IGNITE Laboratory Manager

Florida State University; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida State University in Tallahassee seeks an experienced Laboratory Manager for the IGNITE incubation program. The role focuses on maintaining shared laboratories, guiding resident companies, and ensuring BSL-2 safety compliance, with oversight of student assistants.

The position reports to the IGNITE Program Director and collaborates with FSU EHS and biosafety personnel to support research, product development, and startup activities within the campus and regional ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and two years’ experience or an equivalent combination of post-high school education and experience (total six years).
• Familiarity with biosafety protocols, GMP, and lab & hazardous waste management preferred.
• Previous experience managing user facilities, core facilities, manufacturing facilities, or biotech startup incubator facilities highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Maintain IGNITE Shared Laboratories - oversee daily operations, maintain scientific instrumentation and records, coordinate maintenance and compliance.
• Support IGNITE Resident Members - provide scientific and technical guidance, training, and policy development; manage shared lab usage and space allocation.
• Maintain BSL-2 Compliance - ensure safety training, documentation, and waste handling are up to date, and coordinate with contractors.
• Supervise Laboratory Student Assistant(s) – recruit, select, train, and oversee IGNITE student lab assistants.

Skills

Biosafety protocols

GMP

Lab & hazardous waste management

Facility management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Department

The Office of the Vice President for Research is looking to fill the role of Laboratory Manger for IGNITE. The IGNITE Incubation Program promotes, encourages, and enhances the research activities of FSU faculty, staff, and students, and brings together the strengths of FSU and the region, providing a critical interface to move university and community research into the marketplace, stimulate high-tech and biotech industries, and create jobs. Clients are FSU faculty, staff, and students; small business owners; and technology and economic development leaders in the community, especially representatives of government, business, and industry.

Responsibilities

The position reports directly to the IGNITE Program Director. The IGNITE Laboratory Manager provides direct client facing laboratory and research specialized program support for the IGNITE incubation program.

The IGNITE Laboratory Manager maintains and develops the laboratory facilities in the IGNITE incubation program and works with incubator companies to provide training and support related to their research efforts, product development and other aspects critical to small business development.

• Maintain IGNITE Shared Laboratories - Oversee daily operations, maintain scientific instrumentation and property records, identify equipment needs, and coordinate maintenance. Negotiate service contracts and vendor pricing, set up tax-exempt accounts, and keep accurate service records for critical safety equipment operation and scheduling inspections and re-certifications (biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, safety showers, eyewash stations). Ensure facilities and equipment comply with FSU safety regulations in coordination with FSU EHS and Biosafety personnel.
• Support IGNITE Resident Members - Provide scientific and technical guidance to help resident companies operate successfully at FSU. Deliver training, track compliance, and develop related policies and procedures. Manage shared lab usage, including equipment access, storage, and space allocation. Meet with current and prospective members for lab tours, needs assessments, and equipment planning. Connect companies with technical services and scientific instrumentation across FSU and regional campuses, including core facilities.
• Maintain BSL-2 Compliance - Identify and mitigate safety and security concerns, enforce compliance, and ensure personnel receive required training. Maintain current safety documentation, policies, emergency contacts, signage, and biosafety manuals. Coordinate biomedical and chemical waste pickups with contractors and ensure proper packaging, labeling, manifests, and documentation.

Supervise Laboratory Student Assistant(s) – Recruit, select, assign, train, and oversee IGNITE student laboratory assistants.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and two years’ experience or a combination of post high school education and experience equal to six years.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with biosafety protocols, GMP, and/or lab & hazardous waste management preferred. Previous experience managing user facilities, core facilities, manufacturing facilities, or bio/tech startup incubator facilities highly desired.

Contact Info

Cassidy Cooksey at [e-mail]

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!

Learn more about our university and campuses.

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Considerations

This is an A&P position.

This position is being advertised as open until filled.

This position is being readvertised. Previous applicants need not reapply.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.