"Research Lab Manager - Cleanroom"

Research Lab Manager - Cleanroom

Position Description
Key personnel that will assist in conducting meaningful research to assist faculty in teaching and research programs.

Major/Essential Functions

The Texas Tech University Semiconductor Cleanroom Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the university's semiconductor cleanroom facilities. This role ensures safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the cleanroom to support interdisciplinary research, teaching, and external partnerships. The Cleanroom Manager oversees equipment, protocols, user training, and staff coordination while serving as a technical resource for faculty, students, and industry collaborators.

Cleanroom Design and Development

• Participate in the planning, design, and commissioning of the semiconductor cleanroom.
• Provide technical input on layout, workflow, tool placement, utilities, and infrastructure to ensure operational efficiency, safety, and compliance.
• Develop, review, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cleanroom operations, safety, equipment use, and facility workflows to ensure consistent, compliant, and efficient operation.
• Collaborate with faculty, engineers, architects, and contractors during design reviews and construction phases.
• Support equipment move-in, installation, and qualification during facility startup or expansion.

Cleanroom Operations and Facility Management

• Manage daily operations of the cleanroom, including scheduling, access control, and space utilization.
• Ensure compliance with cleanroom standards (e.g., ISO classifications), safety regulations, and university policies.
• Develop, implement, and enforce cleanroom operating procedures, safety protocols, and emergency response plans.
• Monitor environmental conditions (particle counts, temperature, humidity) and coordinate corrective actions as needed.

Research

• Participate in research proposal development by defining cleanroom capabilities, processes, costs, and feasibility.
• Translates research concepts into executable cleanroom process flows.
• Aligns facility infrastructure and equipment planning with research needs.
• Enables advanced semiconductor research through exploratory development, training and standardized processes.

Equipment and Process Management

• Oversee installation, qualification, calibration, maintenance, and repair of cleanroom tools and infrastructure.
• Manage service contracts, preventive maintenance schedules, and vendor relationships.
• Maintain equipment documentation, logs, and certification records.
• Support and optimize fabrication, characterization, and processing workflows relevant to the cleanroom's mission.

User Support, Training, and Compliance

• Train and certify faculty, students, and external users on cleanroom safety, protocols, and equipment operation.
• Enforce user compliance with cleanroom rules and best practices.
• Serve as a technical consultant to users on process development, troubleshooting, and safe equipment use.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding of cleanroom users.

Staff and Resource Management

• Supervise cleanroom technical staff, student workers, and/or technicians as applicable.
• Assist with hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation of cleanroom personnel.
• Manage consumables inventory, purchasing, and cost control.
• Support budgeting, recharge models, and usage reporting.

Safety, Compliance, and Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with environmental health and safety (EHS) regulations, chemical hygiene plans, and waste disposal requirements.
• Conduct regular safety inspections, audits, and risk assessments.
• Maintain incident reports and coordinate corrective and preventive actions.
• Support accreditation, internal reviews, and external audits.

Strategic Development and Outreach

• Contribute to strategic planning for cleanroom expansion, upgrades, and new capabilities.
• Support grant proposals, capital equipment justifications, and facility reports.
• Interface with faculty leadership, university administration, and external partners.
• Promote effective utilization of the cleanroom for research, education, and industry collaboration.

Required Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, materials science, or chemistry, or a master's degree.

This position is designated as involving access to critical infrastructure systems and/or research, as defined by Texas Executive Order GA-48. As such, candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background check prior to employment. Employees are required to comply with all applicable state and federal regulations related to the protection of critical infrastructure. Ongoing employment is dependent upon maintaining eligibility for access and successfully passing periodic security and compliance reviews.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant technical field.
• Prior experience managing or supervising a shared research facility.
• Experience with microfabrication, nanofabrication, semiconductor processing, MEMS, or related technologies.
• Familiarity with university recharge centers, budgeting, and compliance requirements.
• Significant hands-on experience working in a cleanroom environment.

Pay Range

$78,900 - $102,600 - $126,200

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.