Facilities Specialist

Company Description Vaccinex (NASDAQ: VCNX) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on innovative treatments for cancer and progressive neurodegenerative diseases through inhibition of semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D). Its lead drug candidate, pepinemab, is designed to block SEMA4D, which is believed to limit immune infiltration into tumors and drive harmful inflammation in chronic brain diseases. Pepinemab is currently being evaluated in clinical studies for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and potential Phase 3 development in Huntington’s disease. The company also operates ActivMAb®, a proprietary drug discovery platform used in strategic collaborations to identify high-value antibodies against complex multi-pass membrane receptors. Team members at Vaccinex contribute to a mission-driven environment at the forefront of translational research and drug development.

Role Description

The Facilities Specialist will support all corporate facilities operations and equipment including but not limited to: HVAC, CO2, air compressors, facility safety and security, laboratory equipment and site services. Handle emergency service and repair issues following appropriate evaluations. Facilitate special projects in support of maintenance and growth of the corporation. Deploy to troubleshoot and or diagnose and repair equipment and issues throughout the facility. Make assessments that may be used to determine the course of action for service and repairs from outside contractors if needed.

Essential Functions /Responsibilities:

: Using Facility Explorer and CWorks or comparable programs, facilitate the preventative and timely corrective maintenance of equipment, machinery, buildings, structures, and utility systems for Vaccinex facilities and laboratory operations. Complete maintenance work tasks, including, but not limited to, general carpentry, grounds-keeping, and basic repairs on property, machinery, equipment, and plant works systems. Respond to and fully reconcile facility related out-of-spec (OOS) alarms and emergency conditions. Interact with / supervise outside contractors. Assist with contractor selection/ contract renewals and reconcile facilities related invoices. Identify, develop, and implement cost savings initiatives related to facilities. Establish and document facility related procedures and practices necessary to comply with Vaccinex Quality Systems requirements.

Working with Vaccinex Safety Teams, develop, implement and practice regulatory compliant EHSS programs and procedures related to facility operations that facilitate and promote a safe and secure working environment. Conduct hazard analysis, as required, on the design and use of facilities, processes, equipment, and maintenance work methods. Interact with all levels of the team-based organization to enhance risk recognition, develop accident prevention measures, and create sustainable EHSS systems and processes. Establish and document procedures and practices necessary to comply with Vaccinex Quality Systems requirements.

: Provide process and facilities support to laboratory operations, including participation in laboratory process improvement initiatives (e.g. laboratory automation), Laboratory equipment installation, preventative maintenance or relocation, process flow analysis, and cost-effective and timely integration of improvements into the overall functioning of the facility. Author and document procedures and practices necessary to comply with Vaccinex Quality Systems requirements.

Qualifications & Competency:

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.

· Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

· Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Strong leadership skills.

· Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.

· Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.

· Ability to work with little or no supervision.

· Ability to teach and train the lab & facilities assistant as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Physical Requirements:

· Periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

· Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds at times.

· Able to carry and transport up to 20 lbs.

· Fine motor skills for tool usage.

· Maneuvering around the facilities including stairs and elevators.

· Standing and walking required constantly.

· Proper use of ladders

Position type and Expected Hours:

· Full time 40 hours per week schedule Monday-Friday on premises. Primary on call alarm response.

Travel:

· Local for on call emergencies at the facility

Education and Experience:

Minimum high school diploma, prefer 2-year technical degree/1-year college coursework or equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the individual with the required knowledge, skills and abilities and at least 2 years of applied facilities operations experience or construction trades experience. Knowledge of industrial equipment (e.g. HVAC systems, energy management systems, critical process monitoring systems, water treatment systems, boilers, etc.), building maintenance programs, and familiarity with the principles of GMP/GLP/ISO are desirable.

Additional eligibility Qualifications:

Hands-on experience in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry or laboratory related environments is preferred. Requires demonstrated written and verbal skills, the ability to pro-actively address multiple service requests, the experience to anticipate and meet the needs of internal service customers. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Work Environment:

Office, laboratories, receiving, outside of building in all weather.

Compensation:

The starting base pay range for this position is targeted at $24-$29 per hour. Please keep in mind that this range is the base pay only and does not consider other components that make up the total package for the postion such as PTO, company holidays, vacation, insurance options (medical/ dental/ vision etc).

Affirmative Action / EEO:

· This job profile is intended to provide an overview of expected job duties and requirements. It is not intended to be a contract of employment, explicit or implicit. All contents are subject to change at the sole discretion of the company. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Pay: $24.00 - $29.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance