Lab Operations Manager

Stanford University; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 196,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University’s nano@stanford facility seeks a Laboratory Operations Manager to oversee the Nano Patterning and Flexible Cleanroom Fabrication labs on-site in Palo Alto. You will coordinate technical activities, ensure safety, manage tools, and support researchers turning ideas into functional devices.

The role requires hands-on experience with deposition, lithography, and etch equipment, plus strong communication across cross-functional teams and vendors.

Qualifications

• Experience leading technical operations in a advanced fabrication lab.
• Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and vendors.
• Strong emphasis on safety culture and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead coordination and oversight of Nano Patterning and Cleanroom Fabrication facilities.
• Support researchers in transforming ideas into real devices.
• Foster education initiatives and make advanced fabrication accessible to innovators.

Skills

Laboratory management

Project coordination

Communication

Safety culture

Tools

PVD systems

Electron-beam lithography

Plasma etch tools

Job description

WORK SCHEDULE:

Work Schedule: On-site work arrangement; employee is expected to work on-site full-time.

BUDGETED SALARY:

$150,197 - $196,000

SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:

nano@stanford is Stanford University's largest shared experimental research facility, providing access to world-leading expertise and capabilities in nanoscale science and engineering. We serve over 1,400 researchers from Stanford and leading academic, industrial, and government institutions across the US and globally—spanning fields from medicine and biology to fundamental physics and astronomy. Our nearly 40,000 sq ft of cleanrooms and satellite laboratories house 300+ state-of-the-art instruments for fabricating and characterizing materials and devices. But beyond the equipment, nano@stanford is a vibrant, collaborative research community where innovation thrives.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We're seeking a Laboratory Operations Manager to lead technical coordination and oversight of nano@stanford's Nano Patterning and Flexible Cleanroom Fabrication facilities. In this role, you'll support our world-class researchers in transforming innovative ideas into real structures and devices, while championing educational initiatives that make advanced fabrication accessible to innovators everywhere. You will bring hands-on experience with physical vapor deposition systems, electron-beam lithography, plasma etch tools, or similar equipment, and a proven track record in micro- or nano-device fabrication. You will have deep familiarity with research fabrication environments, including tool maintenance and repairs, consumables management, vendor relations, documentation, and—most importantly—fostering a strong safety culture. You have excellent communication skills, with demonstrated success coordinating technical working groups, cross-functional projects, and diverse teams. You excel at translating complex technical concepts and building consensus across stakeholders. You are a collaborative team player who thrives on developing creative, practical solutions—whether addressing daily lab challenges or making the case for strategic equipment investments. And most of all, you're passionate about enabling the next generation of scientists and engineers and genuinely believe in the power of accessible, world-class research facilities.