Senior Research Facilities & Operations Lead

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University’s Office of Research Infrastructure Strategy and Operations is seeking a Senior Specialist to coordinate and improve systems, processes, and decision-support tools across six research facilities and broader infrastructure. The role requires leading cross-functional initiatives, analyzing workflows, and delivering measurable improvements.

The position collaborates with institute leadership, facility managers, and business offices, ensuring alignment with safety and compliance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a field enabling systems analysis and operational improvement
• Minimum of four years in operations improvement, process analysis, or related fields
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and using data to support decisions

Responsibilities

• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives and pilots; translate priorities into work plans
• Analyze workflows and handoffs; develop options and draft recommendations
• Monitor research space, facility conditions, and infrastructure priorities
• Develop and track metrics, dashboards, and portfolio reports
• Engage with leadership, faculty, and facilities partners to implement improvements

Skills

Systems thinking

Project management

Communication skills

Stakeholder facilitation

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Dashboards

Data analysis

Space management tools

Job description

Purdue University’s Office of Research Infrastructure Strategy and Operations is seeking a Senior Specialist to coordinate and improve systems, processes, and decision-support tools across six research facilities and broader infrastructure. The role requires leading cross-functional initiatives, analyzing workflows, and delivering measurable improvements.

The position collaborates with institute leadership, facility managers, and business offices, ensuring alignment with safety and compliance