Assistant Lab Operations Manager
Job Description
How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
The Assistant Lab Operations Manager will assist in the oversight and management of all aspects of facilities, infrastructure, research support, safety, compliance, security, and logistics for the Aerospace Engineering Department. This role ensures the efficient operation of laboratory spaces and supports cutting-edge research activities by managing facility projects, supervising research and lab support activities, and maintaining rigorous safety and compliance standards.
Who We Are
Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Maternity and Parental Leave
Responsibilities*
Facilities & Infrastructure Management (45%)
- Lead and oversee ongoing facilities projects within the department.
- Develop and manage a long-term preventative maintenance program for departmental equipment and infrastructure.
- Plan and coordinate hazardous waste disposal, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
- Track all compressed gas cylinders throughout laboratory spaces, including processing orders, ensuring safe storage and use, and coordinating pickups.
- Work with Property Disposition for surplus property disposal and maintain accurate records.
- Collaborate with the North Campus Asset Manager and Facilities & Operations to ensure the completion of major building repairs.
- Interface and coordinate with non-university suppliers for facilities repairs and equipment installations.
- Investigate and resolve operational facility issues in collaboration with engineering personnel and laboratory supervisors.
- Track, analyze, and assist with the annual space survey; manage space allocation within the department.
Research & Laboratory Support (30%)
- Fabricate specialized research equipment hardware and integrate research experiments with building infrastructure.
- Assist graduate students with operating equipment in research laboratories.
- Support researchers in relocating labs and equipment to prepare for operation.
- Maintain, repair, and operate large equipment such as vacuum pumps, air compressors, and mechanical systems across all Aerospace Engineering facilities, including off-campus sites.
- Serve as backup support for instructional lab courses.
Safety, Compliance, and Security (15%)
- Support the Aerospace Department's Safety Committee and Emergency Response Team.
- Maintain active certifications in CPR, first aid, and AED.
- Interface with the College of Engineering safety committee.
- Assist in developing and implementing the department's laboratory safety program.
- Serve as backup authorized key signer and grant card access when needed.
Logistics & Operations Support (10%)
- Serve as lead for loading dock operations, including tracking of incoming and outgoing deliveries and housekeeping.
- Provide backup support for shipping and receiving operations.
- Serve as backup for the Laboratory/Classroom Services Manager.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, facilities management, or related field required or an equivalent combination of education and experience with operating, maintaining, and repairing mechanical components.
- Proven experience supporting research operations in laboratory environments.
- Ability to effectively use and operate various tools and equipment, and a high skill level with basic hand tools.
- Ability to effectively move equipment and materials that can weigh at least 50 pounds.
- Ability to travel throughout various areas of building(s) with or without stairs/elevators.
- Ability to work and interact professionally and effectively with faculty, staff, and students.
- Strong knowledge of safety, compliance, and hazardous materials protocols.
- Competency with using a personal computer, email, and software (e.g. gmail, Microsoft products).
- Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively and coordinate efforts across multiple stakeholders.
Desired Qualifications*
- Extensive experience in facilities/infrastructure management preferred.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes here.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
The Assistant Lab Operations Manager will assist in the oversight and management of all aspects of facilities, infrastructure, research support, safety, compliance, security, and logistics for the Aerospace Engineering Department. This role ensures the efficient operation of laboratory spaces and supports cutting-edge research activities by managing facility projects, supervising research and lab support activities, and maintaining rigorous safety and compliance standards.
Who We Are
Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Maternity and Parental Leave
Responsibilities*
Facilities & Infrastructure Management (45%)
- Lead and oversee ongoing facilities projects within the department.
- Develop and manage a long-term preventative maintenance program for departmental equipment and infrastructure.
- Plan and coordinate hazardous waste disposal, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
- Track all compressed gas cylinders throughout laboratory spaces, including processing orders, ensuring safe storage and use, and coordinating pickups.
- Work with Property Disposition for surplus property disposal and maintain accurate records.
- Collaborate with the North Campus Asset Manager and Facilities & Operations to ensure the completion of major building repairs.
- Interface and coordinate with non-university suppliers for facilities repairs and equipment installations.
- Investigate and resolve operational facility issues in collaboration with engineering personnel and laboratory supervisors.
- Track, analyze, and assist with the annual space survey; manage space allocation within the department.
Research & Laboratory Support (30%)
- Fabricate specialized research equipment hardware and integrate research experiments with building infrastructure.
- Assist graduate students with operating equipment in research laboratories.
- Support researchers in relocating labs and equipment to prepare for operation.
- Maintain, repair, and operate large equipment such as vacuum pumps, air compressors, and mechanical systems across all Aerospace Engineering facilities, including off-campus sites.
- Serve as backup support for instructional lab courses.
Safety, Compliance, and Security (15%)
- Support the Aerospace Department's Safety Committee and Emergency Response Team.
- Maintain active certifications in CPR, first aid, and AED.
- Interface with the College of Engineering safety committee.
- Assist in developing and implementing the department's laboratory safety program.
- Serve as backup authorized key signer and grant card access when needed.
Logistics & Operations Support (10%)
- Serve as lead for loading dock operations, including tracking of incoming and outgoing deliveries and housekeeping.
- Provide backup support for shipping and receiving operations.
- Serve as backup for the Laboratory/Classroom Services Manager.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, facilities management, or related field required or an equivalent combination of education and experience with operating, maintaining, and repairing mechanical components.
- Proven experience supporting research operations in laboratory environments.
- Ability to effectively use and operate various tools and equipment, and a high skill level with basic hand tools.
- Ability to effectively move equipment and materials that can weigh at least 50 pounds.
- Ability to travel throughout various areas of building(s) with or without stairs/elevators.
- Ability to work and interact professionally and effectively with faculty, staff, and students.
- Strong knowledge of safety, compliance, and hazardous materials protocols.
- Competency with using a personal computer, email, and software (e.g. gmail, Microsoft products).
- Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively and coordinate efforts across multiple stakeholders.
Desired Qualifications*
- Extensive experience in facilities/infrastructure management preferred.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes here.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
About University of Michigan
Why Work at Michigan?
Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care — that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
Workplace Culture
The University of Michigan is committed to establishing, supporting and maintaining a culture where all members of the U-M community feel safe and supported.
Our Values
- Values guide our choices and actions. From how we hire and promote, make decisions, educate, conduct research, provide care, and treat one another. We strive to ensure the following values reflect who we are and what we stand for.
- Integrity - We act with honesty and take responsibility for our actions.
- Respect - We act in a way that acknowledges the humanity and contributions of each individual.
- Inclusion- We create an environment where all can participate, are invited to contribute, and have a sense of belonging.
- Equity - We create conditions that provide everyone an opportunity to thrive.
- Diversity - We welcome, acknowledge and appreciate our similarities and differences.
- Innovation - We promote creativity and curiosity to tackle challenges and inspire new ideas.
More about Working at U-M
- Our commitment to campus culture
- Our commitment to faculty and staff well-being
- Our commitment to employee engagement
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