Clean Room Manager at FIRST ETH Zurich - Center for Micro- and Nanoscience
Position: 80%-100%, Zurich, permanent
The Clean Room Manager will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations and maintenance of an academic clean room environment, ensuring strict adherence to cleanliness, safety, and operational standards. The ideal candidate will lead a team of technicians and collaborate with scientific staff and users, enabling researchers at ETH Zurich to develop new technologies essential for their work.
Job Description
The Clean Room Manager will report to the coordinator of FIRST and support the research mission of the FIRST management team in its interactions with the Office of the Vice President Research at ETH Zurich.
In addition to management duties, the role entails operational responsibilities within the clean room. Experience in maintaining clean room infrastructure is essential, along with hands-on expertise in using and maintaining specialized equipment such as deposition, growth, or lithography tools.
Profile
Clean Room Operations Management:
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of clean room facilities, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime.
- Coordinate with users on facility upgrades, equipment installations, and repairs.
- Assume responsibility for infrastructure maintenance and assist in operations of critical tools.
- Collaborate with other core facilities at ETH Zurich.
- Plan for the future relocation of the clean room to a new building on the ETH Hönggerberg campus.
Team Leadership:
- Supervise the training of clean room technicians and scientific staff.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to team members.
Compliance and Safety:
- Ensure adherence to safety protocols and procedures within the clean room environment.
- Oversee documentation related to clean room operations, including safety manuals and audit reports.
Budget and Inventory Management:
- Manage the budget for clean room operations, including supplies, equipment, and staffing costs.
- Plan for equipment investments and procurement.
Experience:
- 7+ years of experience in a clean room or related environment.
- Proven track record in team management and coordination with cross-functional departments.
- Experience in scientific fields such as photonics, nanotechnology, or electronics is a plus.
- Specific skills in using and maintaining key tools such as growth machines (MBE, MOCVD) or lithography machines (DWL, E-beam) are advantageous.
- A PhD degree in a related discipline is required.
Skills:
- Strong leadership and team management abilities.
- Thorough knowledge of clean room standards, vacuum systems, and filtration technology.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills with the capacity to make critical decisions under pressure.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Proficiency in both English and German is required.
- A collaborative team player.
- Ability to work in a clean room environment, strictly adhering to gowning and cleanliness protocols.
Workplace
Our team is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, where diversity is valued, and collaboration leads to innovation.
We Offer
- Join ETH Zurich and contribute to making a significant impact in society while advancing your professional development.
- Become part of a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
- Enjoy numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets, car-sharing options, a wide array of sports activities provided by ASVZ, and attractive pension benefits.
We Value Diversity
ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity. We value diversity and ensure a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we create a fair and supportive environment for everyone.
Curious? So Are We.
Starting Date: The anticipated start date for this position is January 2026, with some flexibility to accommodate the selected candidate's availability.
To express your interest, please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is among the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and dedication to transferring knowledge into society, we create an environment that inspires excellence. Our community comprises over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries who find this institution a place for independent thinking and collaboration to tackle global challenges today and tomorrow.