Date:	August, 2016
Reports to (Job Title):	Lab Director, Research & Special Projects
Jobs Reporting (Job Titles):	None
Department:	Electrical & Computer Engineering
Location:	Main Campus
Grade:	USG 10 37.5 hr/wk

Primary Purpose

The Molecular Beam Epitaxy Facility (QNC-MBE) at the Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum Nano Centre (QNC) supports multi-faceted research programs from photonics to quantum computing. The QNC-MBE Facility Manager (Manager) is responsible for a wide variety of operational, research and administrative laboratory (lab) support services. S/he identifies, enhances and implements specific processes and procedures to maximize efficiencies of research activities conducted in the lab and ensures the continual functioning of facilities and equipment.

The Manager reports to the Lab Director, Research and Special Projects (Lab Director) for administrative purposes and to Professor Zbig Wasilewski, WIN Endowed Chair, for functional and operational matters.

Key Accountabilities:

1.	QNC-MBE Lab and Research Group Management: Supervises operation of the lab and ensures that lab facilities remain functional for all its users; Provides technical support for industrial and research or contract projects; Collaborates with faculty and external users regarding their research needs, and with graduate students on their research activities; Schedules instrument usage to ensure equitable prioritization and research activities; Ensures proper disposal of all chemicals and/or hazardous materials in accordance with waste procedures; Oversees the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of: the MBE system, its subcomponents, auxiliary equipment such as pumps (turbo, cryo, ion, rotary), gas service delivery system, liquid nitrogen (LN2) phase separator, characterization equipment (RHEED, pyrometer, quadrupole mass spectrometer, etc.) and highly specialized characterization tools (e.g. High Resolution X-ray Diffractometer, Nomarski microscope, Electrochemical Capacitance Voltage Profiler, etc.); In conjunction with the department’s Research Financial Coordinators, supports faculty member with financial administration as related to his respective research grants and contracts; Sources equipment and materials for lab, obtains quotes and specifications, and orders; Maintains inventory of parts and supplies specific to each piece of equipment; Develops equipment operating procedures based on industry best practices and guidelines; Maintains user and equipment records, manuals, material safety data sheets (MSDS), inventory, financial documentation and relevant information; Identifies and recommends areas where facility upgrades are necessary, obtains cost estimates and implements approved upgrades and improvements to lab facilities and practices.
2.	Safety: Enforces Health & Safety guidelines and coordinates safety training for all lab users as required; Maintains quality checks on lab safety and ensures maintenance of lab facilities; Establishes equipment operating procedures and safety protocols; Develops lab and safety procedures and ensures that the facility functions according to all applicable safety rules and regulations; Manages and coordinates all lab based certifications and permits; Evaluates new chemicals/materials and equipment for risk management.
3.	Training and Supervision: Instructs new facility users e.g. graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research associates, faculty and external users in operation of equipment specific requirements, techniques and clean room processes; Ensures adherence to established procedures for equipment operation and processes; Develops standard operating procedures and protocols based on best practices to improve work flows and current processes; Participate in the creation of training and teaching aids (videos, slides, manuals, etc.); Directly supervises graduate students’ research projects.
4.	Commercial Wafer Growth Activities: Provides advice and technical support to current and potential clients; Determines order specifications; Prepares and conducts the growth process for commercial wafers; Operates characterization tools; Coordinates billing for lab services and consumables; Determines cost per service pricing and ensures appropriate billing to internal and external customers.
5.	Other Duties: Maintains the lab website; Writes technical portions of grant proposals related to the lab and equipment; Leads facility tours for potential industry collaborators and academic colleagues; Consults with potential external users on future projects; Occasionally attends technical meetings or conferences to maintain technical expertise; Assists with other duties or special projects which may be assigned by the Lab Director or Prof. Wasilewski.

Position Requirements

Education:

Advanced graduate degree in Chemical, Physical Sciences, Engineering Physics or Chemical Engineering, or an equivalent combination of Masters of Applied Science and experience.

Experience:

Five years’ experience managing lab operations in a research engineering or industrial setting.
Experience in working with clean rooms is required.
4-5 years’ experience in lab materials science and with vacuum pumps.
Experience monitoring and enforcing safety in the labs or a similar environment is required.
Must have a thorough knowledge of complex lab operations.
Excellent organizational and time management skills to ensure smooth functioning of lab.

Technical:

Fundamental knowledge of semiconductor fabrication and clean room operation is required.
Comprehensive knowledge of current applications used in a clean room and semiconductor device fabrication environment.
Proven ability to establish and maintain procedures for ensuring safety of students and staff in the lab. Knowledge of guidelines for dealing with hazardous materials disposal and Canadian standards for materials testing.

Technical:

MS Word	Excel	PowerPoint	Other
Intermediate	Intermediate	Proficient	Databases: Intermediate (SharePoint/FileMakerPro/Oracle or other) Drupal: Intermediate, WCMS or other web editing software Other: Mindjet, Extensive hardware and software knowledge in the area of nanotechnology engineering and/or science.

Nature and Scope

Interpersonal Skills:

Well-developed interpersonal, negotiation, and oral and written communication skills are required. Internally, the Manager liaises with faculty members, administrative, financial and research staff, Postdoctoral Fellows, as well as staff in Plant Operations and Procurement to gather information and report findings in comprehensive way for training purposes or providing services. Provides advice and assistance to graduate students for research projects.

Externally, the Manager will regularly communicate with clients, industry collaborators, suppliers, contractors, etc. Communicates with and assists vendor service personnel in repairing malfunctioning systems and to ensure equipment repairs and maintenance are completed according to industry best practices.
Occasionally presents data in conferences and technical meetings.

Level of Responsibility:

The Manager is responsible and accountable for the smooth operation of the lab and works on his/her own initiative with minimal daily supervision. Demonstrated ability to work independently in a busy and dynamic environment. Specialized work, provides expert technical services to facilitate research ventures.

The incumbent ensures that appropriate Safety protocols are in place to prevent the occurrence of accidents or injuries. S/he is responsible for the coordination of all regulatory and compliance activities for the lab. Problem-solving and ability to troubleshoot many different types of problems.

Decision-Making Authority:

The Manager makes independent decisions daily on operational functions. The incumbent must solve specific operational problems and improve technical activities of the lab requiring independent judgment and expertise as well as the utilization of advanced technical and operational skills. Consults with Principal Investigator regarding personnel management. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

Physical and Sensory Demands:

Moderate demands typical of a technical position operating within a research lab environment that may involve some lifting (up to 50 lbs.) of equipment and standing for extended periods of time. Physical flexibility and strength is needed to repair equipment. Demand for diligence, accuracy and attention to detail.

Working Environment:

The Manager will have an office but will spend a great deal of time working in the lab and interacting with researchers. Due to the hazardous nature of clean rooms the Manager must be present during all lab maintenance periods and safety procedures strictly enforced. Much of the time is spent working in a cleanroom environment where cleanroom gowning (head to toe) must be worn. May be periodically exposed to moderately disagreeable conditions (e.g. handling of chemicals, disposal of waste materials, fumes, etc.)

This role involves dealing with multiple users including graduate students and managing limited resources with time pressures and conflicting stakeholder demands.

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week. Lab space and scheduling restrictions may necessitate after hours work. Provides technical troubleshooting and crisis management, which may require being on call after hours.

Occasional travel for meetings and for visits to vendor or customer sites may be required.