OVPR Research Facility Specialist

OVPR Research Facility Specialist

Apply now Search #: 499684

Work type: Full-time

Location: UConn Storrs

Categories: Laboratory and Research Operations

JOB SUMMARY

The Research Infrastructure Unit of the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) seeks a Facility Professional/P3 to serve as a primary contact for all facility operations in OVPR Research Buildings with a primary focus at the Innovation Partnership Building (IPB). This position serves as a resource for faculty, staff, students, and facilities staff by providing oversight of building functions, serving as a liaison between occupants and Facility Operations, Inventory Control, Key Control, Custodial Services, Buildings and Grounds, Environmental Health and Safety, and Public Safety.

This position ensures smooth research operations in the midst of ongoing and future mechanical, plumbing, utility, and automated systems adjustments and throughout building maintenance procedures. Reporting directly to the Facilities Manager in the OVPR Research Infrastructure Unit, this position provides critical scientific support services for faculty, staff and students engaged in a variety of research types. This position supports the Facility Manager in carrying out research support duties in other OVPR Research Buildings including, but not limited to, Science One as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as initial point of contact for building occupants for all routine and emergency maintenance and repair requests:
• Walks the building daily to monitor condition of building and facilities.
• Works with faculty and staff to identify, evaluate and/or fix building problems.
• Initiates work orders to Facilities Operations to describe, correct and follow-up on issues.
• Works with facilities personnel to give them access to space when needed.
• Responds to emergencies and facilitate emergency repairs; serve as primary emergency contact 24 hours a day/365 days per year (except during approved time off).
• Responsible for building security, including maintenance of keys and the electronic security system; work closely with Key Control Department.
• Monitors and interact with the Building Management System, requiring knowledge of a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) such as the Facilities Asset Management Information System (FAMIS), or similar.
• Maintains cleanliness and appearance and ensures proper security and safety of Innovation Partnership Building loading dock: assists with large deliveries and returns.
• Maintains the material/equipment parking, attic spaces, and other workshops; ensure accessibility for temporary storage of equipment between delivery to the IPB and its installation elsewhere.
• Performs installations, alterations and repair of existing furniture/cabinetry/racks, etc.
• Prepares rooms/laboratories as they are repurposed, which includes removing equipment, furniture, office and laboratory supplies, etc.; coordinates and provides oversight of renovation work performed by others such as Facilities Academic Renovations.
• Performs and/or assists with small equipment repair and/or the assessment of whether the repairs should be performed by external or internal technical services providers.
• In collaboration with the Lab Services and Safety Manager, may install or provide assistance with the installation of laboratory equipment.
• Purchases materials and supplies for maintenance and renovation projects; maintain standing orders with vendors.
• Applies knowledge of hazardous material safety and handling information as it relates to duties of the Building Manager.
• Assists the Department Safety Committee and IPB Laboratory Safety Technician in developing appropriate presentations on safety-related building issues and proper maintenance of building infrastructure (e.g. house vacuum, recirculating chilled water, steam, house air, house nitrogen, etc.).
• Monitors the house liquid nitrogen tank, argon and filling station; refills the large liquid nitrogen Dewars.
• Prepares and communicates via email building-related issues to building occupants.
• Serves as an Asset Manager:
• Serves as primary contact to Inventory Control.
• Labels, records and tracks all assets using KFS; performs the annual physical inventory audits.
• Records, organizes and monitors the disposal of tagged equipment; organizes the disposal of non-tagged materials.
• Assists the IPB Laboratory Safety Technician to maintain, monitor, and ensure proper safety and security of scientific lab equipment.
• Provides similar support to Science One or other OVPR building occupants as requested.
• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 3 years of demonstrated related experience, knowledge, and skills in a variety of trades such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems that are relevant to the efficient and effective operation of a large building (e.g. 200,000 sf), its mechanical systems and equipment or a combination of training and experience. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.
• Carpentry experience and working knowledge of a variety of hand and power tools and equipment.
• Experience in specifying and purchasing parts or equipment.
• Experience with the Microsoft office suite (particularly spreadsheets, basic word processing and presentation software).
• Demonstrated verbal and written communications skills.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills.
• Experience working cooperatively and constructively with diverse constituents, such as students, faculty, and staff, and building and maintaining positive relationships.
• Experience assessing and managing the needs of constituents, communicating those needs to management and staff, and evaluating operations and services to resolve or mitigate issues.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience serving as a building manager in an academic or industry setting.
• Experience utilizing job-appropriate online databases and tools (such as KUALI, FAMIS, etc.).

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits, please visit UConn Health Benefits and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves and Engagement & Learning headers. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The successful incumbent must be willing and able to work occasional weekend and evening hours as needed and able to be on call to report to work during emergency closures, inclement weather, or for significant events that affect building operations and functionality. The successful incumbent must be able to move and lift containers weighing up to 50 pounds to and from locations varying in height from 10 to 36 inches.

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499684 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the stated minimum qualifications, and any preferred qualifications they may possess, in their application materials.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on August 11, 2026.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee's unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran's status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.

Advertised: Jul 21 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Aug 11 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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Position Department Search # Location Closes OVPR Research Facility Specialist Ctr Open Research Resrcs/Equip 499684 UConn Storrs Aug 11 2026 The Research Infrastructure Unit of the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) seeks a Facility Professional/P3 to serve as a primary contact for all facility operations in OVPR Research Buildings with a primary focus at the Innovation Partnership Building (IPB).

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