Cleanroom Specialist

Salary/Position Classification

• $63,000+ annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position works onsite the Grand Forks, ND campus.

Purpose of Position

The purpose of this position is to manage day-to-day supervision and operations of the nanofabrication equipment located in the cleanroom. The cleanroom is part of UND’s Nanofoundry. The cleanroom specialist will work closely with academic and industrial users to advise and enable research conducted in the cleanroom while enforcing safety and operational protocols. Evaluation of equipment needs and installation and repair management are expected along with evaluation of equipment degradation performance compared to specifications. The person filing this position will troubleshoot and coordinate repair of defective instruments either using in-house resources or through manufacturers’ service to assure minimum instrument downtime. The cleanroom specialist will coordinate scheduling of equipment and track usage of equipment housed in this facility.

Duties & Responsibilities

Supervision of Cleanroom Operations 

• Responsible for the day-to-day supervision, operations and maintenance of the nanofabrication equipment housed in UND’s Nanofoundry. 
• Oversee training and demonstration of instrument operation procedures to UND undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral and other researchers, faculty members, and external users. 
• Participate in the evaluation and selection of major new equipment. 
• Plan, direct, and organize the installation and qualification of instruments. 
• Identify degradation of equipment performance compared to specifications and develop maintenance standards. 
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and repair defective instruments either using in-house resources or through manufacturers’ service and assure minimum instrument downtime. 
• Develop and maintain records related to all equipment. 
• Maintain, diagnose and repair sophisticated electronic and scientific equipment. 
• Supervise and coordinate manufacturer service technicians during repair and maintenance procedures. 
• Assure availability of supplies required for operation of equipment and assure quality control. 

Advise and Oversee Equipment Users 

• Work closely with academic and industrial users to advise and enable their research. 
• Serve as a resource for process flow planning and optimization. 

Oversee and Improve Nanofabrication Processes and Techniques 

• Develop, document, and continuously improve nanofabrication processes and techniques to be incorporated by researchers in their work. 
• Develop manuals for equipment usage as needed. 
• Take advantage of professional development opportunities for training to keep current with equipment and usage techniques.  

Develop, Distribute, and Enforce Safety and Operational Protocols 

• Assist facility director and others with the development of safety and operational procedures. 
• Enforce established safety protocols. 
• Ensure reporting of incidents and near misses as required by UND safety protocols. 
• Maintain current with safety protocols in the industry and on campus. 
• Perform safety checks as recommended by equipment manufacturers 
• Report potentially dangerous situations to supervisor and take steps to resolve issue(s). 
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe facility. 

Coordinate scheduling within Facility; Track equipment usage 

• Coordinate scheduling of facility and use of individual pieces of equipment within facility. 
• Track equipment usage. 
• Develop and maintain and up-to-date inventory of facility equipment and their location. 

Professional Duties/Responsibilities 

• Develop and maintain proactive communication will all constituents. 
• Actively participate in scheduled meetings. 
• Ensure completion of all professional training, including safety. 
• Attendance and punctuality consistently maintained; follow expected notification procedures. 
• Use work time appropriately for work activities. 
• Demonstrate flexibility in scheduling and accepting work assignments. 
• Follow procedure for requesting leave and reporting absences. 

Required Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Organizational and time management skills
• Thorough understanding of equipment principles and design
• Ability to work in a detail-oriented atmosphere
• Ability to interact with all constituents effectively and positively (teaching assistants, faculty, students, staff and public)
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• The work environment requires extensive safety training, wearing protective equipment, and handling of chemicals and hazardous gases, and includes exposure to moving machinery and high noise levels
• The position involves the use of tools requiring high dexterity and requires standing, bending, crouching, stooping, and occasional lifting 25-50 lbs

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors in physics, engineering, or related field
• 3 years of experience in a cleanroom with nanofabrication equipment and processes
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics, engineering, or related field
• Strong mechanical/electrical inclination and troubleshooting skills
• Previous experience in e-beam and laser lithography
• Ability to coordinate technical personnel to effect repairs and maintenance of complex equipment
• Strong attention to detail, persistence, follow-through, and the ability to work with minimal supervision
• High energy, self-motivated with strong communication skills and personal work ethic, and a strong sense of ownership
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of personnel at multiple levels of expertise
• Broad nanofabrication experience in terms of both process development and equipment troubleshooting/maintenance/repair

To Apply

Please include the following documents with your application by the closing date:

• CV
• Cover letter