Laboratory Research Operations Senior Technician

Job Title:

Laboratory Research Operations Senior Technician

Department: ERIK | Nanotech West Lab

Provides advanced technical and operational support within the Nanotech West Laboratory, a 24/7 user-based cleanroom facility supporting micro- and nanofabrication, energy/battery research, chemical vapor deposition, and infrared material and device characterization.

This role serves as an experienced technical contributor supporting photolithography, electron beam lithography, and related fabrication processes. The Senior Technician independently performs equipment lithography and process monitoring, maintenance support, and troubleshooting, while serving as a primary technical resource for designated lithography tools.

The position partners closely with engineering staff responsible for area leadership and process ownership, contributing to process improvements, ensuring reliable tool performance, and supporting lab users. The role requires sound technical judgment to resolve routine and moderately complex issues and to support evolving research needs in a shared user facility.

This role will be located at The Ohio State University Columbus Campus Nanotech West Lab and the expectation is that the majority of time, 75%+, will be spent inside the Nanofab/cleanroom laboratory on a daily basis.

• Working knowledge of cleanroom operations, semiconductor fabrication processes, and laboratory equipment
• Ability to develop tool-level expertise and serve as a technical resource for designated equipment
• Ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve routine and moderately complex technical issues independently
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to train and support users with varying technical backgrounds
• Strong organizational skills, including documentation and recordkeeping
• Ability to collaborate effectively with technicians, engineers, and researchers in a team environment

• High School diploma or GED
• Two years of relevant experience in a cleanroom, semiconductor fabrication, or related laboratory environment
  • Hands‑on experience with photolithography including direct write tools
  • Experience in troubleshooting and repair of simple electronics
  • Basic troubleshooting and repair of laboratory equipment
  • Experience writing and updating standard operating procedures
  • Ability to independently perform routine technical tasks and troubleshoot common equipment or process issues
  • Strong adherence to safety protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), and standard operating procedures
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds regularly, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Ability to work extended periods in a cleanroom environment

• Associate degree in engineering, nanotechnology, or related field
• 4-6 years of relevant experience in semiconductor or nanofabrication environments
• Hands‑on experience with:
  • Resist spin coaters
  • Contact aligners or direct write systems (e.g., Heidelberg MLA
    150)
  • Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
  • Plasma etch and thin film deposition systems
  • Wet processing systems (chemical benches/hoods)
• Experience supporting shared user facilities or research laboratories

• A resume is required

The salary range for this position is $22.93 - $29.95 per hour. The offered rate for this position will fall within this range based on the candidate's qualifications, internal equity, and the unit's available budget.

We are unable to sponsor a visa for this position. This position requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Due to ITAR regulations, only candidates who are U.S. Persons (U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, or individuals granted asylum or refugee status) will be considered for this position.

This is a fully in-person position.

• Significant time (75% or more) spent in a cleanroom laboratory environment
• Requires use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• May involve extended periods of standing and working with specialized equipment.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds regularly with or without reasonable accommodation.

Location:

Science Village (0974)

Position Type:
Regular

Scheduled

Hours:

40 per week

Shift: First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.