Science Facilities Manager

Duke University:

 

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

 

Be You.

 

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Science Facilities Manager, you’ll be a vital part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary community supporting faculty, staff, and students as they pursue innovative teaching and research across Trinity’s science facilities. Your work ensures that every learner and researcher has a safe, functional, and inspiring environment in which to thrive.

 

Be Bold.

 

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Infrastructure & Research Operations, the Science Facilities Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of Trinity’s science facilities, ensuring safe, reliable, and functional environments for teaching and research. The role provides operational oversight of laboratory infrastructure, shared equipment, and facility readiness, working closely with faculty, departments, and Facilities Management (FMD). This position supports emergency response, safety compliance, minor renovation coordination, and the ongoing maintenance of shared research environments across multiple buildings.

 

What You’ll Do

Science Facilities Management

• Manage, oversee, and monitor the physical, environmental, and security conditions of Trinity’s science facilities, including classrooms, offices, teaching labs, research labs, shared equipment spaces, and support areas. 
• Coordinate with FMD and building users to plan and communicate utility shutdowns, preventive maintenance, and repairs. Support continuity of research and instructional activities during building system impacts. 
• Clarify and resolve facilities-related issues, submitting and tracking work orders and service requests to FMD. 
• Conduct routine building rounds and inspections. Meet regularly with FMD maintenance and custodial teams to monitor service levels, address issues, and escalate concerns as needed. 
• Represent Trinity and faculty interests in all facilities-related discussions with FMD, vendors, and contractors. 
• Assist the Assistant Director in prioritizing repair and renewal projects for building systems serving science facilities. 

Research Operations & Lab Infrastructure Support

• Provide operational support for specialized research infrastructure, including fume hoods, cold rooms, autoclaves, tissue culture rooms, RO/DI water, compressed gases, and vacuum systems. 
• Coordinate with FMD shops, vendors, and departments on equipment installation, maintenance, and emergency repairs. 
• Oversee minor non-capital laboratory renovations and modifications, including lab decommissioning, relocation, startup, and equipment installations. 
• Monitor day-to-day use of shared lab equipment rooms and building-level research support spaces. 
• Support Trinity’s planning efforts for lab swing space and long-range infrastructure renewal by participating in lab decommissioning and equipment transition planning. 

Laboratory Safety, Security & Emergency Preparedness

• Serve as Trinity’s key point of contact, alongside the Assistant Director, for laboratory safety and building compliance in coordination with the Office of Environmental Safety (OESO), Fire & Life Safety, FMD, and the City of Durham Fire Marshal. 
• Support inspections by following up with department business managers, faculty, and staff to address deficiencies and maintain operational readiness. 
• Assist with building-specific signage, safety communications, and lab compliance with OESO protocols for hazardous materials and regulated research activities. 
• In emergency situations such as system shutdowns, lab evacuations, or water events, coordinate with FMD, OESO, and Emergency Management on response and recovery planning. Ensure communication between affected departments and Trinity leadership. 
• Coordinate laboratory access and manage card/key permissions for shared research spaces, maintaining secure and up-to-date access re