Flexible and Hybrid Nanofabrication Process Scientist

Conditions. Workplace Diversity, LLC.; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

University retirement plans

Tuition assistance and reimbursement

Commuter benefits and campus perks

Job summary

Harvard University’s Center for Nanoscale Systems seeks a Scientist/Engineer to lead teaching and support in soft-material fabrication and hybrid device processes. You will train researchers, manage the cleanroom, and contribute to flexible device technology development.

The role requires hands-on lab work, documentation, and collaboration with CNS personnel to ensure safety and high-quality outcomes. This position is based on campus with a 35-hour week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering discipline and 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Alternatively, seven years of relevant experience or an equivalent mix of education and work.
• Graduate degree plus 3–5 years semiconductor-related experience is desirable.
• Cleanroom fabrication experience, especially lithography, is highly desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Teach and train researchers in soft-material fabrication tools.
• Maintain the soft-material cleanroom and fabrication labs.
• Provide process development support for flexible devices.
• Prepare SOPs and related documentation for the facility.
• Ensure safety compliance with Harvard and government regulations.
• Record instrument activity and experimental results; fabricate and test devices.

Skills

Self-motivated and independent

Excellent verbal and written skills

Team collaboration with students

Experience in diverse lab environments

Microfluidic device design knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering discipline

7+ years of relevant work experience

Graduate degree in EE, Physics, Materials Science or related field

Tools

Photolithography

3D printing

Laser cutting

Wet etching equipment

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

Independently execute a range of complex scientific research activities in a core facility including planning and optimizing research, designing analysis algorithms, and providing training to researchers.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Center for Nanoscale Systems (CNS) at Harvard University seeks an enthusiastic, scientifically curious individual with a strong growth mindset to work within the Nanofabrication Group as a Scientist/Engineer focused primarily on teaching and supporting researchers with flexible and hybrid device nanofabrication and process development in soft matter.

CNS is an open, shared-use facility that serves all of Harvard as well as external academic and industrial users. CNS typically supports more than 1,500 users annually.

Working under the supervision of the Nanofabrication Facility Director and the CNS leadership team, this person will assist and train users in soft-material fabrication tools and processes and other advanced flexible device technologies.

Responsibilities include support and maintenance of the soft-material cleanroom, and flexible device fabrication/assembly labs and facilities, process support including photolithography, polymer/resists coating and mixing, wet etching, chemical processing, oxygen plasma cleaning, nanoparticle-related tools, rapid prototyping (laser cutting and 3D printing), and flexible/ hybrid assembly tools/processes.

Day-to-day operations include teaching/training new users on tool operation, experimental design, and data analysis/interpretation. The candidate will also perform work for remote CNS users.

Working with other nanofabrication scientists/engineers and research groups, this individual will support advanced applications for a broad range of flexible device fabrication and hybrid process development.

Collaboration with all CNS personnel to achieve objectives and enhance service quality is expected. Detailed record keeping of instrument activity, experimental results, maintenance and repair logs, and operating procedures is expected. Authoring SOPs and related documents for the Flexible Nanofabrication Facility.

This person will also be responsible for overseeing CNS’s compliance with Harvard and government safety laws and regulations. Their duties include coordinating with the CNS safety officer to identify potential risks, implementing policies and procedures to uphold safety regulations and monitoring their workplace for adherence to those policies and procedures.

Working Conditions:

Laboratories, cleanroom and office setting.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to work in an imaging facility, cleanroom, biological, chemical, and characterization laboratory environments.

Will work around compressed gases, cryogens, ovens, acids, bases, oxidizers, solvents, vacuum pump oils, and other chemicals. Must be very dexterous; may be required to work on large and small assemblies.

Ability to push, pulling, lift, repetitive motion

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience; OR
• A minimum of seven years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• A graduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Surface Science, Physics, Materials Science, Bio/Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field, plus 3-5 years of semiconductor-related work experience, is desirable. Cleanroom fabrication experience, especially in lithography is highly desirable. Thin film characterization, scanning probe microscopy, and packaging process experience are highly desirable.
• The candidate should be self-motivated and able to work independently with a strong desire to acquire on-the-job training, to succeed, and to develop intellectual and practical professional skills. Excellent verbal and written skills are preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in teams and with graduate and undergraduate students is essential.
• The candidate must have significant experience in a variety of laboratory environments and be fully comfortable working in a lab environment, including the cleanroom and bio-labs, on a wide variety of tools and projects. Familiarity with microfluidic device design and fabrication a plus.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.