Lab Technologist-CRF Thermal Mechanical Properties (TMP) and Nanofabrication Lab (NFL)

UMass Lowell•Lowell, MA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The CRF Thermal and Mechanical Properties (TMP) Lab and Nanofabrication Lab (NFL) at UMass Lowell is seeking a Lab Technologist to assist in the daily operations of these Core Research Facilities. This role involves offering training and services to students, faculty, and external users on a fee-for-service basis. In the TMP lab, responsibilities include operating and maintaining equipment such as Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA), and Instron Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The Technologist will perform thermal and mechanical analyses, develop experiments, train users, and manage maintenance and inventory. In the NFL, which includes advanced semiconductor tool suites like photolithography, thin-film deposition, and etching systems, the Technologist will work closely with the Director and Sr Technology Manager to execute daily operations in a fast-paced cleanroom environment, requiring multitasking, attention to detail, and adaptability. This position involves equipment maintenance, operation, training, advising users, service work, and data analysis.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Materials Science, or comparable field with 1 to 5 years of relevant experience.
Relevant senior research work will be considered towards experience.
Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of TGA, DSC, and Instron equipment.
Demonstrated experience in the area of mechanical testing and thermal characterization (TMP analytical techniques).
Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions.
Ability to read and interpret sketches, CAD files, prints, SOPs and specifications.
Ability to supervise and instruct both external and internal researchers in the proper and safe use of TMP equipment.
Mechanical aptitude, capable of troubleshooting, repairing and maintaining instruments.
Must be able to operate independently with little supervision.
Must be able to lift and move 50 lbs. or less.
Reliable, dependable and team player.
Ability to prepare and conduct experiments using instrumentation, data acquisition and control.
Ability to make oral presentations and written reports.
Ability to carry out written, verbal and/or other instructions.

Nice To Haves

Customer-service oriented.
Ability to multitask and support two facilities and various technical functions on campus simultaneously.
Ability to use good judgment and is an independent self-starter.
May be required to work varying work schedules, shifts.

Responsibilities

Operations of the TMP/NFL Core lab and provide assistance with internal and external users.
Performing thermal and mechanical analyses of routine and research samples.
Developing TMP experiments and methodologies.
Training new TMP instrument users.
Implementing the preventive and corrective maintenance program and supplies inventory for the TMP laboratory.
Prioritizing and executing daily operations in a fast-paced busy cleanroom.
Multitasking abilities, highest attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to quickly changing priorities.
Safe use of equipment and providing service to customers requiring training, service work, and data analysis.
Estimating material, supplies, and equipment required for laboratory operations and initiating procurement.
Maintaining laboratory stock.
Making recommendations for new instructional, research, and maintenance techniques.
Assisting in technical laboratory services in various programs.
Contributing to maintaining laboratory financial records.
Participating in meetings pertaining to instructional and facility-related activities.
Training new instrument users for Level 2 safety training and equipment-specific training.
Providing and maintaining SDS for all Hazardous Materials used in said labs.
Instructing both external and internal researchers in the proper and safe use of TMP/NFL equipment.
Providing training on equipment and approval of users for self-use.
Maintaining equipment user reservations using Filemaker scheduling software.
Authoring and maintaining SOPs to support the equipment.
Authoring and maintaining training records for all equipment requiring an SOP.
Daily maintenance of all equipment (system checks) as needed.
Performing preventative maintenance and instrument performance measures and establishing and maintaining a program of preventive maintenance.
Working with instrument vendors and service engineers for repairs.
Monitoring temperature and humidity to provide a safe comfortable environment.
Providing reporting as required by supervisor.
Maintaining Records of CRF training and maintenance.
Enforcing lab safety procedures and following prescribed safety regulations, precautions, university rules, policies, and procedures.
Making frequent inspections and tests to determine safe and efficient operation of equipment and apparatuses.
Supervising internal and external users in the use of highly complex technical equipment and apparatuses.
Demonstrating proper use of equipment.
Interpreting laboratory instruments and/or equipment manuals.
Potentially assuming full responsibility for instruction, supervision, and performance of all users in laboratory sections of courses.
Working closely with faculty, teaching assistants, grading assistants, and/or lab assistants assigned to the course.
Championing equipment use and outreach by being an active participant of the CRF team’s effort to increase research community engagement through presentations, facilities tours and demos, University Open Houses and meetings with community researchers.
Promoting the University’s commitment to customer service.
Building effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the University and externally by freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance.
Ensuring optimum service to all internal and external clients in response to all requests for services, training, and information.
Maintaining an environment that welcomes persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.
Managing toxic and hazardous materials in related laboratories in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Coordinating proper collection and disposal of laboratory wastes.
Following and enforcing prescribed safety precautions, University and department rules and regulations, with special consideration of Export Control and other Office of Compliance issues.
Maintaining work areas in clean, orderly, and safe condition.