Director of Facilities, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization
About the role
Director of Facilities, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization
About VIDO
VIDO is Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research and a global leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development for both humans and animals. Based at the University of Saskatchewan, we operate one of the world’s most advanced containment facilities. We are expanding our infrastructure to include a Containment Level 4 lab, a GMP vaccine manufacturing facility, and new animal housing to support our One Health approach to combating emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
Why Join VIDO?
This is an opportunity to contribute to global health security and work in one of the most advanced research facilities in the world. You will play a critical role in supporting infrastructure that enables cutting-edge science with global impact.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director/CEO and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Facilities provides strategic leadership for VIDO’s laboratories and oversees all infrastructure maintenance and building operations. This role ensures the reliability, safety, and compliance of highly specialized biocontainment facilities and supports VIDO’s long-term capital planning and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Maintenance
- Lead operations and maintenance for sophisticated biocontainment facilities (Biosafety Level 2–3 and future Containment Level 4)
- Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs and life-cycle planning for critical building systems
- Oversee physical security, minor capital projects, and compliance with stringent biosafety requirements
Capital Projects & Planning
- Serve as project lead for major capital initiatives and liaise with University Project Delivery teams
- Provide strategic guidance on infrastructure stewardship and capital planning to senior leadership
Compliance & Safety
- Ensure adherence to regulatory standards and participate in biosafety and industry committees
- Act as the primary liaison during facility emergencies and maintain robust contingency plans
Leadership & Coordination
- Manage scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation for maintenance and infrastructure teams in collaboration with the Facility Manager
- Review and approve operating manuals, scopes of work, and specifications for mechanical/electrical systems
- Coordinate with contractors, regulatory bodies, and University units to ensure operational excellence
Qualifications
-
Education: Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
-
Experience: Minimum 5 years leading operations and maintenance teams in a research environment, ideally within biocontainment facilities
-
Certifications: Professional Engineer designation preferred; familiarity with biosafety regulations is an asset
-
Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills
Interested candidates are asked to submit their application including a cover letter, CV and references online. Applications will be reviewed as of January 16, 2026.
We thank all applicants for their interest; only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
For more information visit: Home - Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization
Department: VIDO
Status: Term
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Shift: Monday - Friday, 7.5 hours per day (37.5 hours per week); possibility of evening and weekend hours
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 11
Posted Date: 1/7/2026
Closing Date: 1/16/2026
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php
Criminal Record Check: Yes
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Yes
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable
The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action**.**
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resourcesfor assistance.
About University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is leading the way in tackling pressing problems like water and food security. Research, teaching and learning at USask is enhanced by our array of world-class facilities, including the Canadian Light Source synchrotron, VIDO-InterVac, the Global Institute for Food Security, the Global Institute for Water Security and the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre for Nuclear Innovation.
A range of excellent programs, from business, law and public policy to engineering, medicine and veterinary medicine, positions us to cross traditional discipline boundaries and work together to bring a unique perspective to key global challenges. With more than 25,000 students from around the globe, including nearly 3,000 self-declared Indigenous students and more than 3,000 international students, our strong community and well-recognized experts will continue to drive USask to be the university the world needs.
Director of Facilities, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization
About the role
Director of Facilities, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization
About VIDO
VIDO is Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research and a global leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development for both humans and animals. Based at the University of Saskatchewan, we operate one of the world’s most advanced containment facilities. We are expanding our infrastructure to include a Containment Level 4 lab, a GMP vaccine manufacturing facility, and new animal housing to support our One Health approach to combating emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
Why Join VIDO?
This is an opportunity to contribute to global health security and work in one of the most advanced research facilities in the world. You will play a critical role in supporting infrastructure that enables cutting-edge science with global impact.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director/CEO and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Facilities provides strategic leadership for VIDO’s laboratories and oversees all infrastructure maintenance and building operations. This role ensures the reliability, safety, and compliance of highly specialized biocontainment facilities and supports VIDO’s long-term capital planning and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Maintenance
- Lead operations and maintenance for sophisticated biocontainment facilities (Biosafety Level 2–3 and future Containment Level 4)
- Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs and life-cycle planning for critical building systems
- Oversee physical security, minor capital projects, and compliance with stringent biosafety requirements
Capital Projects & Planning
- Serve as project lead for major capital initiatives and liaise with University Project Delivery teams
- Provide strategic guidance on infrastructure stewardship and capital planning to senior leadership
Compliance & Safety
- Ensure adherence to regulatory standards and participate in biosafety and industry committees
- Act as the primary liaison during facility emergencies and maintain robust contingency plans
Leadership & Coordination
- Manage scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation for maintenance and infrastructure teams in collaboration with the Facility Manager
- Review and approve operating manuals, scopes of work, and specifications for mechanical/electrical systems
- Coordinate with contractors, regulatory bodies, and University units to ensure operational excellence
Qualifications
-
Education: Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
-
Experience: Minimum 5 years leading operations and maintenance teams in a research environment, ideally within biocontainment facilities
-
Certifications: Professional Engineer designation preferred; familiarity with biosafety regulations is an asset
-
Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills
Interested candidates are asked to submit their application including a cover letter, CV and references online. Applications will be reviewed as of January 16, 2026.
We thank all applicants for their interest; only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
For more information visit: Home - Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization
Department: VIDO
Status: Term
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Shift: Monday - Friday, 7.5 hours per day (37.5 hours per week); possibility of evening and weekend hours
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 11
Posted Date: 1/7/2026
Closing Date: 1/16/2026
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php
Criminal Record Check: Yes
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Yes
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable
The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action**.**
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resourcesfor assistance.
About University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is leading the way in tackling pressing problems like water and food security. Research, teaching and learning at USask is enhanced by our array of world-class facilities, including the Canadian Light Source synchrotron, VIDO-InterVac, the Global Institute for Food Security, the Global Institute for Water Security and the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre for Nuclear Innovation.
A range of excellent programs, from business, law and public policy to engineering, medicine and veterinary medicine, positions us to cross traditional discipline boundaries and work together to bring a unique perspective to key global challenges. With more than 25,000 students from around the globe, including nearly 3,000 self-declared Indigenous students and more than 3,000 international students, our strong community and well-recognized experts will continue to drive USask to be the university the world needs.