In 2022, businessman and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford committed $150 million to the creation of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute at UC San Diego. This gift combines current infrastructure with new Centers intended to leverage the advantages of space-based science, including expansion and, in some ways, quite literally launch stem cell research and regenerative medicine at UC San Diego into new spaces, endeavors, and training of future stem cell scientists.

Sanford Stem Cell Institute provides essential physical and human resources needed to leverage stem cell research currently being conducted at UC San Diego. Due to the complexity of regenerative medicine projects and substantial institutional investment, daily Sanford Stem Cell Institute personnel work with all 9 Vice Chancellor areas: Academic Affairs; Research Affairs; Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion; Student Affairs; Marine Sciences; Health Sciences; Health System; Chief Financial Officer; Advancement; Resource Management and Planning.

As part of UC San Diego, Sanford Stem Cell Institute motivates University-wide change, sustainability, and partnership, focusing on creating the structure under which various innovative regenerative medicine units and initiatives are developed.

The new UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute builds upon a $100 million gift in 2013 from T. Denny Sanford that established UC San Diego as a leader in developing and delivering the therapeutic promise of human stem cells - special cells with the ability to develop into many different cell types and which, when modified and repurposed, have the potential to treat, remedy or cure a vast array of conditions and diseases.

The new UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute includes six stem cell Centers, led by Center Directors and Deputy Directors.

1. Sanford Integrated Space Stem Cell Orbital Research (ISSCOR) Center, for stem cell research that will be conducted in a laboratory bay located aboard the International Space Station currently in low-Earth orbit.

2. Sanford Stem Cell Fitness and Space Medicine Center, which conducts in-depth space fitness and orbital medicine that can benefit both astronauts and people living on Earth.

3. Sanford Stem Cell Innovation Center, which will support regenerative medicine company development, including contract research in low-Earth orbit.

4. Sanford Stem Cell Discovery Center, which conducts basic and translational stem cell research.

5. Sanford Advanced Therapy Center, which provides fundamental tools and services to move basic research findings to next stages, such as early phase trials.

6. Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center, which conducts research to accelerate relevant drug and therapy development in regenerative medicine, including clinical trials.

Under the general direction of the Executive Director, the Director of Operations will plan, organize, and direct the activities in the Sanford Stem Cell Institute (SSCI), associated domain scientists, and emerging research projects. In consultation with the Institute Director, Center Directors, Co-Directors, and Deputy Directors, the incumbent will manage the day-to-day operations and oversee the development of Institute infrastructure(s) including supervising the overall design related to space infrastructure changes and implementation The incumbent is the key liaison between the 6 Centers and Institute Central Leadership. The incumbent will oversee the Institute's physical locations and the administration of renovation and physical space changes. The incumbent will serve as the scientific liaison for these projects to the funding agencies. The incumbent is responsible for the oversight of Institute capital equipment and the creation or management of any core recharge facilities deemed essential by the Institute Director. Support is on a wide variety of matters that are complex, sensitive in nature, and may pose a significant impact on Sanford Stem Cell Institute, School of Medicine (SOM), and Campus as a whole.

The incumbent represents the SSCI at both national and international meetings and conferences. The incumbent carries major responsibility for ensuring the accomplishment of research objectives as outlined by each Center. Additionally, the incumbent must collaborate with professors, clinicians, and researchers at UC San Diego and other collaborating universities to develop proposals that will fund new and ongoing research projects. The position requires strong technical, organizational, analytical, and delegation skills. Constant attention and analysis of changing situations and priorities are required.

The incumbent will manage and provide technical direction in conjunction with the Faculty director for a large, highly complex, visible academic or research Institute with multiple centers or locations. Responsible for articulating long-term vision and goals and managing ongoing operations of the Institute. The Director of Operations directs primary line officers with oversight accountability for multiple mission-critical business areas. Direct reports include the administrative functions of academic and education affairs administration, basic biomedical science and clinical research administration, and physical resource management (space and facilities) and capital asset strategies.

Responsible for recruiting and retaining industrial leaders to partner with research programs to achieve Institute goals. Develops and manages a membership program for industry partners. Oversees subcontracts with program partners. Uses highly specialized expertise in research-specific concepts and objectives. Plays a pivotal role in organizing the annual SSCI conference as well as other Institute events.

• A bachelor's degree and seven or more years of relevant experience; OR an advanced degree in related area plus four years of related experience.

• Academic background and recognized expertise in multiple disciplines of research. Seven or more years of relevant experience.

• Expert verbal and written communication skills with a broad community of other researchers and scientists, industrial partners, program managers, funding agencies, media, and center managers.

• Management experience in academic and/or government agencies.

• Ability to manage collaborations between academia, industrial and/or governmental agencies.

• Demonstrated expertise with program building within a leading academic institution and administrative, budgetary, human resources and financial principles and practices.

• Expert ability to work with dynamic and diverse group of faculty, staff and students.

• Executive business management experience and contract negotiation skills.

• Significant experience in academic administration and fundraising. Ability to correspond, write, and participate in grant submissions.

• Uses expert level negotiation skills to work collaboratively with internal and external, diverse constituencies.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement innovative programs or research agenda. Proven experience planning, implementing, managing, and evaluating projects.

• Demonstrated cutting-edge research capabilities.

• Advanced ability to work collaboratively with internal and external peers and managers. Demonstrated interpersonal skills to establish and maintain good working relationships with colleagues, researchers, and faculty, with an emphasis on collaboration, tact, diplomacy, flexibility, professionalism, and discretion.

• Demonstrated experience managing physical resources (space) and capital equipment.

• Strong background in managing core facility operations and understanding the self-sustaining business model.

• Significant experience in academic administration of training grants.

• Demonstrated experience in working with companies and other funding agencies to procure contracts and funding.

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and organize a scientific symposium with over 200 guests.

• Experience with the operation of a personal computer and software application, such as Access, MS Word and Excel. Knowledge to work with and learn new software for analysis.

• Ability to mentor and motivate students and staff.

• Ten or more years of progressive leadership in health sciences research administration.

• Knowledge of UC San Diego policies and procedures.

• Current UC San Diego employee.

• Frequent travel to national and international meetings and conferences.

• Must occasionally provide own transportation and transport equipment and materials.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.