Director of Shared Resources

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) is the nation's leading and largest centers for blood focused research. Home to over 30 world-class investigators spanning basic, translational, and clinical research, VBRI is at the forefront of breakthroughs in transfusion medicine, cellular therapies, vascular biology, thrombosis and hemostasis, immunology, and hematopoiesis, including hematologic malignancies and translational hematology.

As a key pillar of Versiti, a mission-driven nonprofit rooted in one of the country's largest blood banks, VBRI brings science to life, bridging laboratory insights with real-world impact. The Institute fosters a highly collaborative and dynamic environment, empowering researchers to pursue cutting-edge science and translation.

With a proven track record of discovery, a world-class faculty, and a clear vision for growth, VBRI is entering a transformative era. Our institute is poised to become a global leader in hematology and blood science, driving advances that will shape the future of diagnostics, therapeutics, and patient care. With deep expertise, bold vision, and a relentless commitment to discovery, VBRI is redefining what's possible in the science of blood.

The Director of Shared Resources at the Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of scientific discovery at one of the nation's leading blood research institutes. This visionary leadership role will drive the transformation and strategic growth of VBRI's core facilities, empowering a dynamic and expanding community of investigators.

We are seeking an innovative and collaborative leader who is passionate about advancing research through cutting-edge technology, exceptional service, and long-term sustainability. The Director will spearhead modernization efforts, foster cross-disciplinary partnerships including wet labs and bioinformatics, and ensure VBRI's shared resources remain at the forefront of scientific innovation.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of science, strategy, and service, bringing experience in core facility leadership, an eye for operational excellence, and a commitment to enabling breakthrough research. Prior engagement with industry or experience in building sustainable, high-impact platforms is highly valued.

What Makes this a Great Opportunity:

This is a unique opportunity to lead and shape the future of core research infrastructure at one of the nation's premier blood research institutes. Versiti provides robust, ongoing financial support through both corporate and research foundation funding, to supplement the costs for operation of the VBRI Shared Resources, giving the Director the flexibility to invest in cutting-edge technologies and stay competitive in an evolving research landscape.

The incoming Director will lead a team of experienced, highly skilled staff that support the various core labs in the VBRI Shared Resources and benefit from a major institutional expansion: a new four-story research building, opening in 2026, with dedicated space including for flow cytometry, microscopy, and histology cores. This position offers the chance to drive innovation, support world-class science, and build collaborative partnerships across campus and industry.

Benefits
Versiti provides a comprehensive benefits package based on your job classification. Full-time regular employes are eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays, Short- and Long-term disability, life insurance, 7% match dollar for dollar 401(k), voluntary programs, discount programs, others.

Essential Responsibilities

Drive Innovation and Growth: Oversee modernization, operations, and strategic development of Shared Resources (SRs) to meet evolving research needs and services
• Ensure Financial Sustainability: Manage budgets effectively, optimize cost recovery, and secure external funding to support SR operations
• Foster Partnerships: Expand collaborations with institutional partners and industry to increase visibility, revenue, and research impact ensuring VBRI remains a competitive research hub

Skills and Qualifications

• 5-8+ years in a leadership role managing labs or scientific programs, with a track record of strategic growth
• Strong background in biomedical research to support the needs of the VBRI research or core technologies to enable oversight for development of new core laboratory technologies required
• Proven experience in budgeting, business planning, and strategic analysis required
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and engage with faculty, staff, and leadership at all levels required
• Visionary mindset with the ability to translate scientific needs into sustainable operational models

Basic Qualifications:

• 5 - 8 or more years' experience in a management level position accountable for the growth and development of laboratories and/or programs required

Desired Experience and Traits

Focus: Modernization, Sustainability, and Strategic Growth

1. Strategic Leadership in Shared Resource Management

• Proven ability to lead and modernize core facilities or shared resources in academic, clinical, or industry settings
• Experience aligning operations with long-term institutional or organizational strategic plans

1. Expertise in Technology Modernization

• In-depth knowledge of emerging technologies (e.g., single-cell omics, spatial biology, AI-integrated platforms, microscopy and flow cytometry)
• Demonstrated success in evaluating, acquiring, and implementing advanced research instrumentation

1. Financial Stewardship and Sustainability

• Experience developing and managing cost recovery models, forecasting budgets, and improving operational efficiency
• Proven ability to secure diverse funding streams through grants, institutional investment, philanthropy, and external partnerships

1. Industry Collaboration and Translational Focus

• Experience working with or within industry, including contract services, technology partnerships, or translational research initiatives
• Understanding of industry standards, commercialization pathways, and collaborative development models

1. Collaborative and Inclusive Leadership

• Ability to foster a culture of service, innovation, and shared governance
• Skilled in engaging diverse stakeholders across departments, disciplines, and external partners

1. Communication and Change Management

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to advocate for SR needs, lead teams through change, and report impact effectively
• Experience implementing process improvements and modern management practices

1. Commitment to Training and User Engagement

• Dedication to mentoring SR staff and educating users on best practices
• Passion for enhancing service quality, accessibility, and scientific impact through training, outreach, and support

Educational Requirements

• PhD Biology, Chemistry, or related field required
• Some business coursework preferred

Tools and Technology

• Laboratory Equipment required
• Personal Computer required

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