Assistant Director, Infrastructure and Research Operations

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Occupational Summary 

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Facilities & Space Planning, the Assistant Director for Infrastructure & Research Operations provides leadership and oversight for building systems, laboratory operations, and research infrastructure across all Trinity College facilities. This position serves as the school’s primary liaison to the Facilities Management Department (FMD), ensuring that maintenance, renewal, and capital investments align with Trinity’s academic and research priorities.

The Assistant Director supervises the Science Facilities Manager and the Capital Projects & Space Planner and collaborates closely with faculty, department leaders, FMD, and University partners. The role is responsible for operational leadership of Trinity’s research facilities, development of lab compliance and safety standards, oversight of small capital projects, disaster preparedness and recovery planning, and representation of Trinity in infrastructure and building system discussions across the University.

Worked Performed   

Building Infrastructure & System Coordination

• 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.

Research Facility Operations & Support

• 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.

Lab & Building Safety, Preparedness & Recovery

• 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.

Project Delivery & Renovation Oversight

• 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.

Data, Reporting & Equipment Lifecycle Management

• 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.

Other Duties as Assigned

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $62,694.00 to USD $107,633.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family- friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Minimum Qualifications

Education: 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.

Experience: Work requires a minimum of five years of experience OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Preferred Qualifications

Education: 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.

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.

Preferred Skills:

• 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.