Imaging Sciences Fabrication and Design Core Director

At St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, we are pioneering interdisciplinary approaches to accelerate biomedical and clinical discoveries. The new Department of Imaging Sciences will bring new faculty to St. Jude who develop and apply state‑of‑the‑art quantitative imaging, measurement and analytical technologies. In addition to faculty labs, the department will establish crucial new core resources at St. Jude, including a state‑of‑the‑art core for fabrication and instrumentation, for which we are seeking an experienced Imaging Sciences Fabrication and Design Core Director.

Position Overview

The Imaging Sciences Fabrication and Design Core Director for fabrication and instrumentation will work with department leadership and personnel to build a departmental core facility that will meet the needs of imaging science innovators across St. Jude. The director must have broad expertise in cutting‑edge fabrication and instrumentation methods, strong leadership skills, project‑management expertise, and experience recruiting and managing a team of 2–4 direct reports. The director will establish a sustainable operational model, maintain day‑to‑day oversight of core operations, and integrate teaching, training, collaborative interdisciplinary teams, and visionary problem‑solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with department leadership and institutional stakeholders and experts to plan, build and run a state‑of‑the‑art new fabrication and instrumentation core that will be responsive to the needs of St. Jude's new Department of Imaging Sciences.
• Develop a sustainable financial plan and operational structure for the core, including the gradual hire of 2–4 additional staff to add specific expertise; recruit, train, and manage staff aligned with evolving departmental and institutional needs.
• Collaborate with design and construction teams to scope and oversee space renovations for the core, taking into account noise, dust, fumes, cross‑contamination, and other environmental factors; ensure projects stay on scope, budget, and schedule.
• Scope major equipment purchases and work with vendors and finance managers to organize ordering, installation, servicing, warranty coverage, and training related to new purchases.
• Continuously update knowledge of state‑of‑the‑art fabrication and instrumentation techniques; adapt core models based on new materials, methods, or services; communicate with wider cores and departments to reduce redundancy and maximize shared expertise.
• Provide daily oversight to core activities, contribute technical expertise to projects, maintain responsibility for budget planning and review, and keep stakeholders informed of core performance.
• Collaborate closely and respectfully with St. Jude personnel at all levels, including cross‑functional leadership, shared resources, partner laboratories, and vendor organizations, to optimize efficiency, productivity, and innovation.
• Manage team processes with the Department Chair and leadership: hiring, goal setting, performance evaluation, training, development, and engagement.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within the department and institute, ensuring that team members have the support and resources to succeed.

Why Join Us?

At St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, you'll have the opportunity to influence and support pioneering research that will shape the future of cutting‑edge biomedical science and improvements in clinical care. You will work in a collaborative, innovative, and highly impactful environment and receive competitive compensation.

Minimum Education

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline is required.

Minimum Experience

• 10+ years of experience in a relevant technical field (industry or academia) is required.
• 8+ years of experience in a relevant technical field is required with a Master's degree.
• 5+ years of experience in a relevant technical field is required with a Ph.D.
• Significant experience in a research functional area with management of mid‑large teams and focus on goal achievement and skill development is preferred.
• Experience with machining and 3D printing is preferred.
• Experience with imaging and/or microscopy technologies, biomedical analytical methods, microfluidics or related technologies is preferred.
• Experience leading large‑scale projects or processes through to implementation is preferred.
• Experience with operational management, budget planning, and stakeholder and resource management is preferred.
• Prior experience building external connections with peers, emerging technology communities, and expert networks is preferred.

Compensation

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay‑transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The current salary range is $125,840 – $238,160 per year for the Imaging Sciences Fabrication and Design Core Director position.

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer.