Executive Director Research FacilitiesJOB TITLE: Executive Director Research Facilities
LOCATION: Worcester
DEPARTMENT NAME: Research Division
DIVISION NAME: Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY: The Executive Director for Research Facilities is the centralized lead for research infrastructure planning and strategic support, working across campus to maximize scientific output and operational efficiencies within WPI's research infrastructure and core facilities. This position provides leadership and guidance on the enhancement of strategic, administrative, operational, and marketing activities of WPI's core facilities and broader research infrastructure.
WPI has an extensive list of research equipment across the various core facilities that are available for internal and external use. These facilities include a Life Sciences & Bioengineering Center, a medical imaging and device fabrication suite (PracticePoint), an integrated photonics facility (LEAP), a cell engineering research equipment suite (CERES), and a biomanufacturing education and training center (BETC). Equipment in these facilities includes instrumentation for materials analysis, micro and nano fabrication, microscopy, metrology, integrated photonics and high-speed electronics testing, medical imaging, biomechanics instrumentation and medical device testing, and will expand in parallel with equipment and/or core facilities growth.
Responsibilities: Establishes faculty advisory committee to create a strategic plan for research infrastructure with regards to core facility and broad-use instrumentation capabilities, focused on maximizing usage capacity, forecasting equipment maintenance and technology refresh needs.Coordinates with core facility management to establish and operationalize the appropriate and necessary research infrastructure to advance the institution's research mission and to facilitate productive and sustainable research activities and external engagement.Oversees and directs the day-to-day provision of operational and user support of centralized core facilities, ensuring optimal customer satisfaction, adherence to relevant funding agency provisions, and compliance with all relevant regulations, guidelines, policies, and standards.Oversees installation of new equipment and maintenance/vendor relations for equipment service, negotiates service contracts, and troubleshoots/repairs equipment not under service contract. Identifies and decommissions out-of-date equipment and technology.Develops and implements policies and procedures for identifying, processing, and administering user proposals; develops comprehensive systems for capturing appropriate tracking data.Provides guidance and useful tools for core facility short-term goals and objectives, long-range strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures; allowing leaders across WPI to monitor and evaluate programmatic and operational effectiveness and to facilitate changes required for improvement.Manages core facility communications, including website, social media, client feedback, and print media. Conducts tours, demonstrations, and instructional workshops.Designs, establishes, and maintains an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the organization's goals and objectives; oversees recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of unit staff.Leads and/or assists in the preparation and writing of grant and budget proposals. Prepares written and oral reports to other units, and support agencies. Collaborates on relevant grant opportunities for core operating support, infrastructure expansion/sustainment, and scientific instrument purchases.Presents core services and research findings at seminars and conferences.Requirements: Knowledge and experience as typically acquired through the completion of a Doctoral degree from an accredited institution.5+ years of progressively responsible related research facility management experience.Experience in business strategy and operations and in developing business models/marketing services to both internal and external customers.Demonstrated track record of developing and maintaining collaborative working relationships among stakeholders in the university, industry, government, and/or the non-profit sector.Excellent technical and interpersonal communication skills and comfortable with public speaking.Outstanding leadership skills and the ability to build transdisciplinary teams.Strong documentation skills to assist in writing proposals, comprehensive reports for clients, and collaboration for scientific projects.Please include a cover letter with a resume for consideration.
FLSA STATUS: United States of America (Exempt)
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