Research Operations Specialist (TEMP)

About the role

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.

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

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Order, receive, organize, and restock laboratory supplies, equipment, and consumable materials.
• 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.
• Maintain a strong culture of safety, compliance, organization, and continuous improvement across laboratory and shop operations.

Requirements

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). All applicants must be authorized to work 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.

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include 1-3 years of experience in laboratory, manufacturing, quality, research, or technical operations; experience with chemical inventory, hazardous waste, laboratory procurement, and compressed gas cylinders; basic