OSRF Director of Research Operations

About The Department

The Office of Shared Research Facilities (OSRF) manages Biological Sciences Division Core Facilities by providing operational, financial, administrative, IT, and communication support. OSRF works closely with The University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Research Resources Oversight Committee to establish a policy framework for the operation of core facilities, reviewing and prioritizing acquisition of major scientific equipment, and providing scientific expertise and strategic planning for institutional research resources.

About The Role

The OSRF Director of Research Operations will provide leadership and strategic oversight for the day-to-day operations of OSRF and its 20+ research core facilities. This role serves as the operational contact for faculty, core directors, and internal stakeholders, ensuring efficient facility management and high-quality research support. The individual will also support the Associate Dean for Research Resources' role within the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, leading metrics collection and core planning and assessments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the central operational contact for all core facilities, managing cross-facility issues and projects.
• Monitor rates, turnaround times, faculty satisfaction, revenue and cost structure. Work with core directors on operational challenges, resource allocation, equipment needs, and capacity planning.
• Lead projects such as new facility development, master planning, automation and AI adoption, space optimization, and technology implementation.
• Support external engagement efforts, including business development for increased external revenue, partnership development, and industry outreach.
• Develop routine summary reports on core utilizations, gap analysis, and other reports needed.
• Lead the collection and analysis of performance metrics across all Cancer Center cores, creating reports and dashboards for leadership and stakeholder review.
• Serve as primary liaison between Cancer Center administration and core facilities to ensure alignment on funding, policies, and research support priorities.
• Oversee IT and IS infrastructure and support for core facilities.
• Coordinate with IT and software vendors on core facility technology needs, system upgrades, troubleshooting, and user support.
• Develop and maintain web presence for core facilities, including website updates, online portals, and digital communications.
• Work with OSRF Finance to monitor core facility budgets, revenue, and cost structure.
• Support rate-setting, pricing strategy, and contract negotiations with external partners and service providers.
• Lead cost savings initiatives within cores.
• Support hiring and professional development activities for OSRF staff in coordination with HR, including compensation review and performance management support.
• Plans and develops program objectives and/or content. Researches and identifies trends and needs and establishes program directions accordingly.
• Serves as a key resource for program information. Resolves problems or questions referred by program staff, University administrators, or other contingencies.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field and knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Education

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field, research administration, business, engineering, or related field
• Advanced degree in a scientific field

Preferred Experience

• 5+ years of experience in research administration, project management or operations management
• Experience in a large academic medical center or research-intensive university
• Familiarity with core facility operations, facility planning and design, or vivarium management
• Experience with business development, external partnerships, or revenue generation in an academic research environment
• Experience with IT infrastructure, software implementations, or technical systems in research environments

Preferred Competencies

• Strategic thinking
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects
• Clear, professional communicator
• Ability to work across organizations and build relationships
• Comfortable working with technology systems and learning new software
• Ability to understand budgets, analyze financial data
• Ability to mentor and train staff

Working Conditions

Office and Lab Environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

Pay

$120,000.00 - $170,000.00

Schedule

40 hours weekly

Benefits

Benefits eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.