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Duke University Job Description: |
Job Title: DIR, CORE OPERATIONS & RESEARCH SERVICES |
Job Code: 1337 |
FLSA: E |
Job Level: 87 |
Revised Date: 02/06/2026 |
Job Family: JF 05 |
The Director of Core Operations and Research Services provides strategic, operational, and scientific leadership for a shared service facility supporting translational, basic, and clinical research programs across Duke University. A shared research service facility supports research open to the entire University and has established recharge rates. The Director oversees scientific service delivery, program and business development, financial planning and development of rates, personnel management, infrastructure management, equipment operations and lifecycle management, compliance, quality assurance, and external engagement.
This position leads a multidisciplinary technical team, manages complex research service platforms, and ensures high quality, timely, and cost effective support for investigators. The Director fosters innovation and sustainability through service expansion, training, quality systems, partnerships, and grant development, advancing the mission as a leading institution for scientific discovery and translational research.
Strategic & Scientific Leadership
Provide scientific and operational leadership for a core facility providing research services Develop and execute strategic plans for facility growth, technology advancement, and service expansion Evaluate, validate, and implement emerging technologies, instrumentation, and methodologies to maintain state-of-the-art capabilities Lead development of new services, assays, and analytical workflows to meet evolving research needs Promote collaborative research, offer expert consultation to faculty, researchers, and trainees Collaborate with users in development of scientific justifications, budgets, and research plans for grant applications Represent the core facility in institutional committees, scientific meetings, and professional organizations Serve as subject matter expert, providing consultation on experimental design, technical workflows, methodology selection, and data interpretation Undertake or advise on data analysis to achieve research objectives Establish, lead, and facilitate faculty advisory committees to guide service offerings, technology investments, pricing models, and performance standards
Program Oversight & Service Delivery
Oversee execution of research support programs, including sample processing, instrumentation workflows, and technological services. Ensure rigorous quality assurance, quality control and performance standards to support reproducibility and reliability. Establish and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for diverse research workflows and sample types Maintain compliance with accreditation standards (CAP, CLIA) if applicable Ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and security in accordance with institutional policies Develop data management plans for review by the Duke Office of Scientific Integrity Support integration with, or management of, shared systems such as sample repositories, databases, and analytical platforms. Ensure that robust systems or procedures are in place for service request intake, project prioritization, scheduling, and communication with users
Operational & Administrative Management
Supervise core facility staff including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management. Develop staff capabilities, set performance goals, and ensure adherence to safety and technical standards. Oversee equipment procurement, service contracts, maintenance schedules, and facility infrastructure. Manage operating budgets, financial projections, and business planning, and manage or oversee service billing Establish and continuously evaluate cost recovery pricing models that balance affordability with financial sustainability Analyze financial performance, identify cost-saving opportunities, and adjust operations to maintain fiscal health Identify opportunities for growth, revenue diversification, or strategic realignment to ensure long term sustainability. Develop business plans for new service offerings, including analysis of potential user base and revenue projections Ensure the facilities website is informative and current Collect and respond to user feedback to continuously improve services
Training, Outreach & Development
Develop and lead training programs, workshops, and educational materials for users Build partnerships with internal programs, external institutions, and industry collaborators Manage relationships with equipment vendors and technical support representatives
Compliance & Safety
Ensure compliance with institutional, regulatory, and accreditation standards related to research operations, biosafety, and data integrity Maintain a safe and compliant laboratory environment and promote a culture of safety
Other Duties
Participate in strategic planning with institutional leaders Prepare service metrics, reporting documents, and communications for stakeholders Identify and pursue external funding opportunities (NIH S10 shared instrumentation, foundation grants, industry partnerships) May author or co author scientific papers and other publications May serve as a co investigator on research grant applications Perform additional responsibilities as needed
| Education/Training: | Master degree in a relevant scientific field e.g., biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, immunology, biomedical engineering, bioinformatics, or related scientific field is required. |
| Experience: | Minimum 7 years of progressive responsibility in research operations, preferably in a shared resource facility, including 2 to 3 years in a leadership role with supervisory experience. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION OR EXPERIENCE. |
| Skills: | Experience managing budgets and financial planning Proven track record of managing projects, meeting deadlines, and delivering high quality results Hands on experience with complex research instrumentation, analytical platforms, or services. Strong understanding of research workflows, data quality principles, and laboratory operations. Strong problem solving abilities and analytical thinking Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Experience developing and delivering scientific training. Preferred Qualifications & Competencies PhD in a relevant scientific field (e.g., biology, biomedical sciences, engineering, biochemistry, computational science). Experience managing shared research service centers (core facilities). Experience contributing to grant applications, contracts, or business development initiatives. Familiarity with regulatory and biosafety frameworks applicable to research operations. Demonstrated ability to lead technology implementation, process improvement, and program growth. |
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
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