Associate Director Research Operations MiPARC and Genomics

Location

Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1

Staff and Management

College of Biological Science

MiPARC Institute

The University of Guelph is seeking an innovative and collaborative scientific leader to help shape the future of microbiome and genomics research. As Associate Director, Research Operations (MiPARC & AAC Genomics), you will lead the operational and scientific growth of two rapidly expanding research enterprises, bringing together genomics, microbiome science, bioinformatics, and multi‑omics technologies to support transformative research across the University and beyond.

This position will play a central role in shaping the future of microbiome and genomics research at the University of Guelph through the leadership of two highly collaborative research enterprises:

• The Microbiome Preservation, Analysis and Research Centre (MiPARC), an emerging institute dedicated to advancing microbiome research and innovation, and
• The Advanced Analysis Centre (AAC) Genomics Facility, a campus‑wide shared research platform providing state‑of‑the‑art genomics technologies and bioinformatics services.

The successful candidate will join the University during an exciting period of growth that includes the expansion of microbiome research programs, the implementation of new genomics technologies such as the Nova Seq X platform, the development of advanced bioinformatics capabilities, and increased integration across genomics, microbiome science, and multi‑omics research.

Reporting jointly to the Director of MiPARC and the Director of AAC Genomics, the Associate Director provides strategic and operational leadership for MiPARC and management oversight of AAC Genomics.

• Scientific leadership
• Operational management
• Staff supervision and mentorship
• Genomics and bioinformatics expertise
• Research infrastructure development
• Strategic planning and stakeholder engagement

The Associate Director will:

• Provide operational leadership for MiPARC and AAC Genomics.
• Oversee complex genomics and microbiome research infrastructure valued at more than $12 million.
• Develop sustainable operational and cost‑recovery strategies.
• Lead strategic planning, infrastructure growth, and business continuity initiatives.

• Provide expert guidance in genomics, microbiome science, sequencing technologies, and bioinformatics.
• Support experimental design and data analysis for faculty, trainees, and collaborators.
• Oversee implementation of new genomics technologies and analytical pipelines.
• Develop integrated genomics and bioinformatics workflows.

• Supervise professional, technical, and operational staff.
• Support recruitment, training, mentoring, and performance management.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative research culture.

• Engage with faculty, industry partners, research organizations, and funding agencies.
• Support large‑scale research initiatives and infrastructure grants.
• Represent MiPARC and AAC Genomics in institutional and external strategic initiatives.

• A PhD in Genomics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in genomics, bioinformatics, or shared research infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience leading scientific teams or research operations.
• Experience with high‑throughput sequencing technologies, including Illumina platforms and associated workflows.
• Expertise in bioinformatics and computational genomics.
• Experience managing budgets, cost‑recovery models, or research service operations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Help define the future direction of MiPARC and AAC Genomics;
• Lead implementation of cutting‑edge genomics and bioinformatics technologies;
• Support world‑class microbiome and multi‑omics research;
• Work alongside outstanding faculty, researchers, and trainees;
• Build programs with national and international impact.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.