Clean Room Manager / Clean Room Manageress

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

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 manage a team of technicians while also collaborating with the scientific staff and users. The Clean Room Manager, along with the entire cleanroom team, enables scientists at ETH Zurich to develop new technologies essential for their successful research.

Job Description

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

In addition to management responsibilities, this role includes essential operational duties within the clean room. Proven experience in maintaining clean room infrastructure is required. Hands-on skills in handling and maintaining specific equipment, such as deposition, growth, or lithography tools, would be an asset.

Profile

Clean Room Operations Management:

• Oversee 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 and assist in operations of critical tools.
• Collaborate with other core facilities at ETH Zurich.
• Lead planning for the future relocation of the clean room to the new building at the ETH Hönggerberg campus.

Team Leadership:

• Supervise 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, covering supplies, equipment, and staffing costs.
• Plan for investments in equipment and procurement.

Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in a clean room or related environment.
• Proven track record of managing teams and coordinating with cross-functional departments.
• Experience in specific 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 preferred.
• 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 and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in English and German is required.
• A collaborative team player.
• Ability to work in a clean room environment with strict adherence to gowning and cleanliness protocols.

Workplace

Join a dynamic and innovative environment where science meets technology, contributing to research that matters.

We Offer

• Your career with impact: Join ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
• Commitment to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
• A wide range of benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing options, access to various sports through ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity

ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all our staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website for more information on our commitment to creating a fair and open environment that fosters growth and flourishing.

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.

We look forward to receiving your application, which should include a resume and cover letter along with the contact information of two referees. Apply online using the form below.

Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zürich

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