Assistant Director, Infrastructure and Research Operations

Duke Careers • Durham, NC

12d

About The Position

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Facilities & Space Planning, the Assistant Director for Infrastructure & Research Operations provides leadership and oversight for building systems, laboratory operations, and research infrastructure across all Trinity College facilities. This position serves as the school’s primary liaison to the Facilities Management Department (FMD), ensuring that maintenance, renewal, and capital investments align with Trinity’s academic and research priorities.The Assistant Director supervises the Science Facilities Manager and the Capital Projects & Space Planner and collaborates closely with faculty, department leaders, FMD, and University partners. The role is responsible for operational leadership of Trinity’s research facilities, development of lab compliance and safety standards, oversight of small capital projects, disaster preparedness and recovery planning, and representation of Trinity in infrastructure and building system discussions across the University.

Requirements

• Work requires knowledge of construction and renovation project finances and technical administration generally acquired through completion of a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
• Work requires a minimum of five years of experience OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Nice To Haves

• Analytical, communication, and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program in a related field and/or professional credentialing as a Facility Management Professional (FMP) by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six years of progressively responsible experience in facilities, research operations, or space planning, including supervisory responsibility.
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory infrastructure, building systems, and laboratory safety frameworks.
• Prefer minimum of two years of experience in a university or institutional setting and in the supervision of staff.
• Thorough knowledge of research facility infrastructure, including laboratory equipment and its integration with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing building systems.
• Knowledge of facilities operations, preventive maintenance, and project management principles.
• Knowledge of financial and analytical reasoning, including project budgeting, cost forecasting, and data-informed decision making.
• Knowledge of interpreting architectural, engineering, and construction documents.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management ability to plan, prioritize, and deliver multiple complex initiatives effectively across teams.
• Ability to supervise, evaluate, and develop staff performance and professional growth.
• Ability to build and sustain positive and collaborative working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to bring together separate teams and partners to achieve common goals.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all organizational levels and from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to perform important, confidential, and complex tasks while managing shifting priorities.
• Strong commitment to quality assurance, customer service, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Facilities Management Department (FMD) to identify, prioritize, and coordinate building repairs, preventive maintenance, and renewal projects across Trinity facilities.
• Serve as the central point of contact for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and their integration with laboratory and research infrastructure.
• Participate in infrastructure planning discussions and ensure that Trinity’s needs are represented in University-wide renewal and capital planning efforts.
• Provide leadership for operations and maintenance of research facilities, including shared laboratories, specialized research spaces, and scientific support infrastructure.
• Oversee the Science Facilities Manager to ensure functional, safe, and efficient operation of cold rooms, autoclaves, fume hoods, tissue culture rooms, and other shared lab infrastructure.
• Oversee communication between researchers, departments, and FMD to resolve technical and operational issues affecting research continuity.
• Lead Trinity’s preparedness and disaster recovery efforts for research facilities, including the development of continuity plans and post-incident restoration coordination.
• Partner with OESO, the Fire Marshal, and Risk Management to maintain compliance with laboratory and building safety standards.
• Coordinate response activities following incidents that impact research infrastructure and support insurance documentation for Trinity claims.
• Oversee small capital projects under $3 million in research and academic facilities.
• Define project scope, prepare cost estimates and schedules, and coordinate design and construction with OPM, FMD, contractors, and faculty stakeholders.
• Ensure that projects meet operational needs, safety standards, and budget parameters.
• Provide operational input and review for larger projects managed by OPM and FMD.
• Establish and maintain an inventory of shared laboratory infrastructure and a framework for documenting PI-owned equipment.
• Integrate inspection, work order, and incident data to support capital renewal planning and risk mitigation.
• Develop reports and dashboards to inform leadership decisions related to infrastructure performance and research readiness.

Benefits

• Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family- friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees