Research Technician

Merck•Carlsbad, CA

18h•Onsite

About The Position

Join the EMD Electronics Thin Films New Product Development team in Carlsbad to support the purification of chemical precursors used in thin film deposition. The role emphasizes hands-on purification (sublimation and distillation), and other techniques involving the preparation of purified precursors to customer specifications. Tasks can include but are not limited to equipment set up and preparation, monitoring the execution of experiments or procedures, writing summary reports, and cleaning equipment and storage vessels. Growth opportunities for more independent work are possible as experience with construction, maintenance, and operation of systems is gained. Build or assemble sublimation and distillation lab-to-pilot scaled equipment and use it to perform purification workflows for precursor materials. Optimize purification parameters to achieve target purity, yield, and batch-to-batch consistency. Characterize purified precursors (purity, moisture, impurities) and document results in electronic lab notebooks. Ensure safety, quality, and environmental compliance; maintain cleanroom or lab areas as required. Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for precursor purification workflows. Track inventory and coordinate for restocking as needed. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support project goals and deliverables.

Requirements

Associates Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or other Life Science discipline.
3+ years of experience in a research technician or engineering role
Or Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or other Life Science discipline.
Follow safety and quality guidelines
Willingness to work in a fast-paced research and development environment with fast learning loops, strong tolerance for ambiguity and evolving requirements

Nice To Haves

Hands-on laboratory experience with purification techniques (sublimation, distillation) and handling of organometallic precursors in a glovebox.
Strong attention to detail, excellent organization, and ability to work in a cross-functional team environment.
Effective communication skills and a proactive, learning-oriented mindset.
Familiarity with electronic lab notebook documentation and basic software tools (MS Office).

Responsibilities

Build or assemble sublimation and distillation lab-to-pilot scaled equipment and use it to perform purification workflows for precursor materials.
Optimize purification parameters to achieve target purity, yield, and batch-to-batch consistency.
Characterize purified precursors (purity, moisture, impurities) and document results in electronic lab notebooks.
Ensure safety, quality, and environmental compliance; maintain cleanroom or lab areas as required.
Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for precursor purification workflows.
Track inventory and coordinate for restocking as needed.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support project goals and deliverables.
Equipment set up and preparation.
Monitoring the execution of experiments or procedures.
Writing summary reports.
Cleaning equipment and storage vessels.