Employer: Stanford University
Location: Stanford, CA, United States
Category: Research
Job function: Science and Engineering Associate
Workplace type: On-site
Contract type: Regular
Grade: I
Posted: 2026-11-05
Work Schedule
On-site work arrangement; employee is expected to work on-site full-time.
Budgeted Salary
$95,000/yr - $115,000/yr
School/Unit Description
nano@stanford is the 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 as well as 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. For more information, visit: https://nanolabs.stanford.edu.
Position Summary
nano@stanford is seeking a Lab Operations Associate to support research operations within the Nanopatterning and Flexible Cleanrooms as part of nano@stanford’s nanofabrication facilities. Core equipment include direct-write photo and electron-beam lithography, physical vapor deposition, dry etching, wet chemical processing, and metrology. The successful candidate will be part of a team supporting the day-to-day operations of both cleanrooms. They will be primarily responsible for general cleanroom operations, spanning general lab upkeep, inventory management, and hazardous waste management. They will be a key initial point of contact for many of our researchers to provide initial cleanroom safety training. They may also be responsible for additional equipment primarily in photolithography and metrology. They will provide training and support to researchers, develop and implement advanced techniques, and also be involved in planning for upgrades and new equipment.
Core Duties
- Support scientific and research programs related to area of specialization; analyze data, monitor and oversee experimental process, and design and develop prototypes, specialized equipment, and/or systems.
- Modify, repair, and troubleshoot complex equipment and experimental systems.
- Prepare and review drawings, material lists, requisitions, job orders, engineering change requests, and other documents associated with development, fabrication, assembly, installations, and testing.
- Coordinate and work on scientific or engineering installations; plan and execute various phases of an operation, oversee schedule of equipment operations, and supervise routine maintenance.
- Acquire and maintain tools, equipment, and chemicals associated with experimental or engineering projects.
- Maintain documentation related to research studies and protocols, and perform administrative duties related to equipment and systems associated with research or engineering projects, as assigned.
- Liaise between researchers, students, technical staff, scientists, vendors, and other university staff; serve as a resource, providing training and practical guidance.
- Oversee the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group/projects, and provide guidance to technicians, operators, and others working in particular scientific or engineering function area.
Minimum Education and Experience
Associate Degree or certificate of completion in a related engineering or related scientific discipline and three years of relevant experience; or a combination of education and relevant experience
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Experience applying scientific and engineering principles and practices to perform technical services and support.
- Experience with data analysis, experimental process, design, and development of prototypes, equipment, and/or systems related to area of specialization.
- Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrative duties, and research protocol maintenance related to research studies and/or scientific/engineering projects.
- Experience with software applications, systems, or programs relevant for the job.
- Ability to interpret and determine validity of data and check own work.
- Ability to communicate, liaise, and work with staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors.
- Ability to effectively supervise and train a diverse work staff.