Director of Research Core Facility Operations

Kansas State University

$109K — $156K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required; advanced degree preferred.
  • 5+ years in research operations or core facility management.
  • Experience with managing research workflows, budgets, and cost recovery.
  • 3+ years of supervisory experience in a relevant environment.
  • Valid Driver's License required.

Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership and oversight for shared research facility operations.
  • Ensure financial sustainability and policy compliance across facilities.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to support effective research facility operations.
  • Supervise core facility managers and administrative staff.
  • Develop transparent cost recovery structures and strategic planning processes.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead in a dynamic research environment.
  • Collaboration with faculty and central administration.
  • On-site position offering hands-on management experience.
  • Engagement with cutting-edge shared research infrastructure.
Full Job Description
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.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

What You'll Need to Succeed

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

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Three Professional References
Application Window

Applications close on: 7/31/26

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$109,834.00 - $156,514.00

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