Northwestern University Micro/Nano Fabrication Facility (NUFAB) is seeking qualified and motivated applicants to work in our state-of-the-art 7000 ft2 class-100 cleanroom facility. As a member of the Soft and Hybrid Nanoscale Experimental (SHyNE) Resource, a node of the NSF’s National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) and Northwestern’s recent recruitment of world-renowned microfabrication faculty, NUFAB is going through a phenomenal growth phase. Under direction of Northwestern’s Atomic and Nanoscale Characterization and Experimental (NUANCE) Center and in close association with the Simpson Querrey Institute (SQI) and The International Institute of Nanotechnology (IIN), NUFAB expects to continue to lead the Midwest region in micro- and nanofabrication discoveries and development. The preferred candidate will have demonstrated expertise in microfabrication equipment maintenance as well as process development/qualification in semiconductor cleanroom environment. The equipment experience should include fundamental understanding of the principles of the equipment operation, experience of equipment modification, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair. The candidate will have demonstrated the ability to provide hands-on training for microfabrication and characterization equipment. The candidate will have demonstrated experience in chemical and cleanroom equipment safety. The successful candidate will be customer-oriented and will contribute towards improving the operation of the facility.
Specific Responsibilities:
Administration
Maintains clear and accurate documentation of the protocols, instrumentation logs, and/or data collected. Maintains established laboratory inventories. Places orders. Records work accurately and completely. May contribute to grant writing. Develops cost analyses and quotes. Assists with administrative duties necessary for a fee-for-service facility operation such as collecting and/ or entering facility billing data. Utilizes established safety practices and is responsible for providing a safe work environment for fellow employees and clients.
Collaboration/Strategy
Participates in strategy-setting for the future direction and needs of the Core. Provides specific and actionable feedback during the goal-setting processes. Organizes in-house and/ or off-site training related to Core activities. Develops and delivers presentations, seminars, and workshops. Networks with key decision-makers within the research community (both internal and external to the University).
Data Analysis
Performs literature reviews for the purposes of furthering the research. Generates, collects, and analyzes data. Develops new analysis techniques and methodologies.
Technical
Develops complex and relevant science to Core technologies and applications. Utilizes advances knowledge of applications, principles, theories, and concepts to design and troubleshoot projects for the research community. Troubleshoots problems with procedures and equipment and suggests adjustments to protocols. Works on advanced problems in which analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors. Exercises judgement within defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques. Develops training protocols relative to advanced instrumentation operation and applications. May deliver that training to Core staff and clients.
Supervision
Trains and provides oversight to lower-level Core staff and clients.
Miscellaneous
Completes other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience. 4 years of relevant domain expertise.
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Data presentation skills; Experimental design ability; Ability to work as part of a project team.
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree in related engineering or physical sciences discipline. 5+ years of experience in cleanroom operations and related science/engineering field.
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
Excellence - works efficiently, produces quality work that is both accurate and insightful; Discovery - makes improvements to the way work gets done; Collaboration - builds strong working relationships and a positive work environment; Diversity - treats everyone with courtesy and respect, providing a welcoming community for all; Integrity - acts ethically, seeking guidance when the ethics of a situation are not clear; Strong computer skills and knowledge of basic science principles; Ability to work with complex machines and teach skills to others.
Northwestern requires all staff and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to limited exceptions. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.