QPG Laboratory Assistant Manager (Pasadena)

Laboratory Assistant Manager

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

The Quantum Photonics Group (QPG), led by Principal Investigator (PI) Oskar Painter, is seeking a Laboratory Assistant Manager to assist in the technical operations of its cleanroom facilities on the Caltech campus.

The QPG Laboratory Assistant Manager will be expected to collaborate with laboratory technicians, engineers, researchers, and other department personnel to oversee day-to-day operations, manage team dynamics, resolve issues, lead projects for improving the lab infrastructure, develop training and maintenance programs, oversee equipment troubleshooting and repair, and ensure operational protocols are followed and improved.

The QPG Laboratory Assistant Manager will work closely with the engineers and technicians to provide assistance with maintaining peak performance of state-of-the-art nanofabrication equipment for use by the lab's quantum device researchers, which includes material deposition systems (e.g. plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, physical vapor deposition), material etching systems (e.g. reactive ion etchers, vapor HF), a scanning electron microscope, fume hoods for wet chemistry, and other supporting tools.

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical problem-solving skills and the ability to lead by example through training and mentorship. This position is critical to sustaining a high-performance research environment and will require excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

Essential Job Duties :

• Work with the PI and the QPG Laboratory Manager to define the vision for the QPG team and develop strategies to achieve the team's objectives, implement those plans with the group, and report updates on progress during meetings.
• Organize and plan projects with the QPG team on the group's responsibilities towards managing day-to-day operations, lab infrastructure development, equipment operational protocols, maintenance plans, new equipment installation and commissioning, and equipment upgrades for state-of-the-art nanofabrication equipment to achieve peak performance.
• Delegate tasks and set clear goals for the team, provide clear instructions and support, monitor performance, and provide feedback to the lab technician, engineer, researchers, and lab manager.
• Participate in lab safety by training lab members on the safe use of equipment and processes.
• Participate in the discussion of laboratory protocols and objectives with lab users, other lab staff, and the lab PI.
• Communicate progress and problems to other lab staff and the PI via email / phone, in meetings, and reports, depending on the urgency and scope.
• When not managing the team, assist in expanding the vision of the lab by keeping current with developments in nanofabrication research and technology, and informing the team of relevant advancements, and develop new objectives for the improvement of the lab.
• Work with lab engineers and technicians to ensure that established protocols for equipment are followed, documented, and that problems are appropriately escalated to maintain equipment operating at peak performance for the lab users.
• Assist in developing new protocols for equipment that do not yet have them, setting the standard by which peak performance can be evaluated.
• Maintain awareness of laws and regulations affecting the management of the laboratory; ensure compliance with Institute policies, scientific protocols, regulatory agencies, and safety practices.

Basic Qualifications :

Bachelor's degree.

Strong oral and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Teamwork skills and an ability to collaborate respectfully and effectively with coworkers having diverse skills and backgrounds.

Attention to detail and excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.

An ability to learn quickly and adequately transfer that knowledge to others through teaching / documentation.

A desire to meet and set high standards.

Ability to work independently, with a high level of responsibility.

Must be on-site during peak hours (8am-5pm, Monday through Friday), and must be able to work evenings and weekends, when necessary.

Must be able to work in a cleanroom setting, following all established protocols for gowning, PPE, and safety.

Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications :

Bachelor's degree in engineering or sciences.

2+ years of relevant experience.

Proficiency with the following software : Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Basic computer maintenance and troubleshooting skills, e.g., new hardware installs, networking, performing hard drive backups.

Required Documents :

Resume