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 coordinate and oversee our Nano Patterning and Flexible Cleanroom Fabrication spaces. You will support world-class researchers, lead safety culture, manage tools, maintenance, vendors, and documentation, and translate complex technical concepts into actionable plans.

The position requires hands-on experience with physical vapor deposition, electron-beam lithography, plasma etch tools or similar equipment, plus

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with deposition, lithography and etch equipment.
• Proven record in micro- or nano-device fabrication.
• Familiar with research fabrication environments and safety culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical coordination and oversight of nano@stanford facilities.
• Support researchers in turning ideas into real structures and devices.
• Maintain tools, manage consumables, vendors, and documentation.

Skills

Hands-on fabrication

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical communication

Tools

Physical vapor deposition

Electron-beam lithography

Plasma etch tools

Job description

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.

At Stanford, every employee plays a part in our mission for a better tomorrow—from researchers to operations and from food services to educators. Join our team to work towards a future you believe in.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a help ticket (https://stanford.service-now.com/humanresources_services?id=sc_cat_item&sys_id=aa4161da130d574019813598d144b0b2) .

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. See Admin Guide 1.7.4: Equal Employment Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, and Affine Action Policy; Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .