Senior Director, Research Strategy and Operations, Research Office (COM-P)

University of Arizona; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 139,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid vacation

Tuition reduction

Retirement plan

Job summary

University of Arizona in Phoenix seeks a Senior Director - Research Strategy and Operations to advance a growing academic medical research enterprise. The role leads strategic operations for laboratories, cores, and shared resources, ensuring compliant, data-driven governance across infrastructure and space.

Reporting to the Associate Dean, the Senior Director will partner with faculty and senior leaders to optimize performance, attract funding, and translate priorities into actionable

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
• 9+ years of related work experience, including 5+ years of managerial experience.
• Experience leading a team, project, or function is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and governance for research laboratories, cores facilities, shared resources, and infrastructure.
• Develop strategies to increase competitiveness for center-level and large-scale funding opportunities.
• Serve as liaison to the UA Office of Research and Partnerships (ORP) to streamline operations.
• Oversee space governance and infrastructure and coordinate with Facilities on capital projects.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory/compliance awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Position Highlights

The College of Medicine - Phoenix seeks an experienced leader to serve as Senior Director - Research Strategy and Operations.

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Strategy and Administration, this role is central to advancing a growing research enterprise spanning basic, translational, and clinical research. The Senior Director will lead strategic research operations and administration of research laboratories, core facilities, shared resources, research space, and associated infrastructure.

Bringing expertise in research strategy and operations, laboratory and core service management, governance, and infrastructure planning, this individual will play a key role in shaping institutional research priorities, strengthening the research operational infrastructure, and advancing innovation across a highly collaborative academic medical environment. Partnering closely with faculty and senior leadership, the Senior Director will ensure efficient, compliant operations while cultivating a high-performing, responsive, and integrated research environment.

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state retirement plan; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocation services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

Research Strategy & Development

• Partner with leadership and faculty to develop and execute research strategies and translate institutional priorities into actionable operational initiatives across basic, translational, and clinical research domains of the College's research laboratories, cores facilities, shared resources, research space, and associated infrastructure.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase competitiveness for center-level and large-scale funding opportunities.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the UA Office of Research and Partnerships (ORP) to streamline research operations and administration for the research enterprise's laboratories, cores facilities, shared resources, research space, and associated infrastructure.
• Advance interdisciplinary and faculty-driven research programs.
• Utilize data-driven approaches and performance metrics to monitor research productivity, identify growth opportunities, and guide investment priorities.
• Facilitate strategic partnerships that enhance research innovation, commercialization, and public impact.
• Assess emerging research needs and opportunities and develop strategies to ensure the College's operational capabilities, infrastructure, and resources are positioned to support future growth.
• Lead and support strategic initiatives and special projects on behalf of the Research Enterprise and the College.

Research Operations & Compliance

• Provide strategic oversight and serve as the primary liaison to the University of Arizona Office of Research and Partnerships (ORP) to streamline and strengthen research operations and administration for the College's research laboratories, cores facilities, shared resources, research space, and associated infrastructure.
• Ensure adherence with applicable federal, state, institutional, sponsor, and regulatory requirements, policies, and standards.
• Identify and resolve complex operational, compliance, and cross-functional challenges using data-informed analysis and executive-level judgment.
• Establish and maintain governance structures, operational policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Partner with the Sr. Director of clinical research activities, including engagement with clinical partners, regulatory requirements, and study infrastructure.
• Partner with leadership, faculty, and IT to forecast and manage research computing, technology, and data needs.
• Support faculty, trainees, and departments in scholarly and research initiatives.

Laboratory, Space & Research Infrastructure Management

• Lead strategic planning, governance, and operational oversight of research laboratories, cores facilities, shared resources, research space, and associated infrastructure.
• Oversee the shared research equipment, and technology infrastructure, ensuring effective utilization, lifecycle planning, maintenance, and alignment with evolving research needs.
• Direct laboratory operations and researcher on-boarding, including space readiness, access, training, safety, compliance, equipment, and technology requirements.
• Serve as the senior administrative lead for research space governance and the space committee, overseeing space inventory, allocation, utilization, and long‑term planning.
• Partner with University Facilities and Planning and other stakeholders on research space programming, construction, renovation, laboratory transitions, and capital investments.

Organizational Leadership & Finance

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team.
• Drive continuous improvement, process optimization, and change management initiatives.
• Align operational execution with institutional strategy and priorities.
• Influence decision-making and build collaborative partnerships across stakeholder groups and institutional leaders to support organizational alignment.
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation for research operations in partnership with leadership.
• Address day‑to‑day financial and operational issues, ensuring continuity and stability of research programs.
• Develop financial analyses and resource models to support strategic decisions regarding research infrastructure, staffing, space, core facilities, shared equipment, technology, and other investments.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 9 years of related work experience, including 5 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Experience leading a team, project, program, or function is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or terminal degree preferred.
• Progressive leadership experience in complex, research-intensive academic environments.
• Experience in laboratory, space, and research infrastructure management.
• Experience with research laboratories, core facilities, and shared resources.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategic research priorities into operational execution.
• Proven success leading complex operations, solving organizational challenges, and driving collaboration across various stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in complex organizations.
• Strong communication, partnership-building, and organizational leadership skills.

Compensation & Benefits

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Research

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: $139,102. - $180,833.

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade: 14

Compensation Guidance: The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity. The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level: M4

Job Family: Research Program Admin

Job Function: Research

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Open Date: 10/19/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter

Contact Information for Candidates

Office of Talent Acquisition

[e-mail]