Director, Applied Research Center

Job Requisition:

JR102101 Director, Applied Research Center (Open)

Job Posting Title:

Director, Applied Research Center

Department:

CC00224 WM001 | PROV | Applied Research Center

Job Family:

Staff - Academic Program Administration

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular (benefited)

Job Requisition Primary Location:

Blow Memorial Hall

Primary Job Posting Location:

Posting Location - William & Mary

Job Description Summary:

The Director of the William & Mary Applied Research Center leads a comprehensive core equipment facility that provides university-wide support for advanced research through access to state-of-the-art laboratory and research equipment, integrated asset management services, and expert characterization capabilities. The facility specializes in surface analysis and advanced materials characterization, with particular expertise in light, plasma, and directed energy processing for nanoscale thin-film coatings and device development, as well as contact and non-contact mechanical properties analysis and imaging of cell systems, biomimetic materials, and soft material systems. The Director holds strategic responsibility for identifying and acquiring new equipment to support emerging research needs across the institution; overseeing all facility operations, budget management, and administrative functions; delivering comprehensive training programs for faculty, staff, and students; actively engaging in collaborative research initiatives that advance the facility's capabilities; and maintaining the highest standards of laboratory safety and regulatory compliance. This position requires strong technical knowledge of materials science and characterization methods, demonstrated leadership and management skills, excellent communication abilities to work effectively across multiple departments and research groups, and a commitment to fostering innovation and research excellence at the university.

Job Description:

For full consideration, submit application materials by the review date, 10/05/2026. Applications received after the review date will be considered if needed. A resume and cover letter are required for this position.

The hiring range for this position is $110,000 to $135,000, commensurate with experience.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or closely related field, with demonstrated expertise in materials characterization, surface analysis, or materials processing techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across interdisciplinary teams, including faculty from multiple departments with varying technical backgrounds.
• Professional experience (typically 5+ years) operating, managing, or directing advanced research equipment and laboratory facilities, including demonstrated expertise with materials characterization instrumentation (e.g., electron microscopy, surface analysis tools, mechanical testing) and/or materials processing equipment (plasma, thin-film deposition, directed energy systems).
• Proven leadership and management experience, including budget oversight, staff supervision, and operational planning for research or technical facilities.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory safety practices, regulatory compliance (including OSHA, institutional biosafety/radiation safety protocols), and ability to maintain and promote a safe research environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience directing or co-directing a university core research facility or equivalent shared resource center, with evidence of successful user engagement and facility utilization growth.
• Hands-on expertise with specific characterization or processing techniques mentioned in the position (e.g., electron/optical microscopy, spectroscopy, AFM, plasma processing, thin-film deposition, mechanical testing of soft materials).
• Track record of research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and/or grants demonstrating ongoing engagement with materials science research.
• Experience developing and delivering training programs for diverse user groups and fostering collaborative research partnerships across institutional boundaries.
• Background in business operations or fiscal management, including equipment procurement, vendor relations, budget forecasting, and cost-recovery models for shared facilities.

Conditions of Employment: 

• This position may require off-hours response to building or equipment notifications or alerts, occasional evening and weekend work to support priority projects, special events, executive meetings, or university initiatives. The role may also require local and regional travel, and other travel as necessary to advance assigned projects and institutional priorities.

Job Duties: 

35% - Strategic Leadership:

• Monitor research landscape within the institution and competitive peer facilities to identify emerging capability needs and benchmark facility performance.
• Assess current and projected research needs across the institution and develop a multi-year facility technology roadmap aligned with institutional research priorities.
• Evaluate emerging characterization and processing technologies and conduct cost-benefit analysis for major equipment acquisitions, including total cost of ownership and utilization projections.
• Lead procurement processes, vendor evaluation, and negotiation for new equipment investments.
• Conduct regular needs assessments with faculty, department chairs, and research centers to understand evolving technical demands and research priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with research leaders, research administration (OSP, WMRIC, centers), and external organizations to identify collaborative opportunities and align facility capabilities with institutional research development goals.
• Propose new service offerings and technical applications that leverage existing equipment and identify opportunities for interdisciplinary research initiatives.
• Advocate for facility needs and priorities within institutional governance and budget planning processes while tracking key performance metrics and user impact.

 

35% - Laboratory Operations and Administration:

• Oversee coordination of schedules for pool labor, student workers, visitors, and temporary employees to ensure appropriate laboratory coverage.
• Recruit, train, and supervise laboratory technicians and student operators; oversee flexible scheduling structures that balance operational continuity with student academic commitments.
• Provide on-site coordination, operation, and maintenance of complex surface analysis laboratory instruments supporting shared research infrastructure.
• Manage the Virginia Core Laboratory Memorandum of Understanding to ensure equitable access for qualified users across departments and participating institutions.
• Oversee instrument scheduling systems to promote efficient and fair utilization of shared instrumentation resources.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance, equipment troubleshooting, calibration, and quality assurance activities to ensure instruments remain in proper working order.
• Manage laboratory budgets and expenditures.

 

20% - Laboratory Research and Training:

• Develop and maintain testing, research methods, and procedures for advanced surface and materials characterization.
• Conduct independent and collaborative research utilizing core laboratory instrumentation. Develop and refine experimental methodologies and analytical workflows as appropriate.
• Serve as a technical expert; review work and provide technical training to laboratory assistants, technicians, undergraduate interns, graduate students, visitors, and research staff.

 

10% - Laboratory Safety and Information Security:

• Ensure that laboratory assistants, interns, graduate students, and research staff are trained in and adhere to safe work practices.
• Ensure facility and equipment remain in compliance with applicable state and federal safety regulations, including data security and resistance to remote malfeasance
• Assist the Radiation Safety Office with sealed source inspections and maintenance of radiological records as required.
• Ensure laboratory users are sufficiently trained to operate equipment safely and effectively without direct supervision.

Essential Designation

No

***We will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Additional Job Description:

Job Profile:

JP0791 - Academic/Research Program Administrator II - Exempt - Salary - S16

Qualifications:

Compensation Grade:

S16

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-09-17

Position Restrictions:

Continuing E&G funded position and not term-limited

EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

 

Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Applicant Notice: By applying for this position, you consent to William & Mary's use, review, and retention of your application materials for recruitment and employment purposes. Materials may be shared with authorized individuals participating in the hiring process and will be managed in accordance with applicable laws and university policies.

Probationary Period Notice: Individuals selected for full-time staff positions will be required to complete a twelve (12) month probationary period in accordance with university policy.

 

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.