Research Facilities Manager

Florida Atlantic University • Jupiter, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Florida Atlantic University is seeking a Research Facilities Manager - Jupiter, FL. The Research Facilities Manager will be responsible for ensuring the efficient operation and maintenance of three life science research buildings on the John D. MacArthur Campus of Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter, FL. This position will serve as the primary liaison between the researchers and the university’s facilities maintenance team, design and construction departments, environmental health and safety (EH&S), Division of Research and Office of Academic Operations. The successful candidate will ensure that research laboratories are optimally functioning, research equipment and infrastructure are well-maintained, and that all activities comply with institutional safety and regulatory standards, and the research integrity mission.

Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of experience; or a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of experience, required.
• Proven experience in efficiently managing multiple projects and balancing competing priorities required.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with university facilities teams, contractors, and researchers required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple tasks required.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills required.
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety regulations and standards required.
• Experience with compliance regulations including IACUC, IRB, and biosafety protocols required.
• Familiarity with research equipment, laboratory infrastructure, and life science research protocols required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing research facilities in an academic or research institution.
• Familiarity with construction and renovation projects related to laboratory spaces.
• Certifications in biosafety, lab safety, or relevant areas (e.g., Registered Biosafety Professional, Lab Safety Certification).
• Knowledge of facilities management systems and processes.

Responsibilities

• Liaison Between Researchers and University Facilities: Act as the primary point of contact ensuring timely communication, meeting facilitation and coordination of maintenance, repairs, facility upgrades, project timelines, requirements, and budget considerations between life science researchers and the university’s facilities maintenance team.
• Facility Operations: Oversee the daily operations of the life science research buildings, ensuring that all laboratory spaces and shared resources are functioning optimally to support research activities. Facilitate routine inspections and preventive maintenance to ensure all spaces and equipment are functioning according to university and regulatory standards.
• Equipment Management: Oversee the maintenance, repair, calibration of all laboratory research equipment, and coordination to surplus equipment no longer needed. Work with vendors and service providers to schedule regular maintenance and emergency repairs when necessary.
• Research Support: Provide technical support and guidance to researchers on laboratory equipment and infrastructure, ensuring alignment with university standards and research objectives.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensure compliance with all university, state, and federal safety regulations, including biosafety, IACUC, IRB, and other regulatory bodies. Serve as the key point of contact for biosafety and lab safety concerns, ensuring that all research personnel are trained in proper safety protocols and that the appropriate measures are in place. Collaborate with EH&S to oversee hazardous material handling, storage, and disposal, maintaining safe research environments.
• Project Coordination and Facilities Development: Assist with planning and overseeing laboratory renovation and construction projects, acting as a liaison between researchers, university design and construction teams, and external contractors/vendors. Ensure that lab and building designs meet the specialized needs of life science research and align with safety and regulatory standards.
• Emergency Response and Operational Continuity: Respond to facility-related emergencies, such as equipment malfunctions or infrastructure issues, and coordinate swift resolution to minimize research disruption. Implement contingency plans and work with university facilities to ensure uninterrupted operations during repairs, maintenance, or renovation projects.
• Budget and Procurement: Collaborate with researchers and facilities teams to develop budgets for laboratory maintenance, upgrades, and repairs. Oversee procurement of laboratory equipment and supplies, ensuring cost-effective purchases that meet the quality and operational needs of the research teams.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Excellent benefit packages including Medical (PPO/HMO $50 per month single & $180 per month family), Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending plans, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and much more.
• State retirement options including tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans.
• State employees Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• Sick Leave Pool Program.
• Paid time off (eligible employees) including vacation and sick leave, 1 personal day, 9 paid holidays, and paid winter break (at President’s discretion).
• Paid Community Engagement Volunteer Service Day
• Employee Educational Scholarship Program (EESP) for eligible Staff/Faculty - Tuition assistance after 6 months of full-time employment. For in-unit faculty, the EESP program may be extended to spouses and dependent children (eligibility rules apply).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager