Technical Manager URNANO

001 University of Rochester; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 78,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Rochester is seeking a highly skilled specialist to supervise nanofabrication and microscopy facilities within the URNano Center. You will independently run complex laboratory tasks, plan/execute projects, and mentor students and staff in advanced nanotechnology techniques.

The role requires hands-on experience with SEM, TEM, FIB, and related equipment, plus strong documentation and collaboration across research teams.

Qualifications

• Masters degree or higher in a relevant science or engineering discipline.
• Three+ years managing facilities, operations, space and equipment in a research or educational setting.
• Three+ years operating electron microscopes and associated sample prep and characterization.
• Ability to design, set up, operate and repair complex microscopy equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains advanced microscopy and related equipment.
• Trains and mentors students, staff, and faculty in lab techniques.
• Develops SOPs and documents methods for publications.
• Leads independent projects and supports PI research initiatives.
• Collaborates with vendors for service contracts and upkeep.
• Ensures safe operations in a cleanroom environment.

Skills

Facility operations

SEM operation

Sample preparation

TEM

FIB processing

Cleanroom

Data analysis / SOP writing

Mentoring/training

IP/confidentiality awareness

Education

Masters degree or higher in relevant science/engineering

PhD preferred

Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address): 220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Opening: Worker Subtype: Regular Time Type: Full time Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Department: 210959 URNano Work Shift: Range: UR URG 113

Compensation Range: $77,600.00 - $116,400.00 The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities

Provides technical operations, directs research and training, and leads efforts to advance highly specialized scientific equipment and facilities within the University of Rochester Integrated Nanosystems Center.

POSITION SUMMARY: The candidate will independently perform complex laboratory tasks, including planning and conducting of complete projects of limited scope and or a portion of a larger and more diverse project led by UR PIs. Candidate must have a working knowledge of state-of-the-art scanning electron microscopes (SEM), electron spectroscopy (i.e. EDS), focused ion beam (FIB) preparation of samples, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), physical vapor deposition tools, reactive ion (plasma) processing, wafer scale silicon and associated oxide processing, soft/hard contact lithography and wet chemical processing. Details of related vacuum systems and associated mechanical designs should be appreciated and understood. The candidate will be required to work in an environmentally controlled area (cleanroom) for long periods of time. The candidate will be able to work for competing industrial and university researchers while maintaining confidentiality of processes and concepts between groups. Knowledge of Intellectual property law and guidelines is a plus. The candidate will interface as a primary trainer and mentor for complex laboratory processes for students (undergrad and graduate), faculty, staff and corporate users. The candidate will have both classroom and laboratory teaching duties related to microscopy and nanotechnology. Provides engineering services in support of engineering and physical science research activities, encompassing sample characterization, mechanical, electrical, computer, or electronic design, systems analysis, feasibility analysis, instrumentation design, etc., the solution of engineering problems, the development of engineering projects and the supervision of fabrication.

A successful candidate will have:

• Three or more years of experience in managing facilities, operations, maintenance, space and equipment in a research or educational setting.
• Three or more years of experience with the operation and use of electron microscopes and associated sample preparation and characterization.
• The ability to design and properly perform all phases of set‑up, operation, and repair of complex research and instructional equipment related to electron microscopy instrumentation and ancillary equipment such as specimen preparation equipment.
• The ability to apply advanced knowledge of principles, concepts and methods related to the laboratory operation, performance
• The ability to investigate, devise and help carry out plans for continual renovation and upgrade of equipment and laboratory facilities, including potential new equipment acquisitions to advance the research capabilities of the facility
• The ability to develop and perform complex mechanical, electrical, and/or electronic troubleshooting using technical expertise and experience
• The ability to develop, adapt, apply, and exploit the technical capabilities of the laboratory equipment for instructional endeavors
• The ability to provide expert technical advice, mentoring, and training for professional and technical staff, and students and faculty for the completion of safe and effective research, tasks, and endeavors
• The ability to communicate clearly
• The ability to maintain accurate, detailed records
• The ability to establish and maintain system of data recording, storage and transfer with relevant PIs
• The ability to create an inclusive environment and work with a diverse population

Specific Responsibilities

• Works independently with only occasional suggestions in modifying, varying or adapting standard laboratory procedures to meet special needs of research projects.
• Performs analyses and scientific data reductions by using standard methods and develops modifications of standard methods to meet special situations.
• Searches literature for reference to technical problems involved in research projects; writes standard operating procedures (SOPs); prepares charts, graphs and tables; and assists in the preparation of materials for publication.
• Operates laboratory and experimental testing equipment and apparatus such as cleanroom processing tools, vacuum systems, electron microscopes and the like.
• Conducts regular training classes and certification classes for user facility members.
• Presents facility summaries at user group meetings.
• Teaches laboratory techniques and instrumentation procedures to students, faculty and technical support staff, and counsels them on technical problems.
• Supervises lower classified engineers, technicians and clerical staff assigned to the facility. Assists in advising student research projects.
• Works with vendors as needed to carry out service contract obligations in support of equipment.

Requirements

At minimum a successful candidate should have a Masters degree or higher with major course work in a relevant science or engineering discipline (e.g. microelectronics/optics manufacture, applied physics, physics, chemistry, earth science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering or related academic fields), and three years of related work experience involving direct assistance to researchers; or any equivalent combination of experience, training and education. Candidates with PhD degrees may be given preference.

NOTE: This document describes typical duties and responsibilities and is not intended to limit management from assigning other work as required.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better.

The University of Rochester is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non‑discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

Learn. Discover. Heal. Create.

Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world’s leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries—always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better.

It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.