Job Description
Pasadena, California, Laboratory Infrastructure Manager Caltech Job Category: Fulltime Regular Exempt Overtime Eligible: Exempt Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community. Job Summary The Kavli Nanoscience Institute (KNI) is seeking a highly organized, proactive individual to serve as Laboratory Infrastructure Manager to support and problem solve day-to-day technical operations of a 7,500 sq. ft. multi-user cleanroom facility on the Caltech campus. The Laboratory Infrastructure Manager will (1) provide careful oversight of lab infrastructure, such as vacuum equipment systems, mechanical components, and other integral parts of laboratory infrastructure, including the electrical, gas, and fluid inlet/outlet lines, HVAC, chillers, DI water, fume hoods, wet benches, vacuum pumps, computer hard drives, installation projects for laboratory equipment and support systems, as well as cleanroom stockage of PPE supplies and chemicals; (2) manage, maintain, and train users on standard nanofabrication equipment, such as mask aligners, critical point dryer, scribe breaker, wafer bonder, wire bonder, and other equipment. Importantly, the Laboratory Infrastructure Manager will (3) serve as the primary point of contact for all new lab users, providing the mandatory initial cleanroom safety training and onboarding; (4) work with users and fellow technical staff members on process integration and development of standard processes in one or more areas of concentration (etching, deposition, lithography, etc.); and (5) be responsible for maintaining and communicating proper safety measures inside the lab and to the users. The successful candidate will interact on a regular basis with Caltech's Environmental Health and Safety Office, Facilities & Transportation, outside vendors, as well as all internal and external lab users (students, postdocs, staff, government, and industry users). Along with participating in weekly staff meetings and regular 1:1 meetings with the technical supervisor, the Laboratory Infrastructure Manager is responsible for maintaining accurate accounts and organized storage and stocking of lab supplies and inventories. The individual will work closely with the KNI technical and administrative staff to proactively support the day-to-day operations of the lab and supervise a cohort of part-time undergraduate lab assistants. The Laboratory Infrastructure Manager is expected to work on-site during business days. When equipment and infrastructure repairs are needed, the successful candidate will be able to combine problem-solving skills with mechanical, electrical, and vacuum-system know-how to resolve issues and then document the solutions to make future repairs more efficient. The Laboratory Infrastructure Manager will carry out calibrations and preventative maintenance plans that minimize the chance of equipment failure, thereby maximizing its uptime for the lab's researchers. The successful candidate will become an expert in equipment operation to the point of being able to train lab users to operate the equipment. The Laboratory Infrastructure Manager is expected to set and cultivate a lab culture that promotes responsible practices and attitudes in a top-tier academic open-access facility, along with setting and meeting the standards needed to run a world-class research operation. Essential Job Duties Train lab users on the safety protocols in the KNI Lab, as well as how to successfully operate equipment that the Laboratory Infrastructure Manager oversees. Update training and safety documents, videos, and quizzes as needed. Supervise undergraduate technical staff/assistants. Evaluate, implement, and manage improvements to general laboratory supporting infrastructure, such as gas lines, vacuum pumps, chillers, etc., for quality, safety, and efficiency. Administer preventative maintenance and repairs of equipment in a timely manner to ensure proper working conditions for lab users and document activities as needed. Perform routine repairs of mechanical, electrical, and vacuum systems to address day-to-day problems; aid in diagnosing and fixing problems by reading through equipment and utility schematics, soliciting advice from vendors, and communicating with other lab staff. Coordinate and follow up on maintenance and repairs done by field service engineers, external vendors, and Caltech facilities workers when needed. Manage inventory of lab supplies such as solvents, wet etchants, personal protective equipment, and other general supplies, as needed. Order supplies, contact vendors, conduct product comparisons or assist in forecasting/planning future equipment and resource needs. Work closely with KNI staff members to oversee, assess, and implement laboratory protocols and objectives and provide weekly updates in KNI staff meetings. Support KNI technical staff with operations, maintenance, and repairs of various pieces of equipment and lab infrastructure when needed. Clearly and effectively communicate progress and problems to supervisor and team. Manage resource libraries on equipment standard operating procedures (SOPs) and troubleshooting documents for use by both lab members and other KNI technical staff, along with creating, updating, and maintaining resources throughout areas of the lab for which the Laboratory Infrastructure Manager is the primary manager (e.g., wire bonder, mask aligners, etc.). Lead lab tours to internal and external visitors as needed. Implement proper practices, standards, and/or policies for technical or mechanical equipment challenges as they arise. Contribute to the planning, installation, and commissioning of new equipment and support systems in the lab; establish operational protocols and maintenance plans for such equipment. Help maintain, upgrade, and back up computer systems in the lab (e.g., computers for individual instruments, login terminals, and new computer networking projects). Maintain awareness of laws and regulations affecting the management of the laboratory; ensure compliance with Institute policies, scientific protocols, regulatory agencies, and safety practices. Promote lab safety by training lab members on safe cleanroom procedures and communicating with the campus safety office; document and communicate laboratory and facility safety procedures. Develop and execute innovative methodologies to improve facility management. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in engineering or sciences or equivalent experience. 2+ years of supervisory experience or equivalent leadership experience. 4+ years of relevant experience in equipment maintenance, repair, installation and/or the fabrication industry. A high level of project management and a thorough knowledge of mechanical design, materials, tools, units, and basic measurement techniques. Ability to work independently and with a high level of responsibility and organization. Excellent ability to collaborate with people with diverse skills and backgrounds as part of a team. Excel at multi-tasking, communication, and exerting a willingness to support team members. Ability to identify lab and user needs and proactively resolve challenges to mitigate larger problems. Experience handling and managing chemicals and/or gas cylinders in an academic or industrial laboratory. Experience and ability to work in a cleanroom setting and follow established protocols for gowning and safety. Attention to detail, excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, and ability to maintain organized data records. Ability to adequately transfer knowledge to others through training and documentation. Ability to work independently with a high level of responsibility. Able to work evenings/weekends when required; flexible weekday hours may be possible. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in engineering or sciences. Proficiency with the following software: Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Computer maintenance and troubleshooting skills, e.g., new hardware installs, networking, and performing hard drive backups. Experience in chiller, vacuum, and dry pump maintenance. Experience with orbital welding. Required Documents Resume To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: https://hr.caltech.edu/work/job_openings We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Copyright 2024 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved. Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency jeid-23fb0c0a66de54449d00df130e7e9ffb
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