Incubator Research Facilities Lead (12 Month Salaried)

Florida State University; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida State University invites applications for the Incubator Research Facilities Lead role in Tallahassee. This 12-month salaried position supports IGNITE incubator companies by aligning lab capabilities with product development needs and coordinating core facilities and partners.

The candidate will manage shared lab operations, ensure biosafety compliance, and train interns, with a preference for advanced biosafety and GMP experience. This is a full-time, on-site role, open until filled.

Qualifications

• Master's degree and 4+ years direct experience in managing laboratory or specialized facilities.
• Experience with biosafety protocols, GMP standards, and lab/hazardous waste management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Acts as the primary technical resource for IGNITE incubator companies.
• Advises resident companies on laboratory capabilities and equipment needs.
• Oversees day-to-day shared lab operations and safety compliance; maintains records and training.

Skills

Laboratory management

Facilities coordination

Education

Master's degree

Tools

Biosafety protocols

Job description

Job Title: Incubator Research Facilities Lead (12 Month Salaried)
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 63776

Department

IGNITE Tallahassee is looking to fill the role of its Incubator Research Facilities Lead.

Responsibilities

This position serves as the primary technical resource for IGNITE incubator companies operating within the program. Advises resident companies on laboratory capabilities for their product development and R&D. Conducts consultative meetings with current and prospective members to assess research and equipment needs and to scope how laboratory resources can support company goals. Connects resident clients with specialized technical services and scientific instrumentation available through FSU core facilities and research partners.

Is responsible for management of the shared research laboratory facilities supporting IGNITE and affiliated research members and clients. Evaluates and identifies equipment needs to keep pace with clients’ research demands. Establishes and manages the maintenance, safety, and service program for research equipment, including negotiation of service contracts and vendor relationships. Oversees day-to-day shared lab operations—including preventative maintenance and servicing scientific instrumentation across IGNITE-managed and affiliated research space, including but not limited to chemical fume hoods and exhaust systems, tissue culture cabinets, autoclaves, centrifuges, and cold storage refrigeration up to -80*C. Establishes policies and procedures governing shared lab usage, storage, and space allocation to optimize the research environment for multiple concurrent member projects. Maintains and upkeeps shared instrumentation, use training, usage schedule, and client customer service. Responsible for keeping records up-to-date that pertain to certification, client use logs, safety testing.

Establishes and maintains Biosafety Level 2 compliance for IGNITE-managed labs. Ensures client personnel are trained and oriented appropriately for their research workflow and up to biosafety standards. Identifies and mitigates safety and regulatory risk to ongoing research activity; maintains safety and compliance documentation. Coordinates with FSU EHS and Biosafety personnel on regulatory compliance matters. Directs proper handling, packaging, labeling, and documentation of lab and hazardous waste in coordination with appropriate contractors.

Recruits, trains, and supervises student interns and OPS laboratory assistants supporting the research program, assigning duties and overseeing their development as research support staff.

Qualifications

Master's degree and 4 years’ direct experience in managing laboratory or specialized facilities (e.g. bio manufacturing, scale-up engineering, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

Our preferred candidate would hold a Master’s degree or Ph.D. and have experience with biosafety protocols, GMP standards, and/or lab and hazardous waste management. Experience managing user facilities, core facilities, manufacturing facilities, or engineering/bio 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 Florida State University and our campuses

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Considerations

This is a Faculty position.

This position is being advertised as open until filled.

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

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.