OSRF Director of Research Operations

Department

BSD ARC-SRF - Animal Resource Center & Office of Shared Research Facilities

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.

Job Summary

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

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

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field, research administration, business, engineering, or related field, advanced degree in a scientific field.

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)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Administration & Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$120,000.00 - $170,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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