Location:
Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1
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Primary Category Page: Staff and Management
Division: College of Biological Science
Requisition ID: 2661
Department: MiPARC Institute
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph
If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)
General Purpose
The University of Guelph is seeking an innovative and collaborative scientific leader to help shape the future of microbiome and genomics research. As Associate Director, Research Operations (MiPARC & AAC Genomics), you will lead the operational and scientific growth of two rapidly expanding research enterprises, bringing together genomics, microbiome science, bioinformatics, and multi-omics technologies to support transformative research across the University and beyond. This position will play a central role in shaping the future of microbiome and genomics research at the University of Guelph through the leadership of two highly collaborative research enterprises:
The Microbiome Preservation, Analysis and Research Centre (MiPARC), an emerging institute dedicated to advancing microbiome research and innovation, and
The Advanced Analysis Centre (AAC) Genomics Facility, a campus-wide shared research platform providing state-of-the-art genomics technologies and bioinformatics services.
The successful candidate will join the University during an exciting period of growth that includes the expansion of microbiome research programs, the implementation of new genomics technologies such as the NovaSeq X platform, the development of advanced bioinformatics capabilities, and increased integration across genomics, microbiome science, and multi-omics research.
Reporting jointly to the Director of MiPARC and the Director of AAC Genomics, the Associate Director provides strategic and operational leadership for MiPARC and management oversight of AAC Genomics.
The role combines:
scientific leadership;
operational management;
staff supervision and mentorship;
genomics and bioinformatics expertise;
research infrastructure development;
strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.
The Associate Director will oversee research operations, support a growing user community, develop sustainable operational models, and help establish MiPARC and AAC Genomics as nationally recognized centres of excellence.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Associate Director will:
Lead Operations and Infrastructure
Provide operational leadership for MiPARC and AAC Genomics.
Oversee complex genomics and microbiome research infrastructure valued at more than $12 million.
Develop sustainable operational and cost-recovery strategies.
Lead strategic planning, infrastructure growth, and business continuity initiatives.
Lead Scientific Programs
Provide expert guidance in genomics, microbiome science, sequencing technologies, and bioinformatics.
Support experimental design and data analysis for faculty, trainees, and collaborators.
Oversee implementation of new genomics technologies and analytical pipelines.
Develop integrated genomics and bioinformatics workflows.
Lead and Develop Teams
Supervise professional, technical, and operational staff.
Support recruitment, training, mentoring, and performance management.
Foster a collaborative and innovative research culture.
Build Partnerships
Engage with faculty, industry partners, research organizations, and funding agencies.
Support large-scale research initiatives and infrastructure grants.
Represent MiPARC and AAC Genomics in institutional and external strategic initiatives.
Requirements
The successful candidate will possess:
A PhD in Genomics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, or a related discipline;
At least five years of progressively responsible experience in genomics, bioinformatics, or shared research infrastructure;
Demonstrated experience leading scientific teams or research operations;
Experience with high-throughput sequencing technologies, including Illumina platforms and associated workflows;
Expertise in bioinformatics and computational genomics;
Experience managing budgets, cost-recovery models, or research service operations;
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of research infrastructure at one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities.
The successful candidate will:
Help define the future direction of MiPARC and AAC Genomics;
Lead implementation of cutting-edge genomics and bioinformatics technologies;
Support world-class microbiome and multi-omics research;
Work alongside outstanding faculty, researchers, and trainees;
Build programs with national and international impact.
Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10927454
Classification: P&M FT- Band 09
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands
The target hiring salary for this position is minimum and up to 96% of midpoint for the salary grade.
- Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.
At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.
Posting Date: 07/14/2026
Closing Date: 07/21/2026
