"Lab and Research Spec II - Instrument and Facility Manager - Discovery Lab"

Job Description

Virginia Tech's Department of Biochemistry seeks a versatile Instrument and Equipment Manager with experience in maintaining specialized scientific instruments as well as working directly with undergraduate students in a research setting. The Manager will directly support Virginia Tech's Discovery Lab, a one-of-a-kind environment outfitted with specialized instruments and equipment that permits the execution of STEM-based projects ranging from hypothesis testing and protype development. Students work with both academic and industry scientists, developing the durable skills required of the modern technical workforce.

The Instrument and Facility Manager's responsibilities will include overseeing the operation, maintenance, and optimization of the Discovery Lab's instruments and equipment; providing training and technical support for Discovery Lab users - students, faculty/staff, industry representatives, and community members; and collaborate with Discovery Lab leadership team members to co-create undergraduate research experiences. Responsibilities also include ensuring Discovery Lab research and academic programs comply with all VT Environmental Health and Safety regulations.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career trajectory. This includes skills and abilities gained outside an academic environment, and/or an equivalent skill set that can be directly applied to this position. We encourage those that have a strong desire to support this facility to apply and share how you meet the position's qualifications.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in sciences or engineering, or equivalent years of education and training; Experience and interest in working with undergraduate students; Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team; Strong organizational skills and attentional to detail; Ability to negotiate instrument and equipment service contracts; Strong project and time management skills; Ability to balance equipment management tasks, urgent issues, training workshops, and technical support sessions; Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including (but not limited too) the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders (e.g. undergraduate students, faculty, external technicians and industry representatives), the ability to translate technical issues into clear and actional information, and collaborate with faculty and students to manage the Discovery Lab's Technical Spaces; Technical expertise in scientific instrumentation, including a deep working knowledge of common analytical instruments (e.g. mass spectrometry, gas/liquid chromatography, elemental analysis) and the electronic/mechanical principles behind them, general knowledge of electronics and electronic devices, and general knowledge of computers and scientific software.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in science or engineering; Prior experience working in a higher education/academic lab setting OR Research and Development (R&D) lab on equipment maintenance and repair; Previous experience working with faculty or professionals from different disciplines; Continuous improvement mindset and a willingness to continue their technical training; Interest in learning more about collaborative teaching and student-centered pedagogies.

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$55,000 - $60,000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

11/23/2025

Additional Information

Applicants are encouraged to include a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references when applying to this position.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check. Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.