The Office of the Vice Chancellor of Research, Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM) supports the animal oversight and research needs of all investigators utilizing animals in their research and teaching. The Director of Operations serves a critical function in support of excellent animal care and welfare within the context of the University's highly successful biomedical research program, and will provide research support to University scientists through the development and maintenance of optimum laboratory animal facilities and core services. DCM provides husbandry, veterinary care, training, translational study support, and laboratory services for all animals at UNC. UNC Cores support the research missions within the UNC School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Public Health, and the College of Arts and Sciences. The Director of Operations will provide strategic leadership and management across the animal cores to support the preclinical research mission. The Director of Operations will report to the Director of DCM to provide guidance, and develop policies and procedures to assure compliance with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare at National Institutes of Health – NIH (OLAW) regulations and AAALAC. The Director of Operations will also interact with entities outside of UNC such as industry and other universities that utilize our core services. 

Major responsibilities of the position include: 
* Directs and coordinates campus wide facility operations for the Division of Comparative Medicines' services including husbandry, training, core services, administrative, and ancillary services
* Responsible for strategic and budgetary planning, creation, and execution of new programs
* Plan, coordinate and integrate services to support the mission of University Animal Cores, including close collaboration with other UNC Departments, Centers, and Divisions. This focuses on in vitro/in vivo work and pre-clinical studies, spanning to clinical studies. As required, includes orchestrating the merger, retirement, or development and implementation of new services to meet current research needs.
* Maintain accountability for finances, including review core and departmental usage, expenses and revenue; review budgets and financial reporting; make recommendations for financial support, capital purchases, with operational changes with financial justifications; submit financial metrics as requested. 
* Provides oversight of the Assistant Operations Directors and supervisors responsible for the coordination of operations and maintenance of UNC 26 animal facilities and DCM and LCCC research core facilities; assisting with professional development and work plan implementation for staff to support operational workflow. Assist in evaluation of staff performance, providing ongoing staff mentoring and counseling as required.
* Investigate and address any client and staff concerns, implementing changes as required, monitoring effectiveness of solutions, and communicating recommendations to Directors.
* Develop, implement, and evaluate laboratory and departmental policies and standard operating procedures to provide superior quality results and service to clients.
* Provides direction and oversight of facility construction and renovation; coordination and management of all projects, especially those of large scope; coordinates and develops security and emergency planning.
* Act as a resource and liaison to staff, clients, and the research community.
* Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, a collegial attitude, and ability to successfully work with faculty, staff, and trainees. Present information to Directors, faculty, staff, and clients as required.
* The Director of Operations directly supervises up to 15 high-level full-time employees and indirectly supervises 200+ staff reporting to those individuals.

Previous experience in a supervisory role, post-baccalaureate degree in relevant field, seven or more years of relevant experience, certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) at the Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) level, certification by AALAS at the Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR) level.