

· Lead the execution of the institutional research strategy by coordinating key initiatives, research infrastructure, service models, operational improvements, and performance metrics in partnership with the Chief Research Officer.

· Direct research development and sponsored programs activities, including strategic funding opportunities, proposal development, grant administration, faculty engagement, and multidisciplinary research collaborations.

· Provide operational leadership for research centers, shared resources, and strategic research initiatives, ensuring successful startup, sustainability, resource planning, and achievement of research goals.

· Advance external partnerships and innovation efforts through the development and management of research collaborations, sponsored research agreements, technology transfer activities, intellectual property processes, and commercialization opportunities.

· Support research enterprise growth through budget planning, resource allocation, financial oversight, institutional readiness activities, accreditation support, compliance integration, and research governance initiatives.

· Supervise research administration staff and cultivate a high-performing, service-oriented culture focused on operational excellence, accountability, collaboration, professional development, and exceptional support for researchers and institutional stakeholders.

What we are looking for:

Minimum qualifications

· PhD in a biomedical, clinical, health, scientific, engineering, or closely related discipline, with demonstrated experience in academic research administration, research development, or research leadership.

· At least five years of progressively responsible experience in academic research administration, research development, research operations, institutional scientific programs or a comparable research-intensive environment.

· Demonstrated personnel supervision or substantial team leadership, including accountability for deliverables, performance and cross-functional execution.

· Demonstrated experience in sponsored research administration and grants management, including pre-award proposal development, sponsor requirements, institutional approvals, budget development, award administration, post-award coordination, budget monitoring, financial reporting coordination, and sponsor compliance. Experience supporting complex, multidisciplinary, or institutional grant proposals.

· Demonstrated experience coordinating research agreements, institutional partnerships, intellectual property activities, or technology development initiatives, with the ability to work effectively with Legal and other specialized institutional offices.

· Demonstrated knowledge of the regulatory and compliance requirements governing academic research, including human and animal subjects research, biosafety, research integrity, data privacy and security, sponsor requirements, and institutional oversight. Ability to identify regulatory risks, integrate compliance considerations into research planning and operations, and coordinate effectively with designated compliance officials.

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