Associate Director – Laboratory Operations

Khalifa University; Abu Dhabi; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Khalifa University seeks an Associate Director for Core Laboratory Operations to oversee strategic planning and management of research facilities. This role involves developing policies, ensuring safety compliance, and mentoring staff, contributing to high-quality research and attracting collaborations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of relevant experience.
• 5 years in research laboratory operations management, 3 years in senior managerial position.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development and management of research laboratory operations.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations in laboratory operations.
• Lead staff and programs to increase laboratory usage and collaboration.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's degree in science or engineering

Doctorate Degree (preferred)

Job description

Job Purpose:

The Associate Director for Core Laboratory Operations oversees all functional and strategic planning for physical research infrastructure of the University and developing them into world-class facilities that support high-quality research and attract external collaborators. This position also oversees the management of Research Core Laboratories operations to ensure a high standard of service delivery.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

• Contributes to the development of the Department’s strategy for developing new physical laboratory infrastructure that aligns with the university’s strategic research priorities through research centers and organized research units for faculty, researchers, and students.
• Contribute to the development of the Department’s policies and procedures, adhering to the overall business objectives of the University, ensuring they promote leading practices and excellence.
• Contribute to the development and management of the Department’s budgets; monitor the performance of budgets and report back on a timely basis to ensure that divergences are addressed promptly.

Operational Responsibilities:

• Responsible for managing and overseeing all strategic planning for physical research infrastructure and developing the laboratories into world-class facilities to support high-quality research.
• Ensure day-to-day research laboratories operations are in compliance with safety regulations, protocols, and best practices.
• Formulate and implement short and long-term goals for the operation and improvement of research laboratories.
• Develop, implement, update, and continually monitor departmental plans, policies, procedures and guidelines aligned with the university’s research priorities and goals.
• Provide planned and ad-hoc technical assistance and support to faculty, researchers, and students in conducting experiments, data collection and analysis.
• Support interdisciplinary research efforts by promoting cross-functional collaboration and integration of diverse research disciplines through the utilization of laboratory infrastructure.
• Facilitate access to specialized laboratory facilities and instrumentation.
• Support the identification of niche market opportunities for the use of laboratory equipment that address specific needs or gaps in emergency response, recovery, and resilience.
• Contribute to the development of University-wide space planning activities.
• Interface with faculty to determine research space requirements and preferences.
• Actively lead staff, service and equipment programs that will increase usage of the laboratories and promote collaboration within the University as well as with external industrial and academic partners.
• Facilitate collaboration and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Conduct market research and analysis to assess demand, competition, and potential market penetration strategies for offering niche laboratory services.
• Adhere to the University's information security and confidentiality policies and procedures, and report breaches or other security risks accordingly.
• Coordinate with other departments to facilitate the accomplishment of tasks and responsibilities related to the operations of the Research Laboratories department.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment and practice to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Line Manager

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Provide coaching, guidance and mentoring as required to enhance the internal capabilities of the team and ensure the achievement of established objectives and plans.
• Recommend appropriate training courses as per the pre-determined training needs, evaluate their effectiveness, and monitor their results.
• Carry out performance appraisals for subordinates according to planned schedules and recommend necessary actions as per the applied practices.
• Conduct periodic meetings with subordinates to ensure that priorities are clear and workflow is running smoothly.
• Follow-up on employees' administrative affairs such as vacations, leaves and other administrative and related affairs.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Master’s degree in science or engineering, with a Doctorate Degree award preferred.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in research laboratory operations management directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified, of which three (3) years should have been in a senior managerial position, preferably in higher education.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to connect and build commercial relationships in a university environment.

Required Experience:

• A minimum of 12 years of relevant experience.