Research Operations Specialist (TEMP)

The Opportunity:

The University of Central Florida invites applications for a Research Operations Specialist supporting research and development activities focused on low-carbon methanol production from fugitive methane resources. This position will be based at M2X Energy Inc. (Rockledge, Florida), where the Research Operations Specialist will oversee laboratory operations, chemical safety systems, and experimental infrastructure supporting pilot-scale gas-to-methanol technologies.

The Research Operations Specialist will work closely with researchers, engineers, and industry partners to ensure safe, efficient, and well-documented laboratory and shop operations that enable process development and field-deployable system testing.

Responsibilities:

This position supports laboratory operations, chemical safety systems, and experimental infrastructure in a combined laboratory and shop environment, including but not limited to:

• Manage chemical inventory and ensure compliance with safety standards for handling, storage, labeling, and documentation of all materials.

• Assist with hazardous waste management, including compliant storage and coordination with licensed disposal vendors.

• Manage compressed gas cylinder logistics, including receiving, storage, securing, labeling, regulator compatibility checks, and coordination of cylinder exchanges and supplier communications.

• Support fabrication, assembly, modification, and maintenance of experimental systems in a chemical engineering shop environment, including piping, fittings, pumps, and pilot-scale setups.

• Maintain accurate documentation systems, including SOPs, inventory records, and safety documentation.

• Support onboarding and training of UCF research staff and interns in laboratory safety, chemical handling, equipment use, and shop practices.

• Coordinate with engineers and researchers to ensure laboratory readiness for experimental campaigns and data collection activities.

• Maintain a strong culture of safety, compliance, organization, and continuous improvement across laboratory and shop operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma and at least three years of experience in chemical laboratory and engineering environments oran equivalent combination of education and experiencepursuant toFla. Stat. 112.219(6).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting or coordinating laboratory operations in chemical, process, or engineering environments.

• Strong knowledge of chemical safety practices, hazardous waste management, and regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA standards).

• Experience with compressed gas cylinder systems and laboratory gas handling infrastructure.

• Familiarity with laboratory inventory systems and procurement processes.

• Familiarity with engineering drawings (PFDs, P&IDs) and lab/shop integration workflows is a plus.

• Strong organizational and documentation skills (SOPs, lab logs, inventory tracking systems).

• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment involving researchers, engineers, and external partners.

• Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate multiple technical workflows simultaneously.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

All applicants mustbe authorized towork for any U.S. employer. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, and the university cannot accommodate H‑1B transfers or employment-based visa processing for individuals currently sponsored by another employer.

The anticipated hourly range for this position is $22 - $26. The final rate will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation,you'llplay an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country.You'llbe met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 12colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow,you'llwork alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain newskillsandyou'llhave countless rewarding experiences that go well beyonda paycheck.

Are Benefits Important to You?

StateBenefitseligibility for OPS employees are subject to criteriaestablishedby the State of Florida. The state's benefits administrator, People First,determineseligibility and coordinates enrollment. If this position becomes eligible for statebenefitsthe employee will be notified directly by People First. OPS positions are not entitled topaidtime off.

Unless explicitlystatedon the job posting, it is UCF's expectation that an employee of UCF willresidein Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant toFlorida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCFis required toconductadditionalscreening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

Theadditionalscreening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, postdoctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

Department

Office of Research - Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) - OPS

Hours of Work

Full time

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Type of Appointment

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Hourly Rate

$22.00 to Negotiable

Job Posting End Date

06-01-2026-12-00-AM

Benefits Eligibility

State Benefits eligibility for OPS employees are subject to criteria established by the State of Florida. The state's benefits administrator, People First, determines eligibility and coordinates enrollment. If this position becomes eligible for state benefits the employee will be notified directly by People First.OPS positions are not entitled to paid time off.

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.

an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.

For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.