Research Facilities Manager

Florida Atlantic University•Jupiter, FL

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Facilities Manager oversees the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of three life science research buildings on Florida Atlantic University's John D. MacArthur Campus in Jupiter, Florida. Serving as the primary liaison between researchers and university support departments, this position ensures that laboratory spaces, equipment, and building systems remain safe, compliant, fully operational, and capable of supporting the university's research mission.

Requirements

Master's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of appropriate experience; or a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience required.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize competing demands, and work effectively with researchers, facilities personnel, contractors, and external service providers required.
Excellent analytical, organizational, project management, and communication skills, with a proven ability to troubleshoot issues and coordinate complex operational activities required.
Knowledge of laboratory safety, biosafety practices, and research compliance requirements, including experience supporting environments governed by IACUC, IRB, and related regulatory standards required.
Familiarity with life science research facilities, laboratory equipment, infrastructure, and specialized research support systems required.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing research facilities, laboratory operations, or scientific support environments within an academic, government, healthcare, or research institution.
Familiarity with planning, coordinating, and supporting laboratory construction, renovation, and space-utilization projects, including collaboration with design, construction, and facilities teams.
Professional certifications related to biosafety, laboratory safety, facilities management, project management, or other relevant disciplines (e.g., Registered Biosafety Professional [RBP], Certified Biological Safety Professional [CBSP], Laboratory Safety Certification, Certified Facility Manager [CFM]).
Working knowledge of facilities management systems, preventive maintenance programs, work order management processes, and building operations within a research or laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

Oversees the daily operations of the life science research buildings, ensuring that all laboratory spaces and shared resources are functioning optimally to support research activities.
Performs hands-on maintenance and repairs as needed, including addressing minor plumbing, electrical, mechanical, lighting, HVAC/air conditioning, flooding, water intrusion, odor, and general facility issues.
Serves as the primary Facilities contact person for researchers and staff by responding to operational concerns such as temperature control issues, equipment or furniture moves, floor cleaning coordination, plumbing problems, lighting repairs, and other building-related needs.
Coordinates laboratory and office move-outs, facilitate routine inspections and preventive maintenance, and ensure all spaces and equipment are functioning according to university and regulatory standards.
Assists and participates in the maintenance, repair, and calibration of shared equipment, including assisting with the maintenance and troubleshooting of major building and laboratory systems such as specialized water systems, autoclaves, temperature control systems, and other critical research infrastructure.
Coordinates the surplus and disposal of equipment no longer needed.
Works with vendors and service providers to schedule regular maintenance and emergency repairs when necessary.
Helps with equipment placement and moving.
Assists with planning and overseeing laboratory renovation and construction projects, acting as a liaison between researchers, university design and construction teams, and external contractors/vendors.
Ensures that lab and building designs meet the specialized needs of life science research and align with safety and regulatory standards.
Acts 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.
Responds to facility-related emergencies, such as equipment malfunctions or infrastructure issues, and coordinate swift resolution to minimize research disruption.
Implements contingency plans and work with university facilities to ensure uninterrupted operations during repairs, maintenance, or renovation projects.
Collaborates with researchers and facilities teams to develop budgets for laboratory maintenance, upgrades, and repairs.
Oversees procurement of laboratory equipment and supplies, ensuring cost-effective purchases that meet the quality and operational needs of the research teams.
Provides technical support and guidance to researchers on laboratory equipment and infrastructure, ensuring alignment with university standards and research objectives.
Determines and advises on the appropriate placement of equipment, including evaluating power requirements, air exchange and ventilation needs, and other logistical and operational considerations in accordance with university policies and facility requirements.
Ensures compliance with all university, state, and federal safety regulations, including biosafety, IACUC, IRB, and other regulatory bodies.
Serves 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.
Collaborates with EH&S to oversee hazardous material handling, storage, and disposal, maintaining safe research environments.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical (PPO/HMO $50 per month single & $180 per month family)
Dental
Vision
Life Insurance
Flexible Spending plans
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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).