Director of Research Core Facility Operations

About This Role

The Director of Research Core Facility Operations provides leadership and administrative oversight for the operational and financial management of shared research facilities. This position is responsible for ensuring effective operations, financial sustainability, and policy compliance of research core facilities. The Director collaborates with core facility managers, faculty leadership, and central administrative offices to support the research enterprise through efficient facility operations, transparent cost recovery structures, and strategic planning.

In addition, the Director supervises core facility managers and administrative staff, ensuring consistent, efficient, and compliant operations across all shared research facilities.

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) provides leadership and support for Kansas State University's research enterprise. Supporting more than $250 million in annual research expenditures, OVPR oversees research development, sponsored programs administration, research compliance, research infrastructure, core facilities, and innovation. Working with faculty, colleges, and campus partners, OVPR develops policies, processes, and services that support research and scholarship across the university in furtherance of Kansas State's mission as a next-generation land‑grant institution.

On-site
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Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience in research operations, core facility management, or management of shared research infrastructure. Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager.

The degree requirement ensures candidates possess the advanced theoretical knowledge, specialized methodologies and critical problem‑solving skills essential for managing complex research operations and ensuring regulatory compliance. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and intensive experiential learning inherent in a formal degree program.

• Valid Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences, engineering, business administration, public administration, or a related field. Five or more years of experience in research operations, core facility management, or management of shared research infrastructure.
• Experience managing research workflows, budgets, and cost recovery models.
• Three or more years of supervisory experience in a research, technical, operational, or administrative setting.
• Master's degree in life sciences, engineering, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience managing research core facilities in higher education.
• Familiarity with institutional policies governing shared research infrastructure.
• Supervisory experience in a research, scientific, or higher education environment.

Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.