Electron and Ion Microscope Manager (Pasadena)

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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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References