Laboratory Technician II - Mellon College of Science - Physics Department

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world's most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn't imagine the future, we invent it. If you're passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Mellon College of Science (MCS) is home to four departments and many programs and research centers that cross disciplines. We approach scientific problems from fresh angles using creative interdisciplinary approaches while drawing on our departmental strengths in the core sciences. MCS faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized for their research in a variety of fields, including polymer science, cosmology, mathematical finance, and neuroscience.

MCS is seeking Laboratory Technicians to join the team! In this role, you will independently design, develop, and maintain critical laboratory infrastructure supporting the CMS High-Granularity Calorimeter (HGCal) upgrade at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. In addition, this role will perform precision wirebonding and fabricate silicon detector modules in accordance with the rigorous quality standards required for high-energy physics instrumentation. Lastly, laboratory technicians maintain and oversee laboratory instruments, equipment, and facilities to ensure reliable support for ongoing research activities.

Core Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain critical laboratory infrastructure supporting the CMS High-Granularity Calorimeter (HGCal) upgrade at CERN.
• Perform precision wirebonding of silicon sensor modules to specifications required for high-energy physics detector fabrication.
• Manufacture and assemble HGCal silicon detector modules, including component handling, bonding, and quality testing.
• Monitor and maintain stock of materials necessary for module fabrication; reorder materials as necessary.
• Train students and researchers in the safe use of laboratory equipment and processes (e.g., wirebonding station, module assembly).
• Collaborate with project teams to understand technical requirements; participate in design discussions, reviews, and system integrations.
• Engage in system-level engineering and provide technical direction as needed.
• Provide ongoing support and troubleshooting for systems and infrastructure after initial development.
• Conduct lab work requiring standard tests, routines, and analysis; document results.
• Other duties as assigned.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in physics or related field required.
• At least one year of research lab, data entry, and record management experience required.
• Experience with precious electronics assembly, wirebonding, or equivalent technician manufacturing experience required.
• A combination of education and proven experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
• OSHA Hazardous Materials Safety Training (on the job)