Cleanroom Specialist

University of North Dakota•Grand Forks, ND

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cleanroom Specialist manages the day-to-day supervision, operations, and maintenance of nanofabrication equipment in the University of North Dakota’s Nanofoundry cleanroom. The specialist works with academic and industrial users to advise and enable research while enforcing safety and operational protocols. The role includes evaluating equipment needs and performance, planning equipment installation and qualification, coordinating troubleshooting and repairs, minimizing instrument downtime, and scheduling and tracking equipment use. The position also supports users with process-flow planning and optimization, develops and improves nanofabrication processes and equipment-use documentation, maintains equipment records and inventories, and helps develop and enforce facility safety procedures. The role is onsite at the Grand Forks, North Dakota campus, is classified as exempt, and is listed at $63,000 or more annually for 40 hours per week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, or a related field.
Three years of experience in a cleanroom with nanofabrication equipment and processes.
Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Organizational and time-management skills.
Thorough understanding of equipment principles and design.
Ability to work in a detail-oriented environment and interact effectively and positively with teaching assistants, faculty, students, staff, and the public.
Excellent problem-solving skills.
Ability to complete extensive safety training, wear protective equipment, and handle chemicals and hazardous gases; the work environment includes moving machinery and high noise levels.
Ability to use tools requiring high dexterity; the work involves standing, bending, crouching, stooping, and occasional lifting of 25–50 pounds.
Verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire; the position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.
Submit a CV and cover letter by the application closing date.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in physics, engineering, or a related field.
Strong mechanical or electrical inclination and troubleshooting skills.
Previous experience in e-beam and laser lithography.
Ability to coordinate technical personnel to carry out repairs and maintenance of complex equipment.
Strong attention to detail, persistence, follow-through, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
High energy, self-motivation, strong communication skills and personal work ethic, and a strong sense of ownership.
Ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of personnel at multiple levels of expertise.
Broad nanofabrication experience in process development and equipment troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair.

Responsibilities

Supervise, operate, and maintain nanofabrication equipment housed in UND’s Nanofoundry.
Oversee training and demonstrations of instrument operation for students, researchers, faculty, and external users.
Participate in evaluating and selecting major new equipment; plan, direct, and organize instrument installation and qualification.
Identify equipment performance degradation, develop maintenance standards, and troubleshoot, maintain, and repair defective instruments using in-house resources or manufacturer services.
Coordinate manufacturer service technicians during equipment repairs and maintenance, aiming to minimize instrument downtime.
Develop and maintain equipment records and ensure the availability and quality of operating supplies.
Advise academic and industrial users and serve as a resource for process-flow planning and optimization.
Develop, document, and continuously improve nanofabrication processes and techniques; create equipment-use manuals as needed.
Pursue professional development to remain current with equipment and usage techniques.
Assist with developing safety and operational procedures, enforce established protocols, and ensure required incident and near-miss reporting.
Stay current with industry and campus safety protocols, perform manufacturer-recommended safety checks, report potentially dangerous situations, and take steps to resolve them.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe facility.
Coordinate facility and equipment scheduling, track equipment usage, and maintain an up-to-date inventory of facility equipment and its location.
Communicate proactively with constituents, participate in scheduled meetings, and complete professional and safety training.
Maintain attendance and punctuality, use work time appropriately, demonstrate scheduling flexibility, and follow procedures for leave and absences.