Director, Research Infrastructure Development

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 157,000 - 191,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a senior leader to oversee research space and facilities operations, aligning space planning with institutional priorities across 1.6 million square feet and 14 buildings.

This role partners with Research Operations, Facilities leadership, and CSO to drive strategic initiatives. The position emphasizes governance, capital project oversight, regulatory compliance, and data-driven decision making, with responsibilities for executive

Qualifications

• Required: PhD in Natural sciences or related field.
• Masters with leadership experience in research operations, facilities planning, or related fields may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the management of research operations or facilities in an academic medical center, including 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Preferred: Seven or more years as a Facilities Manager in a research environment, including 5 years supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning, allocation, utilization, and governance of research space across the research enterprise.
• Oversee planning, design, construction, renovation, and activation of research facilities and infrastructure projects.
• Develop and implement research space policies, standards, and metrics to support data-driven decisions.
• Oversee capital and non-capital projects aligning with priorities and operational excellence.
• Represent the research operations on institutional committees and lead continuity planning and emergency operations.
• Foster partnerships and promote development, innovation, and continuous improvement within research operations and facilities programs.

Education

PhD in Natural sciences or related field

Master's degree with leadership experience may be considered

Job description

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

In partnership with the Vice President of Research Operations, the Office of the Chief Scientific Officer, and Facilities leadership, this position provides strategic and administrative leadership for all research space and property management activities in support of the mission of MD Anderson Cancer Center. Responsibilities include oversight of research facilities planning, design and construction, research equipment acquisitions, maintenance and operations, and the renovation and modernization of research spaces.

Under the direction of the Vice President, Research Operations, and in close collaboration with the Chief Scientific Officer, this leader develops and executes strategies that advance institutional and programmatic priorities. The role provides oversight of a comprehensive facilities portfolio, including space administration for approximately 1.6 million square feet across 14 buildings and the Bastrop campus, capital and operational project management, facilities planning, and operational excellence within research facilities. Working closely with executive leadership and key stakeholders, the incumbent cultivates strategic partnerships, drives integrated solutions across the institution, and ensures facilities operations effectively support MD Anderson’s research mission, strategic objectives, and future growth.

KEY FUNCTIONS

• Lead strategic planning, allocation, utilization, and governance of research space across the research enterprise.
• Partner with Research Operations, Facilities leadership, and subject matter experts to oversee planning, design, construction, renovation, and activation of research facilities and infrastructure projects.
• Execute the Research Master Facilities Framework, including oversight of the South Campus research buildout and other strategic facility initiatives, while optimizing space utilization and developing collaborative research neighborhoods.
• Develop and implement research space policies, standards, and metrics to support transparent, data-driven decision-making.
• Oversee capital and non-capital projects, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, operational excellence, sustainability, and high-reliability principles.
• Serve as the research operations representative and advocate for major facility projects, including infrastructure planning, construction quality, regulatory compliance, and future-state research facility development.
• Evaluate facility impacts of capital equipment acquisitions, laboratory relocations, and faculty recruitment initiatives to ensure responsible stewardship of institutional resources.
• Benchmark facilities and research infrastructure practices against leading institutions to identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to support the long-term transformation of the research enterprise through effective facilities planning and operational readiness.
• Lead the development of executive summaries, business plans, strategic analyses, presentations, and project-related documentation to support executive decision-making, institutional planning, and research facilities initiatives.
• Represent the Chief Scientific Officer and Research Operations on institutional committees, task forces, and leadership forums, while leading enterprise-wide research emergency operations, business continuity planning, and operational readiness efforts to ensure continuity of the research mission during planned and unplanned events.
• Foster collaborative partnerships across the institution and promote professional development, innovation, and continuous improvement within research operations and facilities programs.

EDUCATION

Required: PhD in Natural sciences or related field. Candidates with a master's degree and significant leadership experience in research operations, facilities planning, or related fields may be considered.

EXPERIENCE

Required: Minimum of (5) years of experience in the management of research operations or facilities in an academic medical center, to include 5 years of supervisory experience. Management experience must reflect expansion of role, scope and complexity over time.

Preferred: Seven or more years of experience as a Facilities Manager in a research environment, including a minimum of five years supervisory experience. Management experience must reflect expansion of role, scope and complexity over time.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 182155
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 174,000
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 189,000
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 205,000
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Hard
• Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote
• Pivotal Position: No
• Referral Bonus Available?: No
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

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