Clean Room Manager / Clean Room Manageress

Clean Room Manager at FIRST ETH Zurich - Center for Micro- and Nanoscience

Location: Zurich | Employment Type: 80%-100% | Contract: Permanent

The Clean Room Manager will oversee the daily operations and maintenance of an academic clean room environment, ensuring that it meets strict cleanliness, safety, and operational standards. The ideal candidate will manage a team of technicians and collaborate with the scientific staff and users, providing essential services to enable ETH Zurich scientists to develop innovative technologies for their research endeavors.

Job Description

The Clean Room Manager will report to the coordinator of FIRST and support the research mission of the FIRST management team through interactions with the office of the Vice President for Research at ETH Zurich.

In addition to management responsibilities, this role includes operational tasks within the clean room. Experience in maintaining clean room infrastructure is required, while hands-on skills in the use and maintenance of specific equipment such as deposition, growth, or lithography tools would be advantageous.

Profile

Clean Room Operations Management:

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the clean room facilities for optimal performance and minimal downtime.
• Coordinate with users on facility upgrades, equipment installations, and repairs.
• Assume responsibility for the infrastructure and assist in the operations of essential tools.
• Coordinate and exchange information 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, scientific staff, and users.
• 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.
• Supervise 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 investments in equipment and procurement.

Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in a clean room or related environment.
• Proven track record in managing teams and coordinating with cross-functional departments.
• Experience in scientific fields such as photonics, nanotechnology, or electronics is an asset.
• Specific skills in using and maintaining key tools such as growth machines (MBE, MOCVD, etc.) or lithography machines (DWL, E-beam) are beneficial.
• A PhD degree in a related discipline is required.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent knowledge of clean room standards, vacuum systems, and filtration technology.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the capability to make critical decisions under pressure.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in English and German is required.
• Team-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work in a clean room environment with strict adherence to gowning and cleanliness protocols.

Workplace

ETH Zurich offers an inspiring and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and personal growth. Join us in our mission to advance science and contribute to societal progress.

We Offer

• A career with impact: Be part of ETH Zurich, where your professional development is supported while contributing to meaningful societal advancements.
• A commitment to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
• Numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car-sharing options, a wide array of sports activities provided by ASVZ, childcare services, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity

ETH Zurich is dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and strive to maintain a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn more about how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to thrive.

Curious? So Are We.

Starting Date: The anticipated start date for this position is January 2026, with flexibility to accommodate the selected candidate's availability.

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For further information about FIRST, please explore our website. We'll address any questions regarding the position directed to Sara Gasser via email: Show e-mail (please do not send applications).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we collaborate globally to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's challenges.