Cleanroom Technician (Biohub Chicago) presso Chan Zuckerberg Biohub - Chicago
Chan Zuckerberg Biohub - Chicago · Chicago, Stati Uniti d'America · Onsite
- Professional
- Ufficio in Chicago
The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago (https://www.czbiohub.org/chi) is an independent nonprofit research institute that brings together three powerhouse universities - Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - into a single collaborative technology and discovery engine. CZ Biohub itself supports some of the brightest, boldest engineers, data scientists, and biomedical researchers to make breakthroughs in medicine and develop new technologies, frequently in collaboration with our partner universities. We are guided by our values of scholarly excellence; disruptive innovation; hands-on engineering/hacking/building; partnership and collaboration; open communication and respect; inclusiveness; and opportunity for all.
Our Vision
- We pursue large scientific challenges that cannot be pursued in conventional environments
- We enable individual investigators to pursue their riskiest and most innovative ideas
- The technologies developed at CZ Biohub Chicago facilitate research by scientists and clinicians at our home institutions and beyond
Diversity of thought, ideas, and perspectives are at the heart of CZ Biohub Network and enable disruptive innovation and scholarly excellence. We are committed to cultivating an organization where all colleagues feel inspired and know their work makes an important contribution.
The Opportunity
CZ Biohub Chicago is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Cleanroom Technician to oversee and maintain a Class 1000 (ISO 6) microfabrication facility. The successful candidate will ensure the operational integrity of the cleanroom and associated equipment, while also supporting users through fabrication process development, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
This role is ideal for a hands-on, detail-oriented individual with proven experience in cleanroom operations, micro/nanofabrication processes, and equipment upkeep.
What You'll Do
Cleanroom Operations & Maintenance
- Manage day-to-day operations of the ISO 6/Class 1000 cleanroom facility.
- Monitor environmental controls and enforce cleanroom protocols (gowning, contamination control, airflow restrictions, etc.).
- Ensure equipment is operating within specifications and schedule routine preventative maintenance.
- Maintain inventory of cleanroom supplies and coordinate service contracts for critical systems.
Equipment Operation & Support
- Independently operate and maintain core microfabrication tools, including:
- Maskless Aligner (e.g., Heidelberg µPG or similar)
- E-beam Evaporator for thin film deposition
- HMDS Oven for surface preparation
- Wet and Dry Process Hoods
- Optical Profilers for metrology
- High-Resolution 3D Printers (e.g., two-photon lithography systems)
- Train new users on safe and proper equipment use and fabrication protocols.
- Troubleshoot process issues, perform routine calibrations, and coordinate service as needed.
Process Development & Documentation
- Assist with or lead process development for microfabrication and prototyping needs.
- Collaborate with research staff and engineers to design and refine lithography, etching, deposition, and 3D printing protocols.
- Maintain detailed records of process flows, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and safety documentation.
You have
Essential -
- B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in a Class 1000 or better microfabrication cleanroom environment.
- Proficiency in using and maintaining key microfabrication tools listed above.
- Strong understanding of lithography, thin-film deposition, and surface preparation techniques.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively
Physical requirements -
- Must be comfortable working in a cleanroom setting with appropriate PPE for extended periods.
- Occasional lifting of equipment or supplies up to 25 lbs may be required.
Nice to have -
- Experience with CAD tools for photomask design and device layout.
- Familiarity with microfluidics, MEMS, or biointerface fabrication.
- Experience training or supervising cleanroom users.
- Knowledge of equipment service routines or experience working with third-party vendors for repair and calibration.
Compensation
The Chicago, IL base pay range for this role is Technician I = $56,000.00 - $77,000.00 and Technician II = $68,000.00 - $94.000.00. New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. Actual placement in range is based on job-related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process.
What We Provide
- Resources to disrupt and innovate at the frontiers of our knowledge of biology and disease
- A collegial and collaborative environment consisting of diverse expertise
- Access to collaborators, resources and facilities at our three partner universities (Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) and at partner organizations in Chicagoland and beyond
- Competitive compensation and benefits commensurate with the experience
If you’re interested in a role but your previous experience doesn’t perfectly align with each qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply as you may be the perfect fit for this or another role.
Benefits
We offer a robust benefits program that enables the important work Biohubbers do everyday. Our benefits include healthcare coverage, life and disability insurance, commuter subsidies, family planning services with fertility care, childcare stipend, 401(k) match, flexible time off and a generous parental leave policy. In addition, we honor our commitment to career development and our value of scholarly excellence through regular onsite opportunities to learn from the world's leading scientists.
The CZ Biohub Network is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity of thought, ideas and perspectives. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive organization where all Biohubbers feel inspired and know their work makes an important contribution. Therefore, we provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit resumes/CVs through this website or directly to managers. The CZ Biohub Network does not accept unsolicited headhunter and agency resumes. The CZ Biohub Network will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with the CZ Biohub Network.
