Instructional Support Technician

Stony Brook University•Town of Brookhaven, NY

About The Position

The Facilities Manager oversees the operational, safety, and logistical needs of the Department of Pharmacology’s research, teaching, and administrative spaces. This role ensures that laboratories, specialized equipment, shared resources, and office areas are maintained in optimal working condition to support the department’s mission of research, education, and service. The Facilities Manager acts as the primary liaison between departmental faculty, staff, institutional facilities services, environmental health and safety, and external vendors. The Facilities Manager position is absolutely critical for student, faculty, and staff safety, a total of approximately 300 occupants (40+ labs) in a 75,000 sq. ft. space, primarily research laboratories. The Facilities Manager is responsible for hands-on supervision of all maintenance, repairs, and renovations. The Facilities Manager responds to all emergency situations in the building, including laboratory and utility equipment breakdowns and safety issues. The Facilities Manager will have the ability to act rapidly and independently during emergencies. Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills are essential. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate will also have excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple stakeholder groups.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (foreign equivalent or higher).
Two (2) years of full-time experience supporting operational, technical, and mechanical aspects of a research laboratory or related facility.
Experience in the maintenance and repair of technical equipment and machinery.
Proficient, professional experience in word processing, spreadsheet management, electronic messaging, and/or internet applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Apps, etc.).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (foreign equivalent or higher).
Four (4) or more years of full-time experience in a biological sciences or related laboratory field.
Experience establishing and maintaining biosafety and compliance operations.
Experience in the acquisition, installation, and maintenance of scientific equipment, including centrifuges, incubators, environmental chambers, autoclaves, and/or imaging equipment.
Knowledge of laboratory safety regulations, building systems, and facility operations.

Responsibilities

Acquisition, Maintenance and Coordination of Department Equipment:
Research and initiate the acquisition and installation of new equipment based on the department’s needs.
Maintain and renew department equipment and related service contracts, including for autoclaves, ultracentrifuges, flow cytometers, environmental chambers, biosafety cabinets, etc. to ensure that departmental equipment operates efficiently and safely. Coordinate department repairs/calibrations with building and campus facilities, as well as outside vendors.
Maintain/monitor departmental shared equipment and spaces, including common equipment rooms, centrifuges, microscopes, incubators, etc.
Monitor usage of shared departmental equipment and prepare requests for support from outside departments and users as needed.
Advise the Department Chair on the replacement and upgrading of equipment and establish appropriate procedures related to the use of equipment.
Ensure that critical supplies and components are kept in stock to facilitate the smooth operation of equipment necessary for the continuation of research projects.
Coordinate equipment audits. Monitor property control documentation. Coordinate the removal of surplus equipment and other laboratory and office items with Property Control and EH&S.
Management of Laboratory Space:
Responsible for timely and accurate submission of requests for building card access and keys for laboratory and office spaces for all department faculty, staff, and students. Maintain a database of keys distributed and access granted.
Assist the Chair in planning for the most effective utilization of laboratory space and the actual space assignments. Coordinate and assist with the moving of laboratories and equipment. Coordinate and assist with the design and supervision of renovation projects in coordination with University departments and vendors.
Assist new faculty with setting up their laboratory and office spaces.
Assist the Chair to develop recommendations for laboratory improvements.
Prepare reports and studies for University space utilization surveys concerning planned space allocations based on lab staffing, equipment and security concerns.
Serve on University space committees and work closely with building management, facilities engineering, and outside construction companies to coordinate and facilitate projects.
Serve as Departmental liaison for Facilities, Building Operations, Campus Planning, Design and Construction (CPDC), maintenance, and requests for repairs and renovations. Liaison with East Campus Custodial Services.
Laboratory and Compliance Safety:
The Laboratory Manager will function as the primary Laboratory Safety Coordinator and as such, will have the overall responsibility to coordinate chemical, biological and radiation regulatory compliance efforts based on Environmental Health and Safety protocols. The incumbent will keep faculty informed of changes in local, state, and federal regulations governing the handling and disposal of biological, chemical and radioactive materials. The incumbent will serve as the Department radiological safety officer to promote compliance with the University’s radiation safety program.
Monitor access and perform inspections to ensure adherence to lab standard operating procedures and requirements.
Participate in the development of departmental policies and procedures with respect to technical facilities, equipment, and physical facilities.
Serve as liaison for fire safety inspections. Responsible for documenting and coordinating corrections for any violations according to code. Serve as Department Fire Safety Warden and attend Safety workshops and training as needed.
When necessary, attend safety training and courses given by EH&S and participate in University Laboratory Safety committees and workgroups to recommend improvements and modifications to laboratory safety procedures.
Conduct periodic inspections to determine any conditions which require corrective action, repair, and maintenance.
Technical Support:
Provide oversight and assistance for CO2 supply for departmental incubators. Repair and maintain the departmental distilled water stills. Maintain a regular departmental supply of dry ice and provide assistance with liquid nitrogen purchases and storage as needed.
Assist with maintenance and monitoring of departmental freezers and refrigerators. Relay any warnings and inform appropriate faculty.
Perform repairs, maintenance, and minor renovations of departmental and laboratory equipment and office-related items. Assist faculty with equipment needs and repairs.
Develop a regular schedule for checking on tissue culture, fume hoods, deionized water systems (Milli-Q) and invited re-certifications
Computer and IT Support:
Set up and ensure functioning of computers and data projection in conference rooms for lectures, teaching, and seminar purposes. Perform basic repairs – i.e., replace bulbs, batteries, etc. – and equipment upgrades as needed.
Assist with various departmental events including the weekly seminar speaker series, faculty candidate presentations, and the annual departmental retreat.
Coordinate the installation of telephones and internet access for department personnel.
Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and departmental mission.