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.

• 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.

High school diploma and at least three years of experience in chemical laboratory and engineering environments or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).

• 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.

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

Full time

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

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

$22.00 to Negotiable

-00-AM

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF's expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research‑related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. 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 one year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening 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.