Manager of Physical Operations

Job Description

The Department of Biochemistry has an outstanding full-time opportunity for a Manager of Physical Operations.

About this Opportunity

Under the direction of the Department Chair and Director, the individual will oversee the physical operations of a large and complex department, serving as the primary resource for department faculty, staff, students and postdocs regarding operational concerns, including building repairs and modifications, equipment, and safety issues; responsible for planning and ensuring daily operations, overseeing core staff, and facilitating communications throughout the organization.  

Position Complexities:

This is a critical role for managing facilities and physical operations of a large and complex biomedical science department which houses ~23 science labs, two service-recharge centers, administrative offices and shared and lab science equipment. This role will require an effective and competent manager who will be familiar with scientific research environment, comfortable working with vendors and UW Facilities to oversee the necessary equipment maintenance and repairs, space management and every other aspect of physical operations. Will work closely with department chair and faculty, as well as the administrative team in a collaborative and efficient way. Enthusiasm, motivation, good sense and decision -making ability is required.

Position Dimensions and Impact to the University:

The Department of Biochemistry is part of the University of Washington School of Medicine and is comprised of 23 labs addressing leading edge questions in biology and medicine using a broad range of approaches including biochemistry and biophysics, cell and molecular biology, developmental biology, spatial omics, and protein structure and design. Biochemistry is a collaborative department supported by diverse academic disciplines, with extensive collaborations within UW and worldwide.

The role of the Physical Operations Manager is critically important to ensure smooth functioning of all key operations, including the cutting-edge research conducted in the science labs. This role will be involved in overseeing adherence to EH&S safety standards in addition to ensuring timely maintenance of expensive and sensitive scientific equipment, working with vendors and overseeing the maintenance contracts, and a wide range of many faceted physical operations in support of the departmental and School of Medicine mission of research, education and healthcare.

Key Responsibilities

Job duties will include:  

•    Manage departmental inventory records ($45M) to ensure compliance with university, state and federal audit standards – 10%
•    Oversee appropriate storage, surplus or disposal of sensitive lab equipment and furniture – 10%
•    Develop and maintain department’s fire safety and evacuation policies and procedures, including training materials for personnel regarding departmental safety and evacuation plans to meet state, local and university policy and legal requirements – 10%
•    Assist incoming faculty with organizing their new labs to operate effectively and efficiently. Manage the transition and setup of their lab equipment for operation including forecasting and troubleshooting problems – 10%
•    Provide oversight and maintain coverage for the departmental glassware washing and autoclave facilities, the Biochemistry Stores, and other services as may be necessary, including rate proposal preparation for the Stores – 10%
•    Maintain department shared resources and equipment, including budget management of service contracts, and support the facilities needs of the Beckman Cryo-EM Center and Neurath Biophysics Core – 10%
•    Serve as building access coordinator – 10%
•    Maintain accuracy of departmental space records in the UW Space Manager system – 10%
•    Oversee laboratory renovations and projects, including budget management of work orders – 10%
•    Provide reporting as requested for use in the planning, budgeting, interpreting and reviewing of operations to achieve the strategic goals of the department – 5%
•    Other duties as assigned – 5%

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.”

Minimum Requirements

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Bachelor's Degree in business or facilities administration, life sciences or related field and 4 years demonstrated exper