Research Facilities Manager

Posting Number:

PG195028EP

Internal Recruitment :

No

Working Title:

Research Facilities Manager

Anticipated Hiring Range:

Commenusrate with education and experience (anticipated hiring range $60,000-$70,000)

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with additional hours outside the standard schedule as needed to meet operational requirements.

Job Location:

Raleigh, NC

Department :

Integrative Sciences Initiative

About the Department:

Woodson Hall is a $180 million interdisciplinary research and educational facility located on NC State University’s North Campus. Designed to advance scientific discovery and transform the educational experience, Woodson Hall brings together research and teaching in an environment that encourages collaboration, innovation and exploration. Its state-of-the-art facilities provide faculty, researchers and students with opportunities to pursue new ideas and address complex challenges across disciplines.

Woodson Hall fosters an environment where research, teaching and learning intersect. By connecting classroom learning with scientific discovery, the building creates opportunities for students to explore new perspectives and develop the skills to become tomorrow’s scientific leaders.
More than an academic building, Woodson Hall is a hub for discovery, education and engagement. By putting science on display and inviting the community to participate in the journey of discovery, Woodson Hall strengthens NC State’s connection to North Carolina and the world.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits:

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!
  
  

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties:

As the Research Facilities Manager, you will provide independent operational leadership for Woodson Hall, a $180 million interdisciplinary research facility. Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will oversee facility operations, infrastructure integrity, laboratory safety, regulatory compliance, and space logistics across specialized laboratories and shared research environments. You will establish facility operating procedures, coordinate contractors and vendors, manage space and equipment resources, and address complex facility and equipment issues. You will also enforce safety requirements and direct corrective actions to protect university assets, minimize risk, and maintain a safe, functional environment that supports research continuity.


Key Responsibilities:


Research Facility Infrastructure & Operational Governance

• Facility Operations & Leadership: Exercise primary operational authority over daily facilities operations, infrastructure integrity, and technical environment readiness across Woodson Hall’s specialized research laboratories, core facilities, and collaborative spaces.
• Technical Problem-Solving & Equipment Management: Independently analyze, diagnose, and resolve complex facility, mechanical, and specialized equipment failures, including HVAC and fume hood controls, compressed gas delivery systems, pure water systems, and environmental controls. Determine and implement corrective strategies to protect research continuity and prevent loss of biological or chemical assets and experimental data.
• Vendor & Preventative Maintenance Oversight: Evaluate, negotiate, and approve vendor scopes of work and service contracts for specialized research equipment and building systems. Determine repair, replacement, and preventative maintenance priorities, and establish equipment lifecycle plans to minimize research downtime.
• Operational Coordination & University Liaison: Serve as the designated building manager and primary liaison to university units, including Facilities Operations, Utilities & Engineering, and Housekeeping, as well as external contractors. Coordinate building access, authorize operational work, and balance competing facility requirements across research groups and departments.
  
  

Laboratory Safety, Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Safety Policies & Procedures: Develop, establish, and enforce facility-specific Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standard operating procedures, chemical and hazardous material protocols, and biosafety guidelines in accordance with federal, state, and university requirements.
• Safety Audits & Regulatory Compliance: Lead safety audits, hazard assessments, and chemical inventory compliance programs across Woodson Hall research spaces. Coordinate required inspections, fire and life-safety drills, hazard reviews, and safety training verification to ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DEQ, and university safety policies.
• Corrective Actions & Safety Enforcement: Exercise independent authority to mandate corrective actions, require operational modifications, or suspend non-compliant research activities until applicable safety requirements are met.
• Emergency Preparedness & Response: Develop and manage building emergency action plans, disaster recovery protocols, and crisis response procedures. Serve as the primary operational leader during facility emergencies, including hazardous spills, utility failures, and environmental alarms, making decisions to safeguard personnel, infrastructure, and research assets.
  
  

Strategic Space Logistics, Facility Planning & Policy Execution

• Space Allocation & Laboratory Planning: Manage space allocation and workflow planning for incoming, expanding, or transitioning research laboratories. Evaluate space, utility, structural, and equipment requirements to plan and authorize laboratory moves, space turnovers, and specialized equipment installations.
• Facility Planning & Strategic Recommendations: Evaluate long-term facility needs and infrastructure capabilities. Develop recommendations for the Director of Operations regarding capital improvements, space reconfigurations, infrastructure upgrades, and operational budget allocations to support research growth.
• Facility Documentation & Records Management: Establish and maintain facility documentation systems, including standard operating procedures, asset registries, maintenance logs, regulatory compliance certifications, warranty records, and emergency contacts.
• Research Community Coordination: Serve as the central operational point of contact for principal investigators, faculty, department heads, and research staff. Resolve operational conflicts and coordinate facility resources across interdisciplinary research teams.
  
  

Join NC State University and play an essential role in maintaining the infrastructure, safety, and operational readiness that enable research innovation and continuity at Woodson Hall. If you are an experienced facilities professional who can independently lead complex research facility operations, oversee laboratory safety and regulatory compliance, and make critical decisions that support a highly specialized research environment, we welcome you to apply.

Other Responsibilities:

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department’s operations.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Health & Safety, Scientific Infrastructure Management, or a related technical/scientific discipline.

Other Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated track record of exercising independent judgment, administrative discretion, and decision-making authority in a complex technical or scientific environment.
• Working knowledge of specialized laboratory infrastructure (HVAC, fume hoods, pure water systems, process gas, hazardous waste management) and environmental health and safety regulations (OSHA, EPA, NFPA).
• Strong technical problem-solving, risk assessment, conflict resolution, and project management capabilities.
• Excellent professional communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with university executives, faculty researchers, regulatory officials, and facility engineering staff.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience managing facilities, laboratory operations, or research facility administration in a complex research, academic, or high-tech laboratory environment.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of progressive administrative and operational leadership experience managing multi-disciplinary research facilities or complex scientific infrastructure.
• Professional certifications in facilities management (e.g., CFM, FMP) or safety/compliance (e.g., CHMM, CSP, CIH).
• Proven experience establishing operational SOPs, managing regulatory compliance audits, and directing emergency response protocols within a high-throughput chemical or biological research building.

Required License(s) or Certification(s):

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required:

No

Commercial Driver's License required:

No

Job Open Date:

11/11/2026

Anticipated Close Date:

11/24/2026; if posting is still active we are accepting and reviewing applications.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In addition to your application, please submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for at least three professional references.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Position Number:

00112448

Position Type:

EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week):

1.0

Appointment:

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather:

Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events:

Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID:

231040 - Integrative Sciences Initiative

EEO:

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.