Director, Research Infrastructure Development

In partnership with the Vice President of Research Operations, the Office of the Chief Scientific Officer, and Facilities leadership, this position provides strategic and administrative leadership for all research space and property management activities in support of the mission of MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning, allocation, utilization, and governance of research space across the research enterprise.
• Partner with Research Operations, Facilities leadership, and subject matter experts to oversee planning, design, construction, renovation, and activation of research facilities and infrastructure projects.
• Execute the Research Master Facilities Framework, including oversight of the South Campus research buildout and other strategic facility initiatives, while optimizing space utilization and developing collaborative research neighborhoods.
• Develop and implement research space policies, standards, and metrics to support transparent, data-driven decision-making.
• Oversee capital and non-capital projects, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, operational excellence, sustainability, and high-reliability principles.
• Serve as the research operations representative and advocate for major facility projects, including infrastructure planning, construction quality, regulatory compliance, and future-state research facility development.
• Evaluate facility impacts of capital equipment acquisitions, laboratory relocations, and faculty recruitment initiatives to ensure responsible stewardship of institutional resources.
• Benchmark facilities and research infrastructure practices against leading institutions to identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to support the long-term transformation of the research enterprise through effective facilities planning and operational readiness.
• Lead the development of executive summaries, business plans, strategic analyses, presentations, and project-related documentation to support executive decision-making, institutional planning, and research facilities initiatives.
• Represent the Chief Scientific Officer and Research Operations on institutional committees, task forces, and leadership forums, while leading enterprise-wide research emergency operations, business continuity planning, and operational readiness efforts to ensure continuity of the research mission during planned and unplanned events.
• Foster collaborative partnerships across the institution and promote professional development, innovation, and continuous improvement within research operations and facilities programs.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the management of research operations or facilities in an academic medical center, including 5 years of supervisory experience. Management experience must reflect expansion of role, scope, and complexity over time.
• PhD in Natural sciences or related field. Candidates with a master's degree and significant leadership experience in research operations, facilities planning, or related fields may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Seven or more years of experience as a Facilities Manager in a research environment, including a minimum of five years supervisory experience. Management experience must reflect expansion of role, scope, and complexity over time.

Benefits

• Medical and dental coverage
• Paid time off
• Retirement plans
• Tuition benefits and educational opportunities
• Individual and team recognition programs

Pay

• Minimum Salary: $174,000 USD
• Midpoint Salary: $189,000 USD
• Maximum Salary: $205,000 USD

Schedule

Full-Time, Regular, Days. Hybrid Onsite/Remote work location.