The Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging (KIHA) brings together key strengths from around campus and the region to address growing needs here in Denver and throughout the nation. Designed to address complex problems in depth, KIHA builds on DUs dedication to the public good by supporting research and scholarship on aging in a variety of disciplines. Lab scientists, social workers, psychologists, lawyers, education specialists, business faculty members, and others are routinely involved. KIHA’s work is truly collaborative, leveraging the assets of the DU community in the discovery and design of knowledge and engagement across our campus and around the world.
Position Summary
KIHA is seeking a highly skilled and organized Assistant Director to manage the KIHA’s scientific laboratories, events, and day-to-day operations. This leadership role supports KIHAs mission by ensuring that the aging research laboratories run efficiently, managing community and internal events, and handling operational logistics. The Assistant Director will report directly to the Director, serving as the point of contact in the Directors absence. They will oversee laboratory management, event coordination, and provide operational support to ensure smooth functioning across KIHA.
This position is grant funded, and is contingent upon continued grant funding.
Essential Functions
Managerial Functions
- Oversee the Aging Research Laboratories, including budget management, to support faculty and student research initiatives.
- Coordinate both internal scientific and external community events, managing associated budgets and liaising with faculty, sponsors, and external speakers.
- Act as the primary point of contact for the Director during their absence, ensuring smooth communication and workflow.
- Provide regular updates to the Director on ongoing projects and operational matters.
- Assist staff with complex issues, offering guidance and resolution strategies.
Operational and Support Functions
- Facilitate office support activities, streamline workflows, and develop new processes to improve efficiency in a dynamic work environment.
- Resolve operational and laboratory issues independently, working closely with faculty and staff.
- Handle sensitive materials, reviewing and editing content as necessary.
- Manage reception duties, including welcoming visitors and handling phone inquiries.
- Apply in-depth knowledge of laboratory policies to maintain equipment, supplies, and ensure procedures are followed correctly.
- Consult with external vendors to obtain quotes in compliance with University Purchasing Policies and manage all purchasing for laboratory and office supplies.
- Coordinate shipping, delivery, and installation of lab and office equipment.
- Support recruitment for non-benefited positions by sourcing, interviewing, and training new hires.
- Work closely with the RSECS Building Manager to coordinate lab access and manage key control.
- Oversee maintenance and repairs for KIHA tools and equipment, gathering bids and scheduling work as needed.
- Ensure the functionality and safety compliance of laboratory equipment, such as biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, and emergency safety stations.
- Manage CITI training compliance for all personnel, maintaining records and ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
- This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented professional with experience in scientific laboratory management, event coordination, and operational oversight. The Assistant Director will play a critical role in supporting the research and academic mission of KIHA by ensuring that both labs and events are executed to the highest standards.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to learn and implement new processes and procedures efficiently
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills in a dynamic work environment
- Ability to work collaboratively as a team member or independently with minimal supervision
- Ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and older adults
- Ability to train and supervise others in laboratory processes and safety procedures
- Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and compliance standards
- Knowledge of office administration, purchasing policies, and workflow optimization
- Familiarity with university systems, including budgeting, procurement, and HR processes
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to resolve operational and technical issues
- Ability to manage events, including budgeting, logistics, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or biology related field.
- Graduate-level classes in leadership & management
- Must be proficient in Microsoft office, including Excel and Word
- Minimum of three years of experience in university operations, education & community outreach, or laboratory management
- Minimum of three years of experience working in a scientific laboratory setting
- Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal
- Must be willing to learn and use new processes, tools, and equipment
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or biology related field.
- Familiarity with ASTM/NIOSH/ANSI/OSHA standards for Laboratory safety and compliance
- Experience planning and conducting laboratory safety orientations and maintain compliance records
- Experience managing scientific events, including speaker coordination and budget oversight
- Knowledge of CITI training requirements and compliance tracking
- Experience with university procurement systems and vendor management
- Experience supervising or mentoring staff or student workers
Working Environment
- The work environment is a university with cyclical periods of increased workloads with the possibility of moderate to high stress levels.
- The work environment consists of surroundings with moderate noise levels and frequent contact with electrical devices.
Physical Activities
- Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period.
- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
In accordance with the University’s flexible work policy, this position is eligible to be considered for partial remote work. Further details regarding this plan will be determined with the hiring manager and are dependent on the division and team specific needs.
Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) August 5, 2025.
Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.
Salary Grade Number
The salary grade for the position is 9.
Salary Range
The salary range for this position is $58,000-$68,000.
The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.
Benefits
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.
Please include the following documents with your application:
- Resume
The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.