Job No. 156722
- Job Title:
- Lab Operations Manager
- Employer:
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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Location:
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Ann Arbor , MI
- Posting Date:
- 14-Oct-2025
- Description:
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Job Summary
The University of Michigan Department of Aerospace Engineering is hiring a Lab Operations Manager. Reporting to the Unit Administrator, you will ensure laboratory safety and compliance by maintaining standards, managing emergency response teams, and communicating safety issues. You will manage a technical support team, overseeing performance, delegating tasks, and handling the technical center budget. You will address facility concerns, maintaining space assignments, and overseeing maintenance of specialized facilities. You will also manage renovation projects, collaborating on construction projects, and working with architects and contractors.
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.
Responsibilities*
25% Laboratory Safety and Compliance:
Establish and maintain standards of laboratory and personnel safety, ensuring OSHA compliance.
Represent the department on the safety committee and AERO Internal Controls Committee, participating in monthly meetings.
Manage and coordinate the emergency response team, and plan and direct training exercises for various emergencies.
Maintain the chemical hygiene plan, material safety data sheets, and spill protection, control, and countermeasures.
Work with faculty and staff on lab use for research and teaching, identifying potential safety issues.
Communicate facility and safety issues to the AERO community and department leadership.
25% Technical Support Team Management:
Plan, coordinate, and supervise technical support for instructional and research labs.
Provide supervisory guidance, including performance appraisals, work schedules, career development, safety, and discipline.
Delegate work to ensure equitable distribution of responsibilities among the Tech Team.
Ensure consistent use of the Team Dynamics system to manage requests from faculty, staff, and students.
Delegate and monitor tickets daily, ensuring timely updates and resolution.
Administer the technical center budget, order equipment and supplies, and maintain technicians timekeeping and payroll.
25% Facilities Management:
Act as the point of contact for facility concerns such as temperature, repairs, and space requests.
Maintain a database of space assignments and updated floor plans.
Conduct space utilization analysis and make recommendations for optimal lab configuration.
Manage building and lab access systems.
Oversee maintenance for academic and research facilities, including specialized power-generating, high-vacuum, and high-pressure air pumping facilities.
Consult with users and vendors to ensure safe operational standards, maintenance, and repair of systems.
25% Facilities Renovation:
Manage and oversee renovation projects for academic and research facilities.
Collaborate with the Office of Facilities Planning on construction and renovation projects, ensuring safety and compliance.
Design, fabricate, and install digital, analog, and electromechanical systems for research projects.
Conduct special facility-related projects as assigned, including planning and coordinating construction and renovation projects.
Serve as a liaison with architects and contractors
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree in engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Supervisory experience
Strong knowledge of laboratory materials, methods, and equipment
Experience with the design and fabrication of laboratory equipment
Experience with hazardous materials handling and OSHA regulations
Knowledge of facility maintenance, including power-generating equipment, large air & vacuum systems, HVAC, electrical systems, and water pumps
Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and plumbing as it relates to renovation and construction
Intermediate project management skills, such as scheduling and budgeting
Excellent organization and technical skills, including the ability to organize complex operations, interpret technical plans, and relay updates respectfully and timely
Excellent communication skills and ability to effectively work with a large and diverse population of faculty, students, staff, and visitors
Demonstrated ability to work under pressure of deadlines and competing priorities
High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
- Contact information:
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- United States
- Employer's Website:
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