Head of Core Research Operations & Strategy

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago is seeking the Director of Research Operations for the Office of Shared Research Facilities (OSRF). This leader will oversee day-to-day operations of 20+ core facilities, ensuring efficient management and high-quality research support for faculty and core directors.

The role partners with the Associate Dean for Research Resources to drive metrics, planning, and assessments, while coordinating IT, budgets, and strategic initiatives across OSRF.

Qualifications

• Minimum degree in a related field.
• 7+ years in research administration or operations.
• Experience in a large academic medical center or research university preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as central operational contact for all core facilities and manage cross-facility projects.
• Monitor rates, turnaround times, faculty satisfaction, revenue and cost structures; advise directors on capacity planning.
• Lead projects on facility development, master planning, automation, AI adoption, space optimization, and tech implementation.
• Support external engagement, business development, and partnerships to increase external revenue.
• Develop routine reports on core utilization and performance metrics for leadership review.
• Coordinate with IT, HR, and finance to manage budgets, compensation, and staff development.

Skills

Project management

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Budget management

IT/system implementation

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Advanced degree in a scientific field

Tools

IT infrastructure

Software implementations

Job description

The University of Chicago is seeking the Director of Research Operations for the Office of Shared Research Facilities (OSRF). This leader will oversee day-to-day operations of 20+ core facilities, ensuring efficient management and high-quality research support for faculty and core directors.

The role partners with the Associate Dean for Research Resources to drive metrics, planning, and assessments, while coordinating IT, budgets, and strategic initiatives across OSRF.