Director, Research Ethics & Infrastructure

Director, Research Ethics & Infrastructure

Summary:

The director, research infrastructure provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for research infrastructure across the university. This position leads the planning, development, sustainability, and modernization of scientific equipment, facilities, and research infrastructure resources. Working closely with researchers, academic units, research centres, university leadership, and external partners, this role directs infrastructure investments, financial sustainability, facility operations, and long-term development initiatives. The director advances research capacity through effective stewardship of significant infrastructure assets, the coordination of infrastructure renewal and expansion projects, and the promotion of collaboration across the institution and beyond. This role also oversees infrastructure governance, reporting, and compliance, as well as the optimization of research equipment, facilities, and space utilization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversees confidential strategic financial planning and sustainability initiatives for research infrastructure, including budgeting, fee structures, risk management approaches, revenue generation, and resource allocation.
• Develops and implements long-term strategic research infrastructure plans aligned with university research priorities and future growth objectives.
• Directs significant infrastructure investments, including the acquisition, replacement, renewal, and upgrading of scientific equipment and research facilities.
• Manages the full employee lifecycle of direct reports, including hiring, professional development, mentoring, assigning workflow, and performance management.
• Provides confidential strategic advice to senior leadership, committees, and stakeholders on infrastructure strategy, investment priorities, deviations from approved plans, and opportunities for expansion.
• Supports and participates in securing matching funds and supports major research infrastructure purchases in collaboration with researchers, academic units, and faculties.
• Directs and oversees the acquisition, allocation, and utilization of equipment and assets within core facilities, collaborating with laboratory and academic leaders to establish priorities and resolve competing operational needs.
• Establishes and leads advisory committees to monitor strategic and financial plans and provide progress reporting through formal presentations and reports.
• Supports the development of proposals for research infrastructure renewal, enhancement, and expansion in collaboration with researchers and advisory bodies.
• Fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among university centres, research facilities, external partners, and other institutions to strengthen research capabilities and infrastructure capacity.
• Leads the development and advancement of research facilities, including core research facilities.
• Supports the operation of infrastructure units, including staffing, safety practices, client services, user fee schedules, maintenance activities, and operational planning.
• Supports software systems used in the management of university research infrastructure in coordination with internal information technology partners.
• Oversees financial tracking and reporting related to infrastructure purchases, operational expenditures, and revenue generated through equipment usage.
• Maintains a current inventory of research equipment and infrastructure capacity and promotes access to this information across the research community.
• Facilitates the redeployment of underutilized equipment to areas of need across campus or coordinates the appropriate disposal of assets.
• Liaises with other universities, analytical facilities, and external organizations to share leading practices and strengthen infrastructure support.
• Promotes the effective utilization of research space in collaboration with space management stakeholders.
• Maintains institutional communication through annual reports, committee updates, strategic presentations, and other reporting activities.
• Monitors compliance with applicable funding agencies, legislation, regulations, and university policies governing research infrastructure and operations.
• Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment, and models these behaviours across the institution.
• Builds and leads diverse teams, champions inclusive leadership, and values different perspectives.
• Engages in and supports the understanding and growth of employees with the frameworks, initiatives and activities relating to equity, diversity and inclusion and Indigenous engagement.
• Sets and achieves actionable goals in alignment with Indigenous engagement and equity, diversity, and inclusion frameworks; addresses systemic inequities affecting underrepresented equity groups.
• Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position.

Qualifications:

• A master's degree in physical sciences, engineering, physics, health sciences, or a related field; a doctoral degree is preferred.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in research infrastructure management and operations.
• Leadership experience with the ability to lead a team through challenging and complex situations and demonstrate leadership beyond reporting lines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, persuade, and drive action.
• Ability to develop and progress strategy, initiatives, and innovative solutions.
• Effective organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in an evolving environment.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships, internally and externally, and build credibility and trust with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to apply sound judgment in problem solving, evaluating courses of action, and making decisions on complex matters.

Department: Research Ethics & Infrastructure
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: Exempt
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $123,760.00 - 207,175.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 5
Posted Date: 11/4/2026
Closing Date: 11/18/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact usfor assistance.