Cleanroom Process Engineer Biodevice Foundry

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Vancouver is seeking a Cleanroom Process Engineer for the Biodevice Foundry. This part-time position involves leading cleanroom processes, operating advanced equipment, and supporting user training in the design and fabrication of biodevices. The ideal candidate will possess a technical degree and relevant experience, alongside a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Responsibilities include executing microfabrication processes, troubleshooting equipment issues, and developing standard operating procedures to ensure safety and efficiency in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Executes microfabrication processes including photolithography and wet chemistry.
• Operates and maintains cleanroom equipment.
• Troubleshoots process or equipment issues.
• Develops and updates SOPs and process guidelines.
• Provides training and technical support to cleanroom users.
• Monitors equipment performance and safety.

Skills

Microfabrication processes

Equipment operation and maintenance

Process troubleshooting

Safety protocol adherence

Collaboration with researchers

Education

Technical program or university degree in relevant discipline

Tools

Direct laser writer

Mask aligner

DRIE system

Deposition tools

Spin coaters

Profilometer

Job description

Job Summary

The Biodevice Foundry (https://bme.ubc.ca/biodevice-foundry/) is a core-facility based in the UBC’s School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) which is a state-of-the-art facility for the design, fabrication, packaging and application of Biodevices across biological scales that will lead innovation and capacity development in areas of biotech and life sciences. In this ~450 m2 of space, the facility has been built around a cleanroom, biofunctionalization area, machine shop and a rapid prototyping facility. The individual will lead cleanroom processes in the facility, including tool operation, maintenance, process design and development, as well as support user training and service. The individual will use their expertise to lead process and tool operation is photolithography, wet chemistry, thin-film deposition and etching, as well as characterization techniques.

Organizational Status

Reports to the Scientific Director of the Biodevice Foundry. Works closely with the Operations Manager of the Foundry.

Job Details

Job Title: Cleanroom Process Engineer Biodevice Foundry

Department: Kaigala | School of Biomedical Engineering | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range: $4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date: February 22, 2026

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date: February 22, 2027

Work Status: Part-time role, equivalent to 80% of a full-time position. Compensation is pro-rated.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Responsibilities

• Executes microfabrication processes including surface cleaning, contact and maskless photolithography, wet chemistry procedures, and thin-film deposition and etching.

• Operates and maintains equipment such as direct laser writer, mask aligner, DRIE system, deposition tools, spin coaters, profilometer, and related characterization instruments.

• Troubleshoots and diagnoses process or equipment issues involving vacuum systems, gas delivery, electrical, and control components, using appropriate test equipment, technical documentation, and vendor resources.

• Performs routine and corrective maintenance, which may include gas connection, system calibration, consumable replacement, and coordination with external service providers when required.

• Develops and updates standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process guidelines to ensure consistent and safe operation of cleanroom tools.

• Provides training and technical support to cleanroom users, and assists with process development for applications in bioengineering, microfluidics, sensors, and electronics.

• Monitors equipment performance, ensures adherence to safety protocols, and identifies potential hazards, ensuring that tools are removed from service when unsafe or out of specification.

• Supports continuous improvement of facility operations, including workflow, safety practices, and environmental compliance.

• Collaborates with students, researchers, and project teams to understand fabrication needs and assists in providing guidance on process selection, design considerations, and feasible fabrication strategies.

• Collaborates with the Foundry’s staff members to coordinate and provide a full biodevice fabrication workflow to users.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Errors in judgement or process execution can result in equipment damage, cleanroom contamination, compromised research outcomes, and delays to user projects. Failure to follow safety protocols may create chemical, gas, or equipment-related hazards. Such issues can lead to increased costs, downtime, and disruption of Biodevice Foundry operations.

Supervision

All assignments are issued by the Scientific Director in consultation with the Operations Manager of the Foundry. Work is performed under general supervision requiring independent judgment. Routine assignments are performed independently. Receives detailed instructions on new duties or problems.

Supervision Given: None, however, may provide training on the core equipment to new users, including students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own. Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with biomedical, microfluidic, sensor, or related application areas is an advantage.

• Experience with process development, documentation, and cleanroom user training.

• Background in troubleshooting and maintaining cleanroom equipment.

• Experience working in an academic research environment or shared-user facility.

• Knowledge of characterization methods such as surface profilometry, optical microscopy, and SEM.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, maintain accurate records, and work collaboratively with researchers and students.

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