Staff Scientist, Cleanroom

Yale Cancer Center; New Haven, Northern (CT, KY); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

Yale University Cleanroom in New Haven seeks an experienced Staff Scientist to lead dry etching and thin film deposition, collaborating with Yale researchers on quantum science and integrated photonics. The role emphasizes process development, facility management, metrology, and training, with strong documentation and vendor liaison to support evolving research needs.

You will optimize etch parameters, supervise maintenance, prepare SOPs, and mentor junior staff in a high‑vacuum cleanroom

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related discipline with 5+ years of related experience.
• Hands-on dry etching and thin film growth in semiconductor environments.
• Strong documentation, SOP creation, and process optimization skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of dry etching systems and processes.
• Collaborate to manage CVD/LPCVD/PECVD/ALD deposition tools.
• Optimize etch parameters for rates, selectivity, and anisotropy.
• Ensure integration of etching and thin film processes in devices.
• Oversee maintenance and service of advanced equipment.
• Work with researchers and vendors to update processes.
• Apply metrology techniques including SEM, AFM, ellipsometry.
• Create documentation and SOPs; mentor junior staff.
• Provide training and leadership within the core facility.

Skills

dry etching

thin film growth

device fabrication

SPC/DOE

communication skills

Education

Master's Degree

Tools

RIE

ICP‑RIE

DRIE

CVD

PECVD

ALD

SEM

AFM

ellipsometry

3D optical microscope

Job description

Working at Yale means contributing to a better tomorrow. Whether you are a current resident of our New Haven-based community-eligible for opportunities through the New Haven Hiring Initiative or a newcomer, interested in exploring all that Yale has to offer, your talents and contributions are welcome. Discover your opportunities at Yale!

Salary Range

$92,000.00 - $146,750.00

Job Requisition ID

131928WD

Overview

Yale University Cleanroom is an advanced research core facility with an expanding suite of micro/nanofabrication instruments. We are seeking an experienced Staff Scientist with demonstrated expertise in dry etching, thin-film deposition and metrology. Reporting to the Cleanroom Director, the Staff Scientist will work closely with talented Yale researchers to support cutting‑edge research such as quantum science, integrated photonics, superconductivity, and biomedical engineering. The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in teaching, with significant hands‑on experience in process development and facility management. A deep knowledge in plasma‑related processes and ultra‑high vacuum (UHV) system is preferred.

• Key responsibilities include: 1) Lead the development and optimization of dry etching systems, including O₂ asher, RIE, ICP‑RIE, and DRIE.
• 2) Collaborate with other staff members to manage thin film deposition systems such as CVD, LPCVD, PECVD and ALD.
• 3) Continuously optimize dry etching process to refine parameters such as etch rates, selectivity, anisotropy, and edge roughness.
• 4) Ensure seamless integration of dry etching and thin film processes in complex device architectures.
• 5) Oversee the service and maintenance of advanced instruments in dry etching and thin film growth.
• 6) Work with other staff, Yale researchers and equipment vendors to update processes and instruments to meet evolving research needs.
• 7) Apply advanced metrology techniques using 3D optical microscopy, SEM, AFM, reflectometry, profilometry, and ellipsometry.
• 8) Create detailed documentation, including SOPs and tool specifications.
• 10) Train and mentor the next generation of scientists and engineers in micro/nanofabrication.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Expertise in dry etching (O₂ asher, RIE, ICP‑RIE, DRIE) and thin film growth (LPCVD, PECVD, PVD, ALD).
• Hands‑on experience in semiconductor device fabrication, cleanroom facility management, and equipment service and maintenance.
• Hands‑on experience with materials characterization using 3D optical microscopes, SEM, AFM, reflectometers, profilometers, and ellipsometry.
• Proven experience with process analysis, statistical process control (SPC), and design of experiments (DOE) for process optimization and equipment troubleshooting.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills

10+ years hands‑on experience in dry etching and thin film growth in the semiconductor industry or in relevant cleanroom facilities.

Principal Responsibilities

• 1. User Training: Refine training methodologies and train and mentor users of the research core, providing guidance and expertise.
• 2. Experiment Support: Collaborate closely with researchers and lead complex projects requiring customized solutions within the research core.
• 3. Facility/Instrument Support: Lead and manage research projects within the research core.
• 4. Technique Development: Contribute to the development of research strategies within the research core and evaluate and implement cutting‑edge technologies and methodologies.
• 5. Data Analysis/Interpretation: Analyze and interpret complex scientific data, providing critical insights and recommendations.
• 6. Equipment Procurement: Assist in the evaluation, acquisition, and maintenance of research core equipment.
• 7. Professional Development: Stay updated with emerging research trends and technologies. Participate and present in professional development activities and scientific conferences, representing the research core at conferences and events.
• 8. Scientific Participation: Collaborate with users on manuscript preparation and grant proposals, as applicable.
• 9, Staff Training and Mentoring: Mentor and support junior staff members in their professional growth.
• 10. Leadership: Collaborate with senior core leadership on research core‑related initiatives.
• 11. Finance and Admin: Support the Core Director with development and implementation of strategic plans and budgets for the research core.
• 12. Vendor Relations: Oversees strategic vendor partnerships, manages negotiations, and evaluates vendor performance for the research core.
• 13. Education and Outreach: Develop education and outreach activities within the core, including tours, events, etc.

Required Education and Experience

Master's Degree in a related discipline and five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience.

Original Job Posting Date

01/21/2026

Job Category

Professional

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Administration & Operations

Compensation Grade Profile

Manager; Program Leader (26)

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff

Work Model

Hybrid

Location

15-17 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks basedon the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific dutiesand responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job‑related duties throughtheir hiring department.

University policy is committed to affirmative action under law in employment of women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Additionally, in accordance with Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco‑free campus.