CSU Spur Water Technology Operations and Laboratory Manager
Colorado State University
Job Description
Position Summary
The Laboratory Operations Manager is responsible for the safe, reliable operation and day-to-day management of complex laboratory infrastructure at the CSU Spur Campus. This role has primary responsibility supporting the Water Technology Accelerator Platform (Water TAP), a highly applied research and innovation environment designed to advance water technologies from concept through pilot-scale demonstration, while also supporting coordinated operations across other Spur laboratory spaces.
The position oversees building-scale water-reuse systems and pilot-scale water, wastewater, and bioprocessing systems that enable applied research, technology testing, and innovation activities. The Laboratory Operations Manager supervises and trains laboratory staff and students, coordinates closely with CSU Facilities and Environmental Health & Safety, and supports consistent laboratory practices across the Spur campus. A portion of the role also supports purchasing and fiscal coordination for laboratory operations in accordance with CSU policies.
This is an in-person, hands-on operational role requiring strong technical judgment, experience managing complex water and process systems, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, innovation-driven laboratory environment with shared infrastructure and competing priorities.
Full Consideration Date
March 27, 2026
Description of Work Unit
This position is located at the Colorado State University (CSU) Spur Campus in Denver, Colorado, and its associated laboratory facilities. The role holds primary responsibility for the Water Technology Accelerator Platform (Water TAP) and supports laboratory operations across CSU Spur and shared research infrastructure.
Water Technology Accelerator Platform (Water TAP)
Water TAP is a first-of-its-kind applied research and innovation facility designed to accelerate the development, testing, and demonstration of water technologies. The platform supports research, innovation, and workforce development activities focused on water reuse, resource recovery, and fit-for-purpose water systems. Water TAP provides access to multiple onsite water sources including urban stormwater, graywater, river water, rainwater, and recycled industrial wastewater, at pilot-scale flow rates, along with flexible infrastructure to connect these sources to treatment and monitoring systems. The facility is designed to support technology validation, pilot-scale experimentation, and translation of research prototypes toward real-world application. Learn more at: https://owsi.colostate.edu/centers-of-innovation/water-tap/
Spur Laboratory Facilities and Shared Infrastructure
In addition to Water TAP, this position supports laboratory operations across other CSU Spur facilities, including the Biomanufacturing and Biotechnology laboratory and teaching laboratories, and shared-use research infrastructure. These spaces support a range of instructional, research, and outreach activities and include equipment such as bioreactors, analytical and processing equipment, and shared laboratory systems. The role contributes to coordinated operations, safety practices, and continuity across multiple laboratories with shared infrastructure and operational needs.
About CSU Spur
CSU Spur is a public-facing campus that brings together research, education, innovation, and community engagement across three interconnected buildings focused on water, food and agriculture, animal health, and sustainability. At Spur, CSU conducts research, convenes partners from around the world, and engages learners of all ages through hands-on science, technology, and workforce development experiences. The campus includes laboratories, classrooms, public education spaces, outdoor learning areas, a flexible theater, and a rooftop greenhouse. All Spur facilities target LEED Gold certification and reflect CSU’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and healthy building operations. Learn more at www.csuspur.org.
Essential Job Duties
Laboratory Operations Management (90%)
Manage the safe, reliable operation of complex laboratory infrastructure, including building-scale water-reuse systems and pilot-scale water, wastewater, and bioprocessing systems and equipment used for technology validation, research, teaching, and workforce training.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot water-related laboratory systems, including pumps, tanks, piping, valves, manifolds, bioreactors, and associated mechanical and process equipment.
Support the commissioning, modification, and/or reconfiguration of laboratory, pilot-scale, building-integrated, and water-reuse systems as programmatic, instructional, and operational needs evolve.
Install, maintain, and coordinate the use of online monitoring, instrumentation, and data logging systems associated with water, water-reuse, and bioprocessing operations.
Provide day-to-day operational oversight and management for laboratory facilities at the CSU Spur Campus, with a primary focus (50%+) on the Water Technology Accelerator Platform (Water TAP).
Coordinate with faculty and instructional staff to ensure Water TAP and bioprocessing laboratories meet safety, scheduling, and shared-infrastructure requirements.
Train laboratory staff and students on the appropriate use of laboratory equipment, including water-reuse systems, bioreactors, autoclaves, and other shared-use equipment.
Coordinate with CSU Facilities, Environmental Health & Safety, and other campus partners to support maintenance, safety alignment, and operational consistency across Spur laboratories and shared building water systems.
Develop and maintain both general and lab-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety resources.
Participate in cross-laboratory coordination efforts to support communication, planning, and alignment among Spur lab programs.
Fiscal Management (10%)
Support procurement of laboratory supplies, equipment, and services in accordance with CSU procurement policies and procedures.
Maintain basic financial and purchasing records related to laboratory operations.
Coordinate with internal CSU offices and external vendors to support laboratory procurement and service needs
Conditions of Employment
Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Supervision
This position may be required to supervise undergraduate and graduate students when and where appropriate to support research activities.
This position is supervised by Dr. Sybil Sharvelle
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., science, environmental systems, life sciences, applied sciences, engineering or closely related discipline) and 2 years of experience in areas listed below, or Associates degree in related field and 5 years of experience in areas listed below, or GED or equivalent and 10 years of experience in areas listed below:
Managing laboratory, pilot-scale, industrial, and/or process-based systems.
Supervising or coordinating the work of laboratory technicians, technical staff, and/or student employees.
Developing, implementing, or maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs) and supporting laboratory safety practices.
Eligibility to work in the United States by the start date (no visa sponsorship available).
Preferred Qualifications
Experience managing water, wastewater, water-reuse, or bioprocessing systems in laboratory, pilot-scale, or applied operational settings.
Demonstrated knowledge of plumbing, pumps, tanks, piping, valves, manifolds, bioreactors, monitoring equipment, autoclaves, and other shared-use laboratory equipment.
Experience with continuous monitoring equipment and programming real time control systems.
Experience working across multiple laboratories or facilities with shared infrastructure and operational priorities.
Experience coordinating with facilities, environmental health and safety, procurement offices, and external vendors to support laboratory operations.
Familiarity with university, institutional, or public-sector procurement systems and policies (e.g., CSU Kuali or similar).
Experience supporting applied research, pilot testing, instructional laboratories, or demonstration facilities.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with diverse teams, including laboratory staff, faculty, facilities personnel, safety professionals, and external vendors.
Application Instructions
For full consideration please ensure all applications and required materials are submitted prior to 11:59pm MST, Mar 27, 2026
Resume/CV
Cover Letter than addresses both required and preferred qualifications.
Salary Range
$80,000 - $95,000Required Application Documents
To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Cover Letter, Resume/CVEmployee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
EEO
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.