Research and Facilities Program Director

The University of Notre Dame, founded in 1842 in Notre Dame, Indiana, is a premier American research university. As a Catholic institution, it uniquely blends faith with intellectual inquiry, striving for excellence in teaching, research, and serving the common good. Notre Dame offers a dynamic and rewarding environment for its diverse community of students, faculty, and staff, who are all dedicated to fostering an inclusive campus and being a force for good in the world. With world-class facilities, acclaimed academic programs, and a strong commitment to innovation and ethical leadership, Notre Dame is an ideal place to make a meaningful impact.

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 Immunoengineering 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 Faculty Director of Immunoengineering. It is also part of the University's broader investment of over $275M into biomedical research on campus.

About the Facility

The Immunoengineering Core Facility is housed in McCourtney Hall, a 220,000-square-foot, LEED Gold-certified building at the heart of Notre Dame's advanced biomedical research infrastructure and engages collaborative labs throughout the Notre Dame community. Its centralized location gives researchers access to a range of instruments.

About the Role

The Research and Facilities Program Director will provide day-to-day oversight of a new facility that offers state-of-the-science flow cytometry cell analyses, high-speed cell sorting, and an array of immune functional analyses. This includes supervision of instrumentation, development of research programs, training of users, writing of policies, and compliance with safety protocols. Projects conducted in the facility are supported by the BELS Initiative and individual research grants, drawing on multidisciplinary teams of faculty, postdocs, students, and support staff spanning biology, engineering, chemistry, and medicine.

Specific Duties

• Help establish and outfit the new immunoengineering facility

• Provide technical leadership in flow cytometry, including method development (designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting complex multi-color flow cytometry panels and assays) and data analysis

• Support a broad range of flow cytometry and immunology equipment (flow cytometers, cell sorters, etc.) for a diverse internal and external user base

• Assist with project design and execution

• Manage lab training, safety, and compliance

• Manage ordering, budgeting, and inventory

• Coordinate lab meetings and events

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.

What We Offer

• 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

• Degree: MS or PhD in biology or other life science, immunology, clinical laboratory science or a related field. Candidates with a BS and significant / outstanding relevant experience are also encouraged to apply.

  Skills: Proficiency with advanced cytometers and cell sorters; ability to design, optimize, and troubleshoot complex multi-parameter flow cytometry panels, including spectral flow cytometry and cell sorting; cross-functional collaboration; research project design and oversight (including managing budgets, timelines, and deliverables).

  It is anticipated that successful candidates will also have:

  • 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; and

  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Salary Range: $90,000 to $110,000, commensurate with experience

RESUME & COVER LETTER ARE REQUIRED to be considered for this position. Please add in the attachments section of your application. 

Please submit your application by November 29th.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.