Laboratory Facilities and Equipment Manager (Lab Mechanic)

Indiana University Indianapolis; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Laboratory Facilities and Equipment Manager to oversee the maintenance and operation of laboratory spaces. This role involves ensuring compliance with safety regulations, managing inventory, and collaborating with faculty on project designs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in maintenance and fabrication, along with the ability to operate various power tools and equipment. Join a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in research and education, where your contributions will directly impact the scientific community and enhance the learning environment for students and faculty alike.

Qualifications

• 2 years of maintenance/repair/fabrication experience required.
• Knowledge of construction, installation, and repair methods essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversees laboratory maintenance and operation, ensuring safety compliance.
• Manages inventory and vendor relationships for laboratory supplies.
• Collaborates with faculty to design and fabricate lab equipment.

Skills

Ability to work in a safe and efficient manner

Knowledge of materials, methods, and tools

Ability to read blueprints and schematics

Ability to use a computer

Ability to operate stationary power equipment

Ability to operate power tools and hand tools

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Power tools

Stationary power equipment

Job description

Laboratory Facilities and Equipment Manager (Lab Mechanic)

Indiana University Indianapolis School of Science is a vital part of Indiana's life, health, and technology industries and allows for unparalleled research and collaboration. We are home to 8 departments and programs representing many different aspects of the science world. Our faculty and staff are committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service.

Department-Specific Responsibilities:

• Oversees the maintenance and operation of laboratory spaces, including equipment and safety systems.
• Manages inventory for teaching laboratories, including ordering, receipt, and storage of reagents, consumables, and equipment.
• Ensures compliance with safety regulations and manages the departmental safety program including safety training for undergraduate and graduate students, post docs and principal investigators for research laboratories and safety training for laboratory prep staff, laboratory supervisors, teaching assistants, and adjuncts.
• Coordinates maintenance and repairs of building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical with the Associate Project Manager and facilities services for the School of Science.
• Manages vendor relationships and oversees external contractors for specialized maintenance or repairs.
• Oversees renovations within areas under the supervision of Biology.
• Assists with budget management for facilities-related expenses.
• Responds to emergency situations and coordinates necessary actions.
• Conducts regular inspections of facilities and generates reports on issues or areas for improvement.
• Coordinates with other university departments, centers and Purdue University to ensure efficient use of shared resources.
• Interfaces with University Information and Technology Services and faculty and staff.
• Coordinates with faculty and staff in regards to equipment needed for Biology research and teaching laboratories.

General Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with faculty, staff and researchers to plan and design projects and/or studies blueprints, sketches, or plans to determine hardware and materials required and dimensions of structure to be fabricated.
• Diagnoses problems and determines corrective actions.
• Contacts manufacturer for parts, design specs and manuals.
• Rebuilds, rewires, and repairs precision lab production equipment; calibrate and reinstall to operational status.
• Sets up and operates power tools and machinery to size, plane, joint, shape, cut and sand lumber to desired dimensions.
• Fabricates, constructs and installs various lab apparatuses from wood or metal (fixtures, stands, supports, shelves counter tops, desktops, etc.).
• Responds to maintenance emergencies and makes repairs to facilities and equipment.
• Maintains and performs preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment and shop power equipment and tools.
• Instructs users on common maintenance tips and procedures.
• Performs arc wielding and brazing as necessary.
• Performs other general building maintenance as needed.

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or equivalent (such as HSED or GED).

Work Experience

• 2 years of maintenance/repair/fabrication experience in areas such as basic mechanical, carpentry, electrical and metal fabrication.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

• Valid drivers license and ability to be insured by Indiana University upon date of hire.

Skills

• Ability to work in a safe and efficient manner.
• Knowledge of materials, methods, and tools involved in the construction, installation or repair of equipment and facilities.
• Ability to read blueprints and schematics.
• Ability to use a computer.
• Ability to operate stationary power equipment (table saw, planer, jointer, sander, lathe, radial arm saw, drill press, lathe, milling machine and band saw, etc.), power tools (saws, planes, router, drills, grinder, sanders, etc.) and hand tools.

The role regularly requires the ability to effectively communicate. The role frequently requires the ability to move about the work environment and to position oneself to operate laboratory equipment effectively. The role requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds and will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Indiana University Indianapolis is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring.