Research and Facilities Program Director
About The Position
The University of Notre Dame seeks a highly qualified scientist or engineer to serve as the full-time, on-site Research and Facilities Program Director (RFPD) of its newly established Biofabrication Core Facility. The RFPD is a member of the Notre Dame Bioengineering & Life Sciences (BELS) Initiative, a key priority of the University’s Strategic Framework within the Office of the Provost, and reports to the BELS Director. It is also part of the University's broader investment of over $250M into biomedical research on campus. The Biofabrication Facility is housed in McCourtney Hall East, a newly completed 200,000-square-foot, LEED Platinum-certified building at the heart of Notre Dame's advanced biomedical research infrastructure. Its centralized location gives researchers access to biofabrication equipment, high-resolution cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), and modern flow cytometry in the same complex. Researchers use these spaces for tissue biomodeling, cardiovascular tissue engineering, microscale hydrogel development, and bioprinting techniques that grow complex, functional human tissue models. The facility engages collaborative labs throughout the Notre Dame community. The Research and Facilities Program Director will take a leadership role in facility operations, providing technical expertise at the interface of biomaterials, 3D printing, and cell biology. The facility's overarching goal is to understand the interactions between cells and their microenvironment, and to harness them for therapeutic outcomes. Projects are supported by the BELS Initiative and individual research grants, drawing on a multidisciplinary team of postdocs, students, and support staff spanning biology, engineering, chemistry, and medicine.
Requirements
- MS or PhD in bioengineering or a related field. Candidates with a BS and significant / outstanding relevant experience are also encouraged to apply.
- 3D bioprinting & CAD
- cell culture & biomaterials
- cross-functional collaboration
- research project design and oversight (including managing budgets, timelines, and deliverables)
- A proven track record of managing and maintaining scientific instruments and facilities
- Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with staff, students, faculty and researchers from a variety of scientific backgrounds and the ability to manage conflicts should they arise
- A demonstrated ability to train, supervise, and direct the work of others
- Knowledge of laboratory safety regulations and practices
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances
Nice To Haves
- Training is available to all candidates, and skill development is encouraged.
- Depending on performance, opportunities may open up in proposal development, manuscript publication, or independent projects.
Responsibilities
- Establish and outfit the new biofabrication laboratory
- Support a broad range of biofabrication equipment (3D printers, bioprinters) for a diverse user base
- Work with cell-based constructs and characterize them using state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques
- Assist with project design and execution
- Manage lab training, safety, and compliance
- Manage ordering, budgeting, and inventory
- Coordinate lab meetings and events
Benefits
- A renewable contract with opportunities for continual training and formal career advancement, including increasingly senior titles
- Career development through individual development plans, workshops, and social events
- Competitive compensation, commensurate with experience, plus a generous Notre Dame benefits package
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Associate degree
