Life Sciences Laboratories Facility Manager

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Life Science Laboratories (LSL) Facility Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and effective operation of the Life Science Laboratories Building (North and South). The LSL Facility Manager will take responsibility for all aspects of the operations of the research and core facility laboratories, support space, public space, conference rooms, administrative areas, and storage space. The LSL Facilities Manager will be the lead on all interactions with Physical Plant, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), Facilities Planning, Office of Information Technologies, Research Compliance, Animal Care Services, and Auxiliary Services.

Essential Functions

• Develops, implements, and maintains building management standard operating procedures, including but not limited to public spaces, conference rooms, core facilities, storage spaces, offices, and laboratories in adherence with State and Federal Government codes and regulations, EH&S policies, and other applicable University policies. Administers building management ticketing system.
• As part of the LSL Space Committee, provides strategic and forward-looking plans for space optimization and building needs, and implements lab design to address emerging needs and/or issues, including designing, pricing, interfacing with vendors, etc.
• Negotiates and manages service maintenance contracts with vendors for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of lab equipment, including multi-user autoclaves, constant temperature rooms, microscopy facilities, cryogenic gas distribution, and other built-in lab equipment such as compressed gas manifolds, dishwashers, ice machines, and common area furniture. Decides and approves repairs or replacement of equipment. Oversees shipping and receiving of all packages, equipment, CO2 distribution.
• In coordination with the appropriate UMass office (e.g., EH&S), proactively assists with placement/relocation of laboratory equipment and research materials (including biological and chemical inventories) to ensure compliance with lab safety initiatives/guidelines and optimize efficiency within the laboratory.
• In coordination with the appropriate UMass office (e.g., EH&S, Physical Plant, Design & Construction Management), analyzes and evaluates fit-out specifications for lab modifications and submits to the Director of Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS) for approval. Consults with cluster faculty to develop efficient and non-disruptive approaches for conducting construction/maintenance tasks. Keeps relevant stakeholders apprised of project progress and completion. Oversees all alterations and buildouts, including input with architects and engineers.
• Coordinates, interfaces, and contributes to planning with Vice Chancellors, Provost's Office, Deans, faculty theme leaders in LSL and relevant departments and Schools/Colleges, Facilities Planning, Physical Plant, OIT, EH&S, Research Compliance, and other administrative areas for the operations and maintenance of LSL. Develops short- and long-term plans that impact the LSL.
• Liaises with the UMass Infrastructure Support Group to review laboratory requirements of any new proposed themes, theme members, or co-hired IALS faculty before hiring faculty to occupy LSL space. Makes recommendations on facility needs to the Director of IALS to ensure that facilities will meet the needs of multiple individual projects. Onboards and provides lab design / layout for new faculty hires as well as existing faculty with growing programs.
• Prepares and maintains Repair and Replacement (R&R) budgets.
• Develops an annual space census and map, providing relevant stakeholders with information and updates pertaining to research activity reporting.
• Responds to and manages emergency building events (e.g. floods, fires, etc.).

Other Functions

• Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Associate's degree with five (5) years of experience in managing a large multi-purpose scientific or research facility OR a Bachelor's degree (preferably in Science/Engineering/Business or related field) with three (3) years of experience in managing a large multi-purpose scientific or research facility.
• Ability to effectively manage and coordinate the work of consultants, contractors, and others connected with the work.
• Ability to promote and assure continuous improvement. Establish and maintain productive relationships with a full range of personnel that reflect a strong commitment to customer service.
• Ability to work independently and allocate resources consistent with campus goals.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and judgment are critical; demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Working knowledge of architecture, engineering, and design principles, building systems, code regulations, and construction practices, with the ability to apply this knowledge to complex problems.
• Understanding of the current compliance requirements applicable to specialized research facilities and research activities, as well as animal care / resources.
• Demonstrated experience in word processing, spreadsheets, and various computer data management systems used in professional management organizations.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Position requires ability to access most all areas of construction sites including climbing ladders to assess conditions and perform inspections of existing facilities. Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday, 37.5 hours per week.

Salary Information

Level 27

PSU Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. Reference will eb checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.