Lab Operations Manager
Employer: Stanford University
Location: Stanford, CA, United States
Category: Research
Job function: Research Technical Manager
Workplace type: On-site
Contract type: Regular
Grade: L
Posted: 2026-09-16
Work Schedule
Work Schedule: On-site work arrangement; employee is expected to work on-site full-time.
Budgeted Salary
$150,197 - $196,000
School/Unit Description
nano@stanford is Stanford University's largest shared experimental research facility, providing access to world-leading expertise and capabilities in nanoscale science and engineering. We serve over 1,400 researchers from Stanford and leading academic, industrial, and government institutions across the US and globally—spanning fields from medicine and biology to fundamental physics and astronomy. Our nearly 40,000 sq ft of cleanrooms and satellite laboratories house 300+ state-of-the-art instruments for fabricating and characterizing materials and devices. But beyond the equipment, nano@stanford is a vibrant, collaborative research community where innovation thrives.
Position Summary
We're seeking a Laboratory Operations Manager to lead technical coordination and oversight of nano@stanford's Nano Patterning and Flexible Cleanroom Fabrication facilities. In this role, you'll support our world-class researchers in transforming innovative ideas into real structures and devices, while championing educational initiatives that make advanced fabrication accessible to innovators everywhere. You will bring hands-on experience with physical vapor deposition systems, electron-beam lithography, plasma etch tools, or similar equipment, and a proven track record in micro- or nano-device fabrication. You will have deep familiarity with research fabrication environments, including tool maintenance and repairs, consumables management, vendor relations, documentation, and—most importantly—fostering a strong safety culture. You have excellent communication skills, with demonstrated success coordinating technical working groups, cross-functional projects, and diverse teams. You excel at translating complex technical concepts and building consensus across stakeholders. You are a collaborative team player who thrives on developing creative, practical solutions—whether addressing daily lab challenges or making the case for strategic equipment investments. And most of all, you're passionate about enabling the next generation of scientists and engineers and genuinely believe in the power of accessible, world-class research facilities.
Core Duties
- Provide strategic planning for own work group; participate with senior managers in higher level strategic planning. Communicate operational objectives and assignments and delegate to staff.
- Manage the daily operations of a assigned area(s) which include recruiting, hiring, training, developing, evaluating and setting priorities of staff; coordinate business, technical, and educational activities for direct reports.
- Oversee interdepartmental activities, projects and efforts by applying advanced technical and professional knowledge. Serve as the initial managerial escalation point for problems from clients and other staff.
- Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources. Oversee preparation of periodic financial and technical reports and operating plans.
- Interface with clients to determine project requirements. Establish service level agreements with clients.
- Monitor scientific, engineering and/or technology trends and evaluate emerging technologies to recommend for adoption and implementation.
- Communicate and implement policies, procedures, best practices, recommendations and guidelines in compliance with established University administrative policies and procedures.
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience. Advanced degree may be required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Experience leading or overseeing the work of technical staff.
- Understanding of relevant scientific, engineering, or technical disciplines.
- Ability to problem solve.
- Ability to synthesize and articulate technical and scientific methodologies, specifications, and information.
- Experience leading scientific, engineering, or technical research projects or programs.
- Knowledge of emerging technologies, trends, methodologies, and resource management principles.
- Ability to work and communicate effectively with others.
- Strong customer relationship and consensus building skills.
- Ability to influence and establish effective working relationships in a diverse environment.
- Ability to resolve issues quickly and make decisions that meet university objectives in a collaborative culture.
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