About this role
Research Lab Manager - Cleanroom
Position Description: Key personnel that will assist in conducting meaningful research to assist faculty in teaching and research programs.
Major/Essential Functions: The Texas Tech University Semiconductor Cleanroom Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the university’s semiconductor cleanroom facilities. This role ensures safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the cleanroom to support interdisciplinary research, teaching, and external partnerships. The Cleanroom Manager oversees equipment, protocols, user training, and staff coordination while serving as a technical resource for faculty, students, and industry collaborators. Cleanroom Design and Development
• Participate in the planning, design, and commissioning of the semiconductor cleanroom. • Provide technical input on layout, workflow, tool placement, utilities, and infrastructure to ensure operational efficiency, safety, and compliance. • Develop, review, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cleanroom operations, safety, equipment use, and facility workflows to ensure consistent, compliant, and efficient operation. • Collaborate with faculty, engineers, architects, and contractors during design reviews and construction phases. • Support equipment move-in, installation, and qualification during facility startup or expansion. Cleanroom Operations and Facility Management
• Manage daily operations of the cleanroom, including scheduling, access control, and space utilization. • Ensure compliance with cleanroom standards (e.g., ISO classifications), safety regulations, and university policies. • Develop, implement, and enforce cleanroom operating procedures, safety protocols, and emergency response plans. • Monitor environmental conditions (particle counts, temperature, humidity) and coordinate corrective actions as needed. Research
• Participate in research proposal development by defining cleanroom capabilities, processes, costs, and feasibility. • Translates research concepts into executable cleanroom process flows. • Aligns facility infrastructure and equipment planning with research needs. • Enables advanced semiconductor research through exploratory development, training and standardized processes. Equipment and Process Management
• Oversee installation, qualification, calibration, maintenance, and repair of cleanroom tools and infrastructure. • Manage service contracts, preventive maintenance schedules, and vendor relationships. • Maintain equipment documentation, logs, and certification records. • Support and optimize fabrication, characterization, and processing workflows relevant to the cleanroom’s mission. User Support, Training, and Compliance
• Train and certify faculty, students, and external users on cleanroom safety, protocols, and equipment operation. • Enforce user compliance with cleanroom rules and best practices. • Serve as a technical consultant to users on process development, troubleshooting, and safe equipment use. • Coordinate onboarding and offboarding of cleanroom users. Staff and Resource Management
• Supervise cleanroom technical staff, student workers, and/or technicians as applicable. • Assist with hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation of cleanroom personnel. • Manage consumables inventory, purchasing, and cost control. • Support budgeting, recharge models, and usage reporting. Safety, Compliance, and Quality Assurance
• Ensure compliance with environmental health and safety (EHS) regulations, chemical hygiene plans, and waste disposal requirements. • Conduct regular safety inspections, audits, and risk assessments. • Maintain incident reports and coordinate corrective and preventive actions. • Support accreditation, internal reviews, and external audits. Strategic Development and Outreach
• Contribute to strategic planning for cleanroom expansion, upgrades, and new capabilities. • Support grant proposals, capital equipment justifications, and facility reports. • Interface with faculty leadership, university administration, and external partners. • Promote effective utilization of the cleanroom for research, education, and industry collaboration.
Preferred Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, materials science, or chemistry. • Master’s degree or higher in a relevant technical field. • Prior experience managing or supervising a shared research facility. • Experience with microfabrication, nanofabrication, semiconductor processing, MEMS, or related technologies. • Familiarity with university recharge centers, budgeting, and compliance requirements. • Significant hands-on experience working in a cleanroom environment.
Required Qualifications: Master's degree; four years of job-related experience. Additional job-related education may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
This position is designated as involving access to critical infrastructure systems and/or research, as defined by Texas Executive Order GA-48. As such, candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background check prior to employment. Employees are required to comply with all applicable state and federal regulations related to the protection of critical infrastructure. Ongoing employment is dependent upon maintaining eligibility for access and successfully passing periodic security and compliance reviews.
About the Department and/or College: The Whitacre College of Engineering (WCOE) was one of the university’s original four colleges founded in 1925 and later renamed in honor of Edward E. Whitacre, Jr. The WCOE has seven departments and approximately 4800 undergraduate and 1300 graduate students. There are approximately 230 faculty/instructors and 115 staff in the college. “We are a regionally rooted first class engineering college with national and worldwide impact.”
The Dean's Office in the Whitacre College of Engineering (WCOE) is dedicated to the success of our faculty, students and staff. This team serves as the leadership and operational hub of the college, guiding academic programming, faculty affairs, research initiatives, and student support, while balancing essential administrative functions. We value dedication, integrity, and hard work, fostering a supportive community that encourages collaboration, creativity and effectiveness. We believe our roles are crucial to the functioning of the entire college. Its leadership shapes the educational experience for students, drives impactful research, manages resources effectively, and ensures that the college maintains strong ties to industry, the community, and our alumni.
Special Instructions to Applicants: Working Conditions
• Work is primarily performed in a cleanroom and laboratory environment. • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory.
Safety Information: Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.
Pay Statement: Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan.
EEO Statement: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.
About the University: Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University began with a mission to serve the needs of West Texas, but its impact has always reached far beyond. Today, Texas Tech, located in Lubbock (pop. 300,000+), is home to a vibrant community of more than 42,000 students.Texas Tech's 1,800-acre campus showcases Spanish Renaissance architecture and is home to one of the country's largest public art collections. Its 13 colleges include a prestigious School of Law and a distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields. Built on the values of West Texas — hard work, grit and authenticity — the university graduates students who are deeply engaged in service to their communities and well-positioned to succeed in the world. Texas Tech is committed to achieving research and scholarly accomplishments that compare favorably to the member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU). For more than 100 years, Texas Tech has been a premier destination for those seeking a world-class education and a unique, personalized experience as a member of the Red Raider family.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Demonstrated knowledge of cleanroom operations, safety practices, and equipment management. • Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.