- Manhattan, Kansas, United States
- Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Regular)
- Closing at: Jul 31 2026 - 23:55 CDT
The Director of Research Core Facility Operations provides leadership and administrative oversight for the operational and financial management of shared research facilities. This position is responsible for ensuring effective operations, financial sustainability, and policy compliance of research core facilities. The Director collaborates with core facility managers, faculty leadership, and central administrative offices to support the research enterprise through efficient facility operations, transparent cost recovery structures, and strategic planning. In addition, the Director supervises core facility managers and administrative staff, ensuring consistent, efficient, and compliant operations across all shared research facilities.
The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) provides leadership and support for Kansas State University's research enterprise. Supporting more than $250 million in annual research expenditures, OVPR oversees research development, sponsored programs administration, research compliance, research infrastructure, core facilities, and innovation. Working with faculty, colleges, and campus partners, OVPR develops policies, processes, and services that support research and scholarship across the university in furtherance of Kansas State's mission as a next-generation land-grant institution.
This position is On-site.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Requires a bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience in research operations, core facility management, or management of shared research infrastructure. Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager.
The degree requirement ensures candidates possess the advanced theoretical knowledge, specialized methodologies and critical problem-solving skills essential for managing complex research operations and ensuring regulatory compliance. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and intensive experiential learning inherent in a formal degree program.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, engineering, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
- Five or more years of experience in research operations, core facility management, or management of shared research infrastructure.
- Experience managing research workflows, budgets, and cost recovery models.
- Three or more years of supervisory experience in a research, technical, operational, or administrative setting.
- Master’s degree in life sciences, engineering, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
- Experience managing research core facilities in higher education.
- Familiarity with institutional policies governing shared research infrastructure.
- Supervisory experience in a research, scientific, or higher education environment.
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship
Please submit the following documents:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Three Professional References
Applications close on: 7/31/26
$109,834.00 - $156,514.00
Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.
Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.
Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives.
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.
Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.
The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.
- Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.
To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.
