Lab Manager for the UC Merced New Ventures Wet-Lab Incubator (Onsite)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is STEP 1: $29.79- STEP: 5: $35.85. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is STEP 1: $29.79.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around August 20th, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

This union position is represented by the bargaining unit UPTE: Technical - TX.

This position will be onsite - Campus and Castle Facility.

This position is career contingent upon funding with an expected end date of one year from the start date.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

The position will serve as the laboratory manager for the UC Merced New Ventures Wet-Lab Incubator and will function as a technical liaison for incubator tenants, vendors and maintenance providers and other internal and external partners. The incubator lab manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the facility, ensuring all instruments/equipment are functioning, serviced as needed, and maintained in compliance with technical specifications, EH&S standards, and campus policies and procedures. The incubator lab manager is also responsible for onboarding entrepreneurs, industry projects, and startup ventures according to the defined incubation process, developing processes, and organizing workshops, hackathons, and events as part of the incubator service offering.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Select and onboard entrepreneurs, industry projects, and startup ventures according to the defined incubation process and ensure operational effectiveness. Ensure smooth day-to-day overall functioning of the incubator.
• Develop processes and ensure the implementation of the overall incubation structure and process; Organize workshops, hackathons, events, etc., regularly as part of the incubator operations.
• Establish an effective working relationship with faculty members, stakeholders, and an ecosystem of investors, mentors and internal, and external service providers to actively support startup ventures. Ensures compliance with safety and other requisite training as mandated by campus policies, procedures, and building access protocols.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the facility and addresses issues or needs as they arise. Maintain a clean and safe working environment in all areas of the laboratory. Assist in maintaining inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment. Assist in maintenance of Incubator equipment in good working conditions. Maintain supplies, consumables and chemical inventory and manage chemical waste.
• Prepare and manage the operating budget and budgetary control, management reviews, and reporting to ensure operations within the parameters as established.
• Operate incubator equipment as needed. Provide assistance, collaboration and training in instrument operation to users and researchers as necessary. Conduct operational maintenance and alignment of equipment, including coordination with service providers for routine care and inspection.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training. (Required)
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university. (Preferred)
• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and five years of directly related experience, or two years of college including courses in a related area and four years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledge and abilities essential to successful performance of the duties assigned to the position. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Fluent verbal communication and superior writing and presentation skills-Microsoft Office, and other tools
• Analytical and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple projects and or programs with the ability to clearly design and create operational processes, goals and metrics to success planning.
• Demonstrated ability to remain flexible when designing projects or programs and be able to pivot when necessary.
• Experience working with UC or other higher education institutions. (Preferred)

Background check will be required.

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 (on the application) Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.