Executive Director, MGB Research Cores

Mass General Brigham (Enterprise Services)
United States, Massachusetts, Somerville
399 Revolution Drive (Show on map)
Apr 15, 2025
General Summary/Overview Statement The Executive Director of Research Core Facilities is responsible for overseeing the strategic, operational, and financial management of core research facilities at Mass General Brigham. These facilities provide essential services, equipment, and expertise to support cutting-edge research across a range of scientific disciplines. The Executive Director works closely with faculty, researchers, and administrative leadership to ensure the cores deliver high-quality, cost-effective services that align with the institution's research mission. Principal Duties and Responsibilities Strategic Leadership: With support from the MGB Research Cores Faculty Advisory Committee, develop and implement the overall vision and strategy for the research core facilities in alignment with Mass General Brigham's research goals. Identify emerging trends and technologies in biomedical research to inform the development of new services and capabilities within the cores. Foster a collaborative research environment by facilitating partnerships between the cores, faculty, and external stakeholders. Operational Oversight: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the core facilities, ensuring efficient workflows, high service quality, and compliance with institutional and regulatory policies. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and quality of services across all cores. Oversee the recruitment, training, and performance management of core facility staff, ensuring they have the necessary skills and expertise to support researchers. Financial and Resource Management: Develop and manage the annual budget for the research cores, including forecasting revenue, expenses, and resource needs. Optimize cost recovery through service charges, grants, and other funding mechanisms where appropriate, while maintaining affordable access to facilities for investigators. Oversee the procurement, maintenance, and upgrading of core facility equipment, ensuring it remains state-of-the-art and operational. Research Support and Collaboration: Act as a liaison between core facility managers, researchers, and institutional leadership to facilitate effective communication and collaboration. Support faculty in grant applications by providing information about core facility services and assisting with budget planning. Promote the cores to internal and external users, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and increasing utilization of services. Compliance and Safety: Ensure all core facilities comply with institutional, local, and federal regulations, including those related to safety, privacy, and data security. Develop and implement safety protocols and training programs for staff and users of the core facilities. Other: Attend appropriate system-wide senior and executive leadership committees as a representative of specialty research, when appropriate Perform other responsibilities as determined by the Chief Academic Officer. *Qualifications* Respected research operations leader with at least 10 years of experience running research cores in an academic environment. Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline preferred. *Skills/Abilities/Competencies Required* Strong leadership and team management skills. Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, financial management, and operational oversight. In-depth understanding of research management processes across disciplines, research technologies, equipment, and trends in biomedical research. Familiarity with grant funding mechanisms and research budgeting. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with faculty, researchers, and institutional leadership. Knowledge of regulatory requirements and best practices for research operations. Proficient in exercising initiative, judgment, problem solving and decision making Ability to build and manage relationships in a dynamic, highly complex and changing environment Skilled at partnering with and influencing senior leaders Skilled at facilitation and building consensus and navigating sensitive issues Skilled at negotiating with stakeholders, vendors and other parties Demonstrated ability to handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner *Working Conditions* General day hours with flexibility to meet the demands of the position Standard business environment with frequent local travel between Mass General Brigham sites May require travel to attend conferences, collaborate with external stakeholders or assess new technologies Supervisory Responsibility Direct oversight of 3-5 FTEs. Indirect oversight of over 130 core directors and their staff. *Fiscal Responsibility* Provides financial oversight for roughly 130 research cores with over $75 million in revenue. Identifies mechanisms to increase revenue, decrease expenses and reduce the need for subsidies. Oversees the preparation of annual budgets, new initiatives requests, and sundry spending plans. Directly manages an operating budget of approximately $1 million. Mass General Brigham Incorporated is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.