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

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!

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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.

• 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.
  
  

• 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.

Office of Talent Acquisition

talent@arizona.edu

Application: The online application should be completed in its entirety. Blank or missing information may be considered an incomplete submission.

Cover Letter: Should clearly indicate how your skills and professional employment experience meet the Minimum and the Preferred qualifications (if applicable).