NanoSTAR Director of Operations

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Virginia's Department of Biomedical Engineering seeks a Director of Operations for the NanoSTAR Institute in Charlottesville. This on-site, exempt position oversees administrative, financial, and HR operations, aligning with institute goals and leadership.

The role reports to NanoSTAR leadership, participates in budget planning, and mentors staff. A Bachelor's degree plus 3+ years of experience are required; a Master’s degree and 5 years of experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or combination of education and related experience in lieu of a degree is required.
• 3+ years of relevant experience required.
• Master’s Degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• 5 years of experience recommended for senior responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage the center’s daily operations, including administrative, financial, and HR functions.
• Serve on the institute senior leadership team and act as a primary liaison across departments and university administration.
• Develop and implement short- and long-term strategic goals aligned with NanoSTAR and Manning Institute leadership.
• Oversee budget development, financial reporting, and internal controls to ensure fiscal health.
• Mentor NanoSTAR Institute staff and plan staffing to resource priority programs.
• Support educational initiatives and coordinate space, safety, and compliance with university policies.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks a Director of Operations to work in the NanoSTAR Institute. NanoSTAR, which is affiliated with the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, is a key part of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology and oversees numerous translational and educational initiatives in nanomedicine at UVA.

The objective of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology is to transform scientific discovery into medicine at unprecedented speed. Anchored in UVA's history of innovation in cell, gene and immunotherapies, the institute unites world-class scientists, clinicians, and entrepreneurs to develop treatments for the world's most devastating diseases. With innovative funding models, a cutting-edge facility, and a relentless focus on moving breakthroughs from lab to bedside, we accelerate the creation of new medicines, new partnerships, and new companies. In doing so, we will create an unparalleled life sciences ecosystem that will serve as a powerful economic engine for Virginia and position UVA as a global leader in biomedical innovation, delivering real hope and real treatments faster than ever before.

The Director of Operations is responsible, either personally, collaboratively, or through delegation of responsibilities, for directing and managing the center's daily operations, including administrative, financial and human resources supporting the center’s research missions. The Director of Operations works collaboratively with the institute’s director and faculty to address operational concerns, resolve issues, and advocate for center priorities and initiatives. This position serves as the primary liaison between the center, departments, school, and broader university administration.

Responsibilities Include

• Develops and assists in implementing short- and long-term strategic goals (including administrative, financial, and staffing) that align with institute goals in partnership with the NanoSTAR director and Manning Institute leadership.
• Serves on the institute senior leadership team, is an active advisor to this group, and works to carry out business operations with direction from this team.
• Assists with the development and operation of NanoSTAR educational initiatives, including an undergraduate summer and international exchange programs.
• Collaborates with university partners, including human resources, finance, information technology, and facilities management.
• Formulates, improves, and ensures center procedures are in place in accordance with School of Medicine, University policies and governmental regulations.
• Serves as senior fiscal officer for the center: responsible for the center’s financial reports and financial information accuracy. Also responsible for ensuring that fiscal activities comply with school and university financial policies and guidelines and that appropriate internal controls are in place.
• In collaboration with center leadership, develop the annual budgets in alignment with the center's strategic plan. Oversees the financials and manages expenditures within the approved budgets.
• Mentors and manages the performance of NanoSTAR Institute staff. Develops and implements staffing plans to appropriately resource priority programs.
• Ensures completion of workflows such as staff merit increases, staff hiring and onboarding, and annual evaluations.
• Works collaboratively with the director and faculty to respond to space surveys and manage the safety and cleanliness of the center and laboratory space.
• Remains current on emergency preparedness activities in the School and the University.
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Bachelor's Degree or combination of education and related experience in lieu of a degree required.

Experience: 3+ years of relevant experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: A Master’s Degree in a relevant field.

Experience: 5 years of experience.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Salary Range

The anticipated hiring range is $75,000–$85,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Exemption Status

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

Work Arrangement

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

About UVA and the Community

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application Timeline

Application review will begin after October 25th.

Background Check

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

Visa Sponsorship

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

Internal Applicants

Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.

Reference Check Process

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Department Contact

For questions about the position, please contact Gina Tally at [e-mail].

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.