MBiC Operations Manager

The Minnesota Bioimaging Center (MBiC) Operations Manager at The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, is responsible for the daily operations, strategic business planning, and administrative oversight of MBiC. Reporting to the Building and Services Director and with significant direction from the MBiC Director, the MBiC Operations Manager executes the mission of the center and ensures the center provides high-quality, efficient, and compliant services in all manner of bioimaging resources, currently includes major focus in both cryoEM and light microscopy. This position involves a dynamic blend of operations management, customer relations, financial and business operations, managing laboratory and safety compliance, and strategic communications to enhance research excellence and collaborative science. This position will also directly supervise approximately 2-4 employees who lead components of MBiC operations, including microscopy at various levels, education, and outreach. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Focus of Job Responsibilities

MBiC Operations and Business Management - 60%

* Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic and annual work plans, business goals, and resource priorities in collaboration with the MBiC Director and in alignment with The Hormel Institute's long-term research vision.
* Oversee daily operations of MBiC using the iLabs system, including workflow management, equipment maintenance scheduling, service tracking, billing, and client onboarding.
* Supervises MBiC staff and leads in various areas of microscopy and biomaging, as well as staff involved in outreach, education, and training workshops.
* Lead the preparation and monitoring of the MBiC budget, including service fees, cost recovery, and financial forecasting in collaboration with the finance team.
* Manage equipment grants, research contracts, and internal funding allocations in collaboration with HI research development and finance teams.
* Coordinate equipment maintenance, service contracts, and facility upgrades.
* Develop proposals for instrumentation, service development, and strategic investment.
* Track operational metrics and ensure continuous improvement in service quality, user satisfaction, and facility performance.
* Develop and implement policies, SOPs, and evaluation tools for internal management and external communications.
* Track the proper acknowledgement of publications resulting from MBiC services and highlight high impact papers as appropriate.

Client Services, Communication, Education, and Outreach - 25%

* Act as a liaison with users and technical staff to ensure seamless communication and efficient project execution.
* Coordinate user access, consultations, scheduling, and training to ensure high client satisfaction.
* Develop and implement communication strategies to promote MBiC capabilities to the internal and external research community.
* Collaborate with the MBiC Director and Shared Resources Operations Manager to pursue growth opportunities, partnerships, and funding sources to expand MBiC services.
* Develop promotional materials and manage web content related to MBiC in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications department.
* Coordinate educational and training workshops, programs, and initiatives with internal and external partners.

Compliance, Safety, and Research Rigor and Reproducibility - 10%

* Ensure compliance with all institutional, state, and federal regulations concerning data security, biosafety, and lab practices.
* Monitor quality control and implement best practices in providing shared resources services with strong focus on research integrity, rigor, and reproducibility.
* Maintain documentation for SOPs, safety protocols, and regulatory inspections.

Other duties as assigned - 5%

Flexible Work Location Profile
The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and The Hormel Institute endorses a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote. Because we are a land-grant institution that serves the state, the University will continue to- in most cases- expect employees to live in Minnesota.

This position has been designated as eligible for Flexible Work Profile One.
Flexible Work Profile One is expected to work primarily on-site. Your office will be located at The Hormel Institute in Austin, MN. The Hormel Institute management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Required Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree with at least 6 years of experience.
* Experience providing leadership, guidance, and direction to staff; ability to manage performance and support professional growth of team members.
* Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written/verbal communication skills.
* Demonstrated experience managing budgets, service scheduling, and client communication.
* Experience in business operations, budgeting, and regulatory compliance.
* Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience in bioimaging, CryoEM, microscopy, or shared research core environments.
* Proficiency with data and project management tools commonly used in research environments.
* Experience in core facility operations, laboratory management, research administration, and/or higher education administrative management.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

* Occasional travel to other University of Minnesota campuses, including periodic attendance at relevant national meetings and trainings.

The Hormel Institute is an independent biomedical research institution within the University of Minnesota's Research and Innovation Office. Established in 1942, our mission is to conduct research and provide education in the biological sciences with applications in medicine and agriculture, specifically by understanding, treating, and controlling cancer and other chronic diseases. The Hormel Institute serves as a center of technical and educational expertise for the benefit of the local community, the State of Minnesota, and beyond. We are located in the uniquely diverse rural community of Austin, MN, conveniently only 35 miles from Rochester, MN, and 100 miles (1.5 hours) south of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The Hormel Institute is committed to fostering a work environment that promotes inclusive excellence, supportive employee practices, and encourages diversity of thought that drives innovation and creativity in our science.

Pay Range: $91,397-$97,110; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).