Manager, Animal Research Facilities

The Manager of  Engineering Animal Research Facilities supports the planning, operation, and continuous improvement of vivarium infrastructure. This role is responsible for ensuring that the physical plant - including HVAC systems, cagewash equipment, autoclaves, and related infrastructure operates reliably to support animal care, research activities, and regulatory compliance.

Working in close partnership with the Institute for Animal Studies (IAS) and campus Engineering team, this position plays a key role in maintaining high-quality research environments and advancing institutional research goals.

This position reports directly to the Senior Director of Engineering Multicampus and has a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Director, IAS.

Key Responsibilities:

Vivarium Facility Oversight & Compliance

• Assist the IAS Director in overseeing the operation of all animal facilities to ensure they meet the needs of research programs and animal welfare standards.
• Conduct routine inspections of vivaria to assess HVAC performance, cagewash and sterilization equipment (e.g., autoclaves), and overall facility conditions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and accreditation standards, including AAALAC, USDA, OLAW, and institutional IACUC requirements.
• Identify facility-related deficiencies and initiate, coordinate, and track corrective actions.
• Support preparation for regulatory inspections and accreditation site visits.

Facilities Coordination & Infrastructure Management

• Serve as the primary liaison between IAS and campus Engineering team regarding vivarium infrastructure needs.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance, repairs, and emergency response for critical building systems impacting animal facilities.
• Partner with internal teams and external vendors to ensure timely resolution of facility issues while minimizing disruption to research and animal care.
• Monitor performance of critical systems (HVAC, pressure relationships, temperature/humidity controls) essential to maintaining appropriate animal environments.

Project Management

• Lead and manage facility-related projects, including renovations, equipment upgrades, and infrastructure improvements within vivaria.
• Ensure projects are executed with minimal impact on ongoing research activities and animal care operations.

Budget & Resource Management

• Assist in managing operational and capital budgets related to vivarium infrastructure.
• Track expenditures for maintenance, repairs, and capital improvements.
• Support lifecycle planning for critical equipment and systems.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Life Sciences, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 5+ years of relevant experience in facilities, project management, or operations, preferably within an academic, research, or healthcare environment.
• Experience supporting animal research facilities or other regulated environments preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Working knowledge of building systems (HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing) in complex research environments.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks governing animal research (AAALAC, USDA, OLAW, IACUC) preferred.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative academic environment.

Preferred Certifications

• PMP (Project Management Professional) or equivalent
• Certified Facility Manager (CFM) or similar credential

Working Relationships

• Reports to: Senior Director of Engineering (Multicampus)
• Dotted-line reporting to: Director, IAS

Work Environment

• Academic research setting with multiple vivarium locations
• Combination of office-based work and on-site facility inspections
• May require occasional after-hours support for urgent facility issues