Director, Physics & Quantum Cleanrooms

Overview

Princeton University is seeking an accomplished and visionary Cleanroom Director to lead and advance the Princeton Quantum Initiative’s (PQI) cleanroom capabilities. This role will oversee the operation of the existing Physics cleanroom in Jadwin Hall, assist with the design of a new Quantum Cleanroom facility scheduled for completion in 2029, and establish the equipment, staffing, governance, and operational framework for the new facility. Additional responsibilities will include procuring and staging equipment, planning installation and qualification, hiring technical staff, and eventually directing cleanroom operations once the facility is established.

The Quantum Cleanroom will support cutting-edge research in quantum science and engineering, enabling fabrication of electronic and photonic devices across a wide range of materials, including silicon, III–V semiconductors, diamond, two-dimensional materials, and superconductors. The facility will be purpose-built to meet stringent cleanliness and process-control requirements while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to the rapidly evolving needs of the field. The Quantum Cleanroom will coexist with the general-purpose Micro-Nano Fabrication Center (MNFC) cleanroom housed within the Princeton Materials Institute.

Responsibilities

Cleanroom Operations (Current Facility)

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the existing 1,400 sq. ft. Physics cleanroom in Jadwin Hall serving the campus quantum research community.
• Ensure high standards of cleanliness, safety, process control, and equipment reliability.
• Develop and enforce cleanroom policies, procedures, and training programs for users.
• Manage access, scheduling, maintenance, compliance for the facility.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive research environment for faculty, students, postdoctoral researchers, and external users.

Design and Planning (New Quantum Cleanroom)

• Work closely with faculty committees, administrators, architects, engineers, and external consultants to assist in the design of the new Quantum Cleanroom facility.
• Translate scientific and technical requirements into cleanroom layout, infrastructure, and workflow design.
• Contribute to long-term planning to ensure scalability, flexibility, and alignment with future research directions in quantum science.
• Coordinate planning efforts to ensure complementary operation with the MNFC cleanroom.

Facility Build-Out and Establishment

• Lead procurement, staging, installation planning, and qualification of cleanroom tools and infrastructure.
• Develop commissioning plans, operational readiness milestones, and acceptance criteria for equipment and facilities.
• Establish governance, policies, cost-recovery models, and prioritization frameworks for the new cleanroom.
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise technical and engineering staff.
• Prepare to assume full operational leadership of the Quantum Cleanroom once the facility becomes operational.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Provide strategic vision and leadership for all aspects of the Quantum Cleanroom.
• Build strong, effective relationships with faculty, staff, students, postdoctoral researchers, external users, and university leadership.
• Partner with faculty committees in setting scientific priorities, policies, and access models.
• Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, innovation, and service excellence.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in engineering, physics, materials science, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Deep technical expertise in cleanroom processes, fabrication techniques, and cleanroom infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience managing or leading cleanroom or advanced research facilities.
• Strong understanding of safety, regulatory compliance, and best practices in cleanroom environments.
• Proven leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Experience supporting fabrication of electronic and/or photonic devices for quantum or nano-scale applications.
• Familiarity with a broad range of materials systems, including silicon, III–V materials, diamond, 2D materials, and superconductors.
• Experience leading facility design, build-out, or major capital equipment installations.
• Track record of successful collaboration across diverse academic and research communities.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours: 36.25

Eligible for Overtime: No

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Probationary Period: 180 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail): No

Physical Capacity Exam Required: No

Valid Driver’s License Required: No

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level

Salary Range: $185,000 to $210,000