Electron and Ion Microscope Manager

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 is seeking an Electron and Ion Microscope Manager with nanofabrication research and/or industry experience to help manage a suite of advanced microscopy instruments within its class 10,000/1,000/100 cleanroom facilities. The primary responsibilities of this position include overseeing and managing: two scanning electron microscopes (SEMs); two focused ion beam (FIB) systems (He/Ne/Ga-FIB and SEM/Ga-FIB), one equipped with a micromanipulator for TEM sample prep; an atomic force microscope (AFM); and associated analytical and sample preparation equipment. The Microscope Manager will engage in microscopy-relevant process development and verification and will become familiar with the basics of nanofabrication processes and instrumentation related to lithography, etching, and deposition. To strengthen the connections to the lithography efforts across the facility, the Microscope Manager will also support the electron beam and photolithography areas on a secondary basis. The successful candidate will train academic and industry lab users on the microscopes, update and develop educational resources and training documents as needed, provide guidance and technical support to researchers in the design and execution of experiments, and discuss obtained data as needed.
The ideal candidate will be able to work independently and collaboratively with students, postdocs, staff, industry users, and faculty members to assess their needs and to maintain the microscopy suite at a technical level required by the laboratory users. Additionally, the successful candidate will employ soft skills on a regular basis, including effective communication, problem-solving, expectation-setting, flexibility, project management, and creativity. A self-starter who can see the "big picture" and maintain good focus on key details will be successful in this role.
Essential Job Duties

• Management of SEM and FIB suite of microscopy equipment along with their support systems (see microscope models and existing resources: as the primary point of contact for the users of SEM, FIB, and auxiliary equipment, i.e., EDS, EELS, Omniprobe, etc., and AFM; provide training in imaging and analysis techniques, sample preparation, and supervise overall user operations. Educate users on the proper use of equipment from a procedural and scientifically relevant standpoint, and on the underlying physics of various techniques.
• Perform scheduled maintenance and alignments, order and monitor use of supplies/consumables, and perform and document necessary troubleshooting to ensure optimal functionality of instruments.
• Report status of microscopy suite in staff meetings and supervisor meetings.

User education and microscopy development.

• Develop new educational resources and training materials (e.g., presentations, posters, instructional videos), as needed.
• Develop and execute new skills and techniques in SEM, FIB, and AFM to enhance the overall microscopy capabilities of the lab
• Keep up with state-of-the-art microscopy equipment, techniques, and scientific literature that could advance proficiency in the KNI; this includes participation in professional societies, training opportunities, and potentially conferences.
• Take initiative to improve work processes that affect the functions of the facility; anticipate problems and work proactively to find immediate and sustainable solutions.
• Help to assess needs for new microscopy equipment, and evaluate and install new hardware, when necessary.

Assume additional responsibilities to promote the KNI mission, including but not limited to:

• Serve as the liaison between KNI Lab needs and microscopy equipment vendors.
• Work closely with KNI technical staff and assist in general lab facility projects, as needed.
• Review and implement best practices and modify and update standard operating procedures, as needed.
• Ensure compliance with Caltech's institute policies, scientific protocols, regulatory agencies, and safety practices.

Opportunities to participate in departmental academic course co-facilitation and/or staff-led research initiatives, such as:

• Short-term studies and projects that aim to produce process recipes that serve as experimental starting points for lab users.
• Potential co-lead of a lab class on the introduction of nanofabrication techniques.
• Potential longer-term studies aimed at publishing in journals, in conjunction with other KNI staff members, student researchers, and Caltech PIs; may include participating in writing research proposals where microscopy and/or lithography expertise is needed.

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. or equivalent years' experience in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field.
• Minimum of three years direct experience operating electron and ion microscopes in a research or production environment.
• Proficient in common SEM and FIB techniques, e.g., secondary electron and backscattered electron imaging, EDS, electron beam lithography, direct ion beam etching, cutting and imaging cross-sections, TEM lamella sample preparation, and microscope automation.
• Experience working with vendors and service engineers.
• Experience creating training documentation and educational resources.
• Excellent time management, organization, and attention to detail.
• Highly proficient in listening and communicating with students, staff, faculty, and vendors.
• Maintain a dedicated and flexible mindset and a continued interest in developing new skills.
• Must be able to work in a cleanroom environment.
• Responsible, team player with a growth mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field.
• Experience operating etching and/or deposition and/or lithography equipment.
• Experience in operating direct-write electron beam lithography equipment.
• Experience using atomic force microscope (AFM).
• Instructional experience.
• Lab management experience.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References