"MBiC Operations Manager"

About the Job

Position & Department Overview

The Minnesota Bioimaging Center (MBiC) Operations Manager at The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, is a business and operations leader responsible for the day to day management, strategic planning, and growth of a complex shared research resource. Reporting to the Technology & Research Services Director and with direction from the MBiC Director, this role focuses on organizational leadership, business operations, and financial sustainability of MBiC services.

This position is ideal for a collaborative, service oriented leader with experience in higher education or research center environments who excels at building teams, strengthening client relationships, communicating value, and aligning operations with the Hormel Institute’s research and education mission. The Operations Manager partners with scientific and technical experts to ensure MBiC delivers high quality, efficient services while advancing research excellence and collaborative science.

The MBiC Operations Manager directly supervises approximately 2–4 professional staff who lead components of MBiC operations, including microscopy services, training, and outreach. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Focus of Job Responsibilities

Business Operations and Organizational Leadership – 50%

• 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 and education vision.
• Monitor daily operations of MBiC using the iLabs system, including workflow management, service scheduling, client onboarding, billing, and reporting.
• Supervise MBiC staff and team leads, providing leadership, performance management, coaching, and professional development.
• Lead preparation, monitoring, and forecasting of the MBiC budget, including service fees, cost recovery, and financial performance in collaboration with finance partners.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance planning, service contracts, space utilization, and facility improvement projects.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies, standard operating procedures, and internal management tools that support efficient and consistent operations.
• Track operational metrics and continuously improve service quality, efficiency, and user satisfaction.

Education and Training Services and Client Growth – 35%

• Serve as a primary liaison between educational partners, technical staff, and institutional partners to ensure clear communication and a high quality client experience.
• Develop a management system for training badge programs, including organizing documentation and notification of users when refresher training is required.
• Collaborate and partner with the Community Outreach and Education department on educational and training workshops.
• Develop and implement communication strategies to clearly convey MBiC capabilities, value, and service offerings.
• Collaborate with the MBiC Director and Shared Resources leadership to identify growth opportunities, partnerships, and funding strategies that expand MBiC services.
• Partner with Communications to develop promotional materials and manage MBiC related web content.
• Apply service and relationship management best practices to support a service oriented, responsive research environment.

Compliance, Quality, and Research Integrity – 10%

• Ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations related to safety, data security, and laboratory operations.
• Monitor quality control practices and support research rigor, reproducibility, and responsible conduct of research.
• Maintain documentation for policies, procedures, safety protocols, and regulatory reviews.

Other duties as assigned – 5%

Work Profile

Profile 1, Office/Lab-Based - is expected to work primarily on-site in the office/lab. Only occasionally and inconsistently working remotely. Your office/lab will be located at The Hormel Institute in Austin, Minnesota. Management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS with at least six years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience providing leadership, guidance, and supervision to professional and or support staff
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Experience managing business operations, budgets, service delivery, or fee for service programs
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders
• Experience working in higher education, research centers, or similarly complex service oriented environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in shared research resources, core facilities, scientific service organizations, or research administration
• Familiarity with research operations, laboratory environments, or scientific workflows, with the ability to partner effectively with technical experts (hands on technical expertise is not required)
• Experience with data, financial, or project management systems used in higher education or research settings
• Demonstrated interest or experience in education, outreach, customer engagement, or service growth initiatives

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time.
• Occasional travel to other University of Minnesota campuses, including periodic attendance at relevant national meetings and training.

About the Department

Founded in 1942 by Jay C. Hormel and The Hormel Foundation, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, makes scientific advancements that enhance wellbeing and extend human life. For more than 80 years, we have pursued our mission to conduct research and provide education in the biological sciences with applications in medicine and agriculture. A part of the University of Minnesota's Research and Innovation Office, The Hormel Institute partners with the region's leading biomedical research facilities, including Mayo Clinic.

Pay and Benefits

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

Time Appointment: 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

How To Apply

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.

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

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.

About the U of M

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).