Duke University · 4 weeks ago
Assistant Director, Infrastructure and Research Operations
Durham, NC
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$63K/yr - $108K/yr
5+ years expDuke University is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities located in Durham, North Carolina. The Assistant Director for Infrastructure & Research Operations will provide leadership and oversight for building systems, laboratory operations, and research infrastructure across all Trinity College facilities, ensuring alignment with academic and research priorities.
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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
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
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
Benefits
Comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs
Generous retirement benefits
A wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members
Company
Duke University
Duke University is a private research university providing undergraduate and postgraduate education in medicine and other disciplines.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Duke University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (274)
2024 (232)
2023 (202)
2022 (195)
2021 (148)
2020 (121)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$71.15MKey Investors
North Carolina Biotechnology CenterUS Department of EnergyGlaucoma Research Foundation
2023-02-17Grant· $0.11M
2022-09-19Grant
2022-03-09Grant· $0.05M
Leadership Team
Barry Myers
Professor and Director
Dan Ariely
Professor
Recent News
2025-12-18
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