Research Specialist II - Civil Engineering

Florida International University is a top public university that drives real talent and innovation in Miami and globally. Very high research (R1) activity and high social mobility come together at FIU to uplift and accelerate learner success in a global city by focusing in the areas of environment, health, innovation, and justice. Today, FIU has two campuses and multiple centers. FIU serves a diverse student body of more than 56,000 and 290,000 Panther alumni. U.S. News and World Report places dozens of FIU programs among the best in the nation, including international business at No. 2. Washington Monthly Magazine ranks FIU among the top 20 public universities contributing to the public good.

The Research Specialist II is responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operations of the Concrete Infrastructure Lab. This role includes facility management, personnel supervision, including students and graduate assistants as well as equipment oversight and research integration. Serves as a key figure in the lab's operations, the Research Specialist II ensures the facility functions efficiently as a premier research and instructional resource. Leads research experience initiatives on behalf of the Director of the Infrastructure Lab, fostering a dynamic and well-coordinated research environment.

• Leads the overall operations of the Concrete facility, ensuring it functions as a cutting-edge research and instructional resource.
• Oversees research experiments, manage research equipment, and ensure proper facility operations while monitoring the progress of experiments in collaboration with the Director of the Infrastructure Lab.
• Develops short- and long-term strategic plans to enhance facility capabilities and research impact. Monitors and evaluates facility performance metrics and implement continuous improvements.
• Provides leadership and oversight for graduate student assistants and facility users. Establishes mentorship programs to foster skill development and professional growth.
• Ensures personnel receive proper training on equipment operation, laboratory protocols, and safety procedures.
• Develops and implements training modules, workshops, and certifications for facility users to enhance technical proficiency.
• Oversees the maintenance, functionality, and optimization of the facility equipment.
• Coordinates with vendors and technical support to minimize downtime and enhance operational efficiency.
• Evaluates new technologies and recommend upgrades or acquisitions to keep the facility at the forefront of research advancements.
• Maintains an inventory of equipment and supplies, ensuring the availability of necessary materials for research and educational activities.
• Supports educational initiatives, and lead training classes for students on experimental testing, instrumentation, and collection of data.
• Assists faculty in delivering hands-on learning experiences and facilitate research projects requiring analytical equipment such as compression, tension, torsion, etc. Demonstration procedure, planning experiment, and setting equipment.
• Provides guidance and technical support for student-led research projects and capstone designs.
• Develops, implements, and enforces rigorous compliance and safety protocols for handling hazardous materials and operating specialized equipment.
• Ensures adherence to FIU and EH&S safety standards. Serves as the liaison between The Concrete facility and Environmental, Health, and Safety (EH&S). Conducts regular safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards. Provides emergency response training and ensure all personnel are prepared for safety incidents.
• Contributes to budget planning, procurement, and financial oversight to ensure strategic investment in equipment, maintenance, and facility upgrades.
• Develops and maintains documentation of standard operating procedures, policies, and best practices.
• Coordinates lab activities, troubleshoot challenges, and highlight achievements that advance institutional and research goals.
• Prepares reports on facility utilization, research accomplishments, and impact metrics for internal and external stakeholders.
• Serves as the University's credit card user for departmental transactions. Adheres to University's guidelines, procedures, and policies. Orders supplies and maintains stock for the support of all laboratory and shop activities. Administers the supply and equipment budgets.

Master's degree in an appropriate specialization and five (5) years of relevant experience or Bachelor's degree in an appropriate specialization and ten (10) years of relevant experience.

• Experience with concrete lab structures and routine maintenance.
• Experience with calibration material and lab equipment.

Administrative

• Begin time: 8:30 AM
• End time: 5:00 PM

• Expanded Background Check
• Driver's License Check

• Ability to travel locally and nationally.
• Travel to FIU Campus
• This position is funded by an external funding source (e.g. a grant or contract).

Current Employee

As a current employee, you must log into Employee Self Service (ESS) to apply for this and any other internal career opportunity of interest. In this account, you are able to track your applicant status in "My Applications".

To be considered eligible for the position as an internal candidate, departmental staff must meet minimum requirements of the position and be in good performance standing.

Before you begin the process, we recommend that you are prepared to attach electronic copies of your resume/ curriculum vitae, cover letter or any other documents within the application process. It is recommended that you combine your cover letter and resume into one attachment. Attached documents should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

*This posting will close at 12:00 am of the close date.

Prospective Employee

If you have not created a registered account, you will be asked to create a username and password for use of the system. It is recommended that you provide an active/valid e-mail account as that will be the main source of communication regarding your status within the process. In this account, you are able to track your applicant status in "My Applications".

To be considered eligible for the position as an internal candidate, departmental staff must meet minimum requirements of the position and be in good performance standing.

Before you begin the process, we recommend that you are prepared to attach electronic copies of your resume, cover letter or any other documents within the application process. It is recommended that you combine your cover letter and resume/curriculum vitae into one attachment. Attached documents should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format. All applicants are required to complete the online application including work history and educational details (if applicable), even when attaching a resume.

*This posting will close at 12:00 am of the close date.

Clery Notice

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To obtain a paper copy of the report, please visit the FIU Police Department located at 885 SW 109th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33199 (PG5 Market Station).

Pay Transparency

Florida International University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

FIU is a State University System of Florida member, Equal Opportunity, Equal Access, and Affirmative Action Employer for individuals with disabilities and veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination, contact FIU's Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Accessibility at 305.348.2785 or email ocrca@fiu.edu.