Job Details

Facility Coordinator: Department of Biology - UTK

Position Number: 6350198
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Agriculture - Animal Science

Facility Coordinator: Department of Biology - UTK
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 2472
Job Category: Administrative
Posting Date: 06/30/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 1331 Circle Park, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US

Job Description
In collaboration with the Facility Manager, this position plays a pivotal role in coordinating facility operations and further ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This multifaceted role requires specialized knowledge to ensure adherence to regulatory guidelines and prevent violations. This individual regularly completes internal audits, verifies SOP compliance, and performs high-level administrative work to include overseeing procurement, maintaining required documentation, and assisting management with project planning and implementation. Additionally, they support efficient facility function by managing task assignments, supporting animal care staff, and serving as the acting facility leader in the manager's absence.

Responsibilities
Regulatory Compliance

Perform internal audits independently to verify required task documentation and confirm compliance with our various policies and guidelines set forth by Federal, State, and Local regulatory agencies
Ensure vivarium practices are compliant with institutional and facility Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Assist manager in addressing and reporting non-compliant events
Develop, review, and improve administrative policies and facility SOPs in collaboration with management and appropriate agencies
Actively track approved animal use quantities as mandated by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
Verify research project details against IACUC protocols to ensure regulatory compliance
Maintain BioSafety, Hazardous Materials, Safety Data Sheets, Emergency Response, and Chemical Inventory records
Document required equipment maintenance and calibration

Administration

Serve as acting facility leader in manager's absence to include after hour situations
Independently perform high-level administrative tasks to ensure optimal practices
Assist management in financial verification process
Assist with routine data collection and compilation for rate analysis in accordance with NIH guidelines
Prepare and obtain cost estimates for purchases
Document purchases for internal order tracking and verification
Lead Facility Tours and Orientations for new researchers
Respond to requests and follow up communications on behalf of supervisor
Prepare materials for staff meetings and provide minutes for documentation
Facilitate procurement of animals for researchers in adherence with approved protocols and facility guidelines
Maintain required monthly task assignments per regulatory guidelines along with training, sanitization, and equipment documentation
Identify inefficiencies or problems in operations and propose solutions

Facility Operations

Perform functional supervision of daily operations and ensure appropriate task delegation
Maintain and update various facility schedules to include new research, animal orders and deliveries, husbandry, enrichment, staffing, and facility maintenance
Coordinate project implementation with facility technicians while maintaining adaptability in response to facility dynamics
Oversee inventory, equipment, and supply orders
Submit and oversee work requests with various departments within Facility Services
Schedule annual and quarterly required maintenance of various facility equipment and record documentation
Facilitate biowaste, chemical hazard, and pressurized gas pick-up/delivery
Routinely verify temperature and light schedules remain within regulatory parameters

Animal Husbandry Support

Support animal care staff and perform husbandry tasks as a fill in when necessary to include the following:

Carry out health observations and cage changes, report health issues to veterinary staff as appropriate
Capability to work in all facility areas including biohazard, immunocompromised, and quarantine levels with a variety of animal species
Assist faculty, research staff, veterinary staff, and technicians as requested
Follow all SOPs, safety procedures, and trainings as required by the University, departmental, and regulatory agencies
Operate facility equipment and provides maintenance as necessary
May require availability outside of normal working hours as needed

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

Education and experience: Bachelor's Degree with 1-year minimum laboratory animal experience
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Knowledge of the regulations, functions and requirements of a lab animal facility
- Organizational and time management skills
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Ability to work independently but also to function as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications

Experience: AALAS Certification (ALAT or higher); Research laboratory management experience
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Knowledge of lab animal regulatory guidelines

Work Location

Onsite at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus

Compensation and Benefits

UT market range: MR05
Anticipated hiring range: $37,000 - $40,000, DOE&Q
Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For full consideration, interested individuals should provide a cover letter addressing professional experience relevant to this position, a resume, and complete contact information for three professional references, including current supervisor.

About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/2472/?mode=location