Research Equipment Planning Specialist

Job SummaryAssess equipment requests by conducting full lifecycle analysis of KAUST laboratory research equipment and providing technical reports to the manager.Management of Research Equipment lifecycle

• Analyze research assets (SAP) records and develop lifecycle reports of critical research equipment.
• Liaise with the research asset support team in tracking, locating and disposing of laboratory equipment assets.
• Evaluate existing research equipment and related systems with respect to age, condition and technological status to determine the potential for reuse.
• Facilitates and tracks movement/transfer of equipment within and between laboratories and other facilities.
• Serves as liaison to finance relating to the valuation and depreciation of laboratory equipment.

Equipment Planning

• Review technical specification of equipment proposals and report on identical/similar existing KAUST research assets.
• Coordinate with Research and Core Laboratories to track and record laboratory equipment utilization rates.
• Interface with Laboratory Equipment Maintenance (LEM) team and Procurement Services to prioritize standardization of research equipment.
• Avoid duplication of equipment requests by providing newly appointed as well as existing faculty with technical specifications of similar existing research equipment.
• Support principle investigators with their capital equipment proposals from the initial phase to the final commissioning stage.
• Assist in developing and maintaining a centralized shared database for the most commonly used research equipment in KAUST laboratories.
• Effectively communicate equipment planning information to the project team to allow for successful projects completion.

Additional Specific tasks

• Ensure equipment proposals meet budgetary targets set by management.
• Maintaining the research equipment surplus program.

Knowledge and Experience

• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting
• Excellent communication skills in preparing documentation pertaining to equipment specifications and reports.
• Demonstrated knowledge in the areas of academic and industrial research
• Experience with research equipment plan drawings and working with engineers
• The ability to discuss equipment technology with multiple stakeholders
• Self-directed and motivated with the ability to work both independently and in a team environment
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task, with strong attention to detail
• Previous experience in utilizing research equipment as well as setting up laboratories.

Education and Certifications

• Minimum Master’s degree in engineering/material science or equivalent; PhD preferred
• Experience using data management system such as SAP or equivalent
• Experienced in Microsoft Office with excellent proficiency in Excel