Job description
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Research Infrastructure Manager at VinUniversity is responsible for planning, overseeing, and managing the Research Complex Facility and equipment, ensuring efficient day-to-day operations. This role supports over 50 researchers across multiple research laboratories by managing equipment, supervising technical staff, coordinating lab access, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and optimizing lab resources to enhance research productivity.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Infrastructure strategy & planning
- Develop uni-wide research infrustructure strategy (labs, equipment, core facilities)
- Define 3-5 year infrastructure investment roadmap
- Prioritise major equipment and lab development
- Prepare CAPEX proposals for new labs/equipment
- Benchmak against peer universities and identify emerging technologies and equipment needs
Core lab operations management
- Oversee day-to-day operation of core labs, ensure labs are functional, safe, and efficient
- Monitor usage rates of equipment
- Optimize scheduling and reduce downtime
- Approve and mange user access (faculty, students, external users)
- Develop and maintain SPOs for equipment usage
- Ensure compliance with safety standards
- Conduct safety checks and audits
Equipment lifecycle management
- Support specification development for equipment purchase
- Coordinate develivery, installation, and calibration
- Schedule preventive maintenance
- Coordinate repairs with vendors
- Maintain dataset of equipment and assets
Research resource coordination
- Manage booking system for labs/equipment
- Respond to user inquiries and technical requests
- Track lab usage, user statistics, and demand trends
- Maintain user logs, training records, compliance documents
Training and capacity building
- Conduct training sessions for lab users
- Assess and certify users for equipment usage
- Develop manuals, guides, and tutorials
External services and revenue generation
- Provide lab services to external partners/industry
- Develop pricing models for lab usage
- Facilitate industry access to infrastructure
- Prepare monthly reports on lab usage and efficiency
- Track operational cost and revenue
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master‘s degree in a relevant field (engineering, physical sciences, life sciences, or related discipline).
- 5 years of experience in research lab management, facilities oversight, or equivalent roles.
- Strong background in lab equipment maintenance, research facility operations, and compliance standards.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience managing multi-user research facilities or technical research support teams.
- Experience in budgeting and procurement for research labs.
Key Skills & Competencies:
- Expertise in research equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and safety compliance.
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills to manage lab technicians and assistants.
- Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and interact effectively with faculty, researchers, and students.
- Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot technical and operational issues in a research setting.
- Familiarity with inventory tracking, procurement processes, and budget management.
- Demonstrated alignment with VinUniversity‘s core values (EXCEL): Empathy, Exceptional Capability, Creativity, Entrepreneurial Spirit, and Leadership Mindset.