Senior Director of Core Research Laboratories

Position OverviewThe Senior Director of Core Research Laboratories acts as the primary liaison, leading strategic operations and shaping service pricing strategies for all KU Core Labs across the Lawrence and Medical Center campuses. This role provides strategic oversight and direction to core lab management within OneKU, ensuring optimal investment returns, exceptional service quality, and effective access for researchers institution-wide.

Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor for Research, the Senior Director collaborates with key stakeholders across university and OneKU departments to drive long-term planning, capability development, and pricing strategies that align with KU’s research goals and financial policies. They oversee teams, projects, and processes to manage the overall operation of core research laboratory facilities.

The Senior Director’s core responsibilities include serving as the primary contact for core lab leadership across both campuses to advance the OneKU research mission; supervising and mentoring leaders, staff, and researchers to ensure efficient facility management; and strategically implementing best-in-class operational practices to maximize service quality and revenue generation.Job Description 30% Strategic Oversight and Core Lab Coordination

• Serve as primary point of contact and strategic liaison between all Core Lab directors, OneKU Leadership, and the KU Offices of Research.
• Supervise Core Lab directors.
• Develop and implement operational standards and procedures to align service levels across all core labs on all campuses.
• Facilitate collaboration and foster high service levels between Core Lab Managers and all interested researchers.

30% Infrastructure Planning and Elevating OneKU Research

30% Optimize Financials

10% Other Duties as Assigned, e.g.

Required Qualifications

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations. Preferred Qualifications

Additional Candidate InstructionsIn addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position :

Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.

Resume.

List of three (3) professional references.

Only complete applications will be considered.

Application review begins Friday, October 31, 2025 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified.

Contact Information to ApplicantsAmber Roberts Graham

amberts@ku.eduAdvertised Salary Range$155,000-175,000, commensurate with experienceApplication Review BeginsFriday October 31, 2025Anticipated Start DateMonday December 1, 2025 Apply to Job