Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing, Michigan, is recruiting a Director of the Research Technology Support Facility (RTSF) to lead MSU in an exciting time of growth and transformation of its core facilities. In addition to managing the core facilities under the RTSF umbrella, the new director will be essential in implementing a blueprint for transforming the shared research resources landscape at MSU. The Director will report to an Associate Vice President in the Office of Research and Innovation (OR&I). 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Management & Financial Oversight of RTSF Core Facilities 

Oversee RTSF operations and finances with a broad understanding of institutional research programs, priorities, core facility services, initiatives, goals, and personnel. Understand current trends in science and technology relevant to RTSF core facilities and engage with other cores directors at MSU, regionally or nationally as appropriate. Assist in the development and implementation of RTSF priorities as they relate to shared resources, ensuring alignment with the strategic plans across the institution. Lead strategic planning for RTSF core facilities.  

In concert with RTSF core directors and OR&I) fiscal officers, manage RTSF fiscal activities, including budget coordination, business plans, financial analysis, and fee schedules, and oversee the monitoring of revenue cycle activities. 

In concert with RTSF core directors and OR&I HR partners, oversee RTSF human resources issues, including ensuring relevant HR processes (e.g., annual reviews, accurate job descriptions, etc.) are adhered to throughout RTSF.  

Work with RTSF core directors and managers to monitor compliance with relevant institutional, state, and federal guidelines and policies. Review core facility operations and key performance indicators, such as internal and external usage and user communities, on a regular basis and make recommended actions as needed to address concerns and issues. Engagement with regional and national organizations, such as the Association for Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF), is expected as a mechanism to better position MSU as a leader in promoting education and career advancement for scientists, core administrators, and staff.  

2. Administration & Leadership 

In 2024-25, OR&I performed a landscape analysis and created a strategic plan for shared research resources (SRRs) across the university, not just RTSF. The new RTSF director will work closely with OR&I leadership to lead the effort to coordinate across SRRs, with a focus on research cores. Likely responsibilities include: 

• Increase the visibility and utility of SRRs across the university to the research community, including oversight of the implementation and maintenance of an online searchable SRR portal. 

• Create and lead an OR&I SRR Advisory Committee for shared research resources across campus. 

• Facilitate an MSU-SRR network for staff who work in shared research resources across the university. 

• Work closely with OR&I technical support during an enterprise core facility management software implementation.  

3. Strategy 

Evaluate instrumentation needs and work with RTSF core directors to pursue external grants annually, such as NSF major instrumentation grants and NIH shared instrumentation grants. 

Work with MSU Council of Research Deans (CORD) and department chairs to maximize core facility potential in recruitment, recruiting around existing equipment with capacity, and adding new equipment to cores as part of startup packages where appropriate. 

4. Other Duties as Assigned 

This position is anticipated to be held with an Associate Professor rank. The position may allow for adjustments to the time percentage dedicated to dual appointments, as determined by an agreement between the relevant departments and the individual.