BRCF Administrative Director

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The Biomedical Research Core Facilities (BRCF) at the University of Michigan Medical School invites applications for the position of Director. This key leadership role will be essential in advancing the BRCF mission of providing robust support to meet evolving research and technological demands. The ideal candidate will be a visionary with expertise in biomedical technologies, capable of effectively leading a multidisciplinary set of core facilities and fostering collaborations with academic and research units across the University of Michigan to advance research. With a well-established history as a vital resource supporting the research needs of over 900 faculty members annually, the BRCF offers a strong foundation for the incoming Director. The new Director will have the opportunity to build on this solid foundation, articulate a vision and strategy for expanding the BRCF?s reputation, and bolster multiomics research efforts to support complex scientific projects.

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Who We Are

In 1986, the Biomedical Research Core Facilities (BRCF) at the University of Michigan were established to provide essential administrative support and shared resources to the Medical School and the broader institution. The BRCF was designed to facilitate increased access to cutting-edge technology and scientific expertise to the University’s research community. Today, supported by the Medical School Office of Research, the BRCF encompasses ten core facilities. These facilities are nationally and internationally recognized for their innovation and excellence, driving advancements in their respective fields. The BRCF?s essential role includes identifying innovative scientific technologies, strategic investment in equipment and talent, as well as financial and business modeling, ensuring the core facilities serve researchers efficiently. The BRCF’s ongoing mission is to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of biomedical research, fostering connections among core facilities to provide comprehensive, integrated services and collaborations. The BRCF remains a cornerstone of the university’s success in biomedical research, facilitating groundbreaking discoveries, and fostering a dynamic research environment.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Responsibilities*

Planning and Development – Oversee the strategic growth of the BRCF shared resource facilities. Work with the Medical School Office of Research and the BRCF Advisory Committee to assess the strategic need and feasibility of implementing new technologies as centralized core facilities, exploring new business models for existing cores, and transitioning core services to alternative models. Engage with stakeholders, including core directors and the research community, to identify needs and opportunities. Build relationships across campus and support faculty investigators in pursuing impactful interdisciplinary research and external funding. Programmatically manage the allocation of shared equipment and technical support. Evaluate major instrumentation needs and implement funding strategies.

Financial – Provide strategic guidance and oversight of the business and financial operations of the BRCF. This includes overall responsibility for the preparation and management of the budget; ensuring the appropriate use of financial resources; and implementing relevant policies and governing principles of the university, external federal funding sources/OMB (Office of Management & Budget), and other non-federal and institutional funding sources. Provide guidance in setting financial policies, operating procedures, and systems that offer analysis and forecasting for informed decision-making and long-term budgeting.

Personnel – Take the lead in recruiting for Core Director and other senior positions in BRCF. Mentor staff to foster collaboration among core facilities. Facilitate communication and coordination among cores for collaborative projects, strategic planning, identifying synergies and establishing clear policies and procedures for engagement and resource use. Participate in building and leading interdisciplinary teams for research initiatives. Collaborate with Core Directors to manage and determine appropriate staffing levels and assist in hiring and staff reclassifications.

Other – Develop and implement consistent administrative policies and procedures for core laboratories and BRCF staff. Build positive working relationships with various university units. Represent core facilities within the broader scientific community to attract new users and collaborators. Advocate for core facilities’ interests within the institution and to external funding agencies. Represent BRCF and the Medical School to leadership and administrators, including those from other academic institutions. Act as Safety Officer for the BRCF and liaison with Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) and the public. Foster an environment conducive to excellence in research and training, including in research computing and business operations.

Required Qualifications*

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biology, Life Sciences, or a related biomedical field; terminal degree in veterinary or human medicine or a related field. Five years of post-graduate laboratory research and/or laboratory management experience in areas relevant to the activities of the BRCF. An established technical background, strong interpersonal skills, and a basic working knowledge of the science and technology services offered by the BRCF. Demonstrated creativity, independence, high motivation, and excellent communication. Proven leadership and strategic planning experience. Knowledge of personnel management, budget formulation, recharge rate setting, proposal writing and tracking, and presenting to both small and large groups. Experience with the oversight of professional laboratory personnel, including mentorship and professional development.

Desired Qualifications*

Five years of administrative oversight of a large research group or core facility. A substantial portfolio of scientific articles published in top-tier peer-reviewed journals. Experience working in a highly collaborative team environment. Experience developing proposals to obtain extramural instrumentation funding.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the .

Additional Information

The Michigan Medicine Biomedical Research Core Facilities are firmly committed to advancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Belonging which are core values at the Office of Research. Our community supports recruiting and cultivating a diverse workforce, as it is a reflection of our commitments to serve the diverse people of Michigan and the world. We strive to create a work culture where every team member feels respected, valued, and safe.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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