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

The University of Arizona•Phoenix, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The College of Medicine – Phoenix seeks an experienced leader to advance its growing research enterprise across basic, translational, and clinical research. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Strategy and Administration, the Senior Director leads strategic research operations and administration for research laboratories, core facilities, shared resources, research space, and associated infrastructure. The role helps shape institutional research priorities, strengthens operational infrastructure, and advances innovation in a collaborative academic medical environment. In partnership with faculty and senior leadership, the Senior Director ensures efficient, compliant operations and cultivates a high-performing, responsive, integrated research environment. The position oversees research strategy and development, research operations and compliance, laboratory and space governance, infrastructure planning, and organizational leadership and finance. It leads a team, supports strategic initiatives, manages resources and budgets, and works with University offices and institutional partners to align research operations with current and future needs. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional-level experience.
At least 9 years of related work experience, including 5 years of managerial experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Experience leading a team, project, program, or function.
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.
Ability to translate strategic research priorities into operational execution.
Success leading complex operations, solving organizational challenges, and driving collaboration across stakeholders.
Leadership experience in complex organizations.
Strong communication, partnership-building, and organizational leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or terminal degree.

Responsibilities

Partner with leadership and faculty to develop and execute research strategies and translate institutional priorities into operational initiatives across research laboratories, core facilities, shared resources, research space, and infrastructure.
Develop strategies to increase competitiveness for center-level and large-scale funding opportunities.
Serve as a primary liaison to the University of Arizona Office of Research and Partnerships to streamline research operations and administration.
Advance interdisciplinary and faculty-driven research programs.
Use data and performance metrics to monitor research productivity, identify growth opportunities, and guide investment priorities.
Facilitate strategic partnerships that support research innovation, commercialization, and public impact.
Assess emerging research needs and develop strategies to position operational capabilities, infrastructure, and resources for future growth.
Lead and support strategic initiatives and special projects for the Research Enterprise and the College.
Ensure compliance 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 judgment.
Establish and maintain governance structures, operational policies, and standard operating procedures.
Partner with the Senior Director of clinical research on clinical research activities, including clinical partnerships, 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.
Lead strategic planning, governance, and operational oversight of research laboratories, core facilities, shared resources, research space, and infrastructure.
Oversee shared research equipment and technology infrastructure, including utilization, lifecycle planning, maintenance, and alignment with research needs.
Direct laboratory operations and researcher onboarding, including space readiness, access, training, safety, compliance, equipment, and technology requirements.
Serve as 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.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team; drive continuous improvement, process optimization, and change management.
Align operational execution with institutional strategy and priorities, and build collaborative partnerships across stakeholder groups and institutional leaders.
Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation for research operations in partnership with leadership.
Address day-to-day financial and operational issues to ensure continuity and stability of research programs.
Develop financial analyses and resource models to support strategic decisions about research infrastructure, staffing, space, core facilities, shared equipment, technology, and other investments.