Manager, Research Laboratory Services

Union: Non-Union
Number of vacancies: 1
Site: PMCRT MBRC PMCC TWH KDT
Department: FM-PRO (Facilities Management Planning Redevelopment & Operations) 
Reports to: Director Research Facilities - Operations
Hours: 37.5 hrs. /week 
Status: Permanent Full Time
Closing Date: July 4 2025

Reporting to the Director of Research Facilities Operations the Manager Research Laboratory Services (RLS) is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the delivery of laboratory support services across UHNs research facilities. This includes site-based and cross-campus operations in laboratory maintenance glass washing and sterilization services laboratory supply logistics and infrastructure support. The Manager works closely with leaders across the Research Institutes Research Support Services and FM-PRO and other hospital departments by participating in major and minor projects and programs that affect research facilities and laboratory operational environment.  The Manager plays a pivotal role in aligning operations with institutional goals ensuring high-quality service delivery staff development cost-effective procurement and compliance with regulatory and safety standards.

In addition the Manager will perform financial management responsibilities; managing human resources and providing a safe and positive working environment; attending corporate meetings; participating in corporate program development; performing cross-functional duties as assigned or requested; performing other duties consistent with the job classification as required. The position is also responsible for developing and improving key performance indicators and departmental improvement initiatives including: Customer Service Strategy training coaching and supporting staff.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Planning & Operations

• Act as a primary liaison for research building operations ensuring labs remain functional and uninterrupted.
• Use negotiation and conflict resolution skills to manage stakeholder interests across lab renovations shutdowns and equipment procurement.
• Develop and implement strategic maintenance plans for lab support services (e.g. waste sterilization gas LN2 laundry).
• Design service delivery models tailored to the needs of researchers across multiple sites.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to resolve issues and enhance service quality.
• Lead risk management initiatives and develop contingency plans for utility failures and other emergencies.
• Continually evaluate and improve operational processes for efficiency and lab safety.
• Prepare and maintain disaster and emergency response plans for labs and critical equipment.

2. Quality & Safety

• Oversee quality control and assurance processes for equipment and lab support services.
• Maintain accurate logs conduct audits and implement corrective actions to ensure high service standards.
• Create and enforce SOPs preventative maintenance schedules and safety programs for lab infrastructure.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing quality indicators and stakeholder feedback.
• Participate in committees and task forces on safety emergency planning and institutional risk.
• Ensure all safety policies are implemented measured and followed consistently.

3. Financial Management

• Manage operating budgets for lab operations and sterilization ($2M annually).
• Support the Director by preparing financial data and operational analyses.
• Develop short- and long-term budgets including revenue projections and service expansion plans.
• Recommend and implement service enhancements based on financial and operational needs.

4. Human Resource Management

• Supervise a diverse team of unionized and non-unionized staff.
• Responsible for hiring onboarding mentoring and evaluating performance of both direct and indirect reports.
• Foster a respectful inclusive and safety-oriented work culture.
• Develop work schedules review payroll submissions and ensure adequate staffing coverage.
• Ensure compliance with OH&S regulations and respond to workplace incidents appropriately.
• Maintain knowledge of collective agreements and manage labor issues in collaboration with HR.

5. Compliance & General Duties

• Comply with all Occupational Health & Safety Act regulations; identify and report any hazards or deficiencies.
• Take on cross-functional duties as needed supporting the broader goals of Research Facilities Operations.

Qualifications :

Education:

• A completion of a Bachelors degree program or recognized equivalent is required with preference in Engineering/Science

Experience:

• Minimum 5-7 years experience working in research facility operational management
• Minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience required.  
• Experience working with researchers and extensive knowledge of research labs in an academic research environment required.
• Fulsome understanding of research laboratory operational needs for a first-class research facility.
• Experience in the healthcare or public sector with knowledge of applicable legislations such as (Canadian Biosafety Standards WHMIS PHAC CFIA CCAC OMAFRA)
• Knowledge and a broad understanding of the national academic research landscape.
• Demonstrated broad depth and scope of management experience people project and program management
• Strong analytical abilities ideally coupled with superior organizational skills and experience coordinating multiple assignments/projects simultaneously
• Knowledge of Broader Public Sector (BPS) and infrastructure research grant (CFI) procurement processes
• Strong understanding with facility and equipment commissioning and orientation
• Flexible and self-directed with the ability to manage competing priorities during periods of rapid change and transition with constantly shifting priorities
• Proven consultation negotiation and consensus building skills with the ability to proactively problem-solve complex issues with a variety of stakeholders

Additional Information :

Why join UHN

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world UHN offers a wide range of benefits programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor allowing you to find value where it matters most to you now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel restaurants parking phone plans auto insurance discounts on-site gyms etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHNs attendance management program to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates.  Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading inaccurate or incorrect UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time