Lab Technologist-CRF Thermal Mechanical Properties (TMP) and Nanofabrication Lab (NFL)

General Summary of Position: 

CRF Thermal and Mechanical Properties (TMP) Lab and Nanofabrication Lab (NFL): Assist in the daily operation of the TMP and NFL, Core Research Facilities at UMass Lowell, offering training and services to students, faculty, and external users on a fee-for-service basis.   

In the TMP, this operation includes: Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA), and Instron Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The responsibilities of the TMP Lab Technologist include performing thermal and mechanical analyses of routine and research samples in collaboration with faculty and commercial clients, developing TMP experiments and methodologies, training new TMP instrument users, and assisting in and the implementing of the preventive and corrective maintenance program and supplies inventory for the TMP laboratory.   

In the NFL, this operation includes: Advanced semiconductor tool suites, including photolithography, thin-film deposition, and etching systems. The NFL Technologist works closely with the Director and Sr Technology Manager to prioritize and execute daily operations in a fast-paced busy cleanroom in which multitasking abilities, highest attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to quickly changing priorities.  

This job includes equivalent responsibilities as outlined above for equipment maintenance & operation, training and advising of faculty, students, external users, service work and analysis. 

Essential Job Duties: 

1. Technical Laboratory Services, Lab & Equipment Maintenance: 

• Responsible for operations of the TMP/NFL Core lab and provide assistance with internal and external users.  This responsibility includes the safe use of the equipment and providing service to those customers requiring training, service work and data analysis using the equipment of the respective labs. (Other equipment as required).   
• Provide general technical laboratory services for the CRF TMP/NFL Lab. 
• Estimate amount of material, supplies and equipment required for the operation of the laboratories and initiate procurement through established procedures. Maintain laboratory stock. 
• Make recommendations for new instructional, research and maintenance techniques in field of specialization. Assist in technical laboratory services in various programs. 
• Contribute to maintaining laboratory financial records. 
• Participate in meetings pertaining to instructional and facility related activities. 
• Train new instrument users for Level 2 safety training and equipment specific training. 
• Provide and maintain SDS for all Hazardous Materials used in said labs. 
• Instruct both external and internal researchers in the proper and safe use of TMP/NFL equipment. Provide training on equipment and approval of users for self-use. 
• Maintain equipment user reservations using Filemaker scheduling software.  
• Author and maintain SOPs to support the equipment. 
• Author and maintain training records for all equipment requiring an SOP. 
• Daily maintenance of all equipment (system checks) as needed. 
• Perform preventative maintenance and instrument performance measures and establish and maintain a program of preventive maintenance. Work with instrument vendors and service engineers for repairs. 
• Monitor the temperature and humidity to provide a safe comfortable environment. 
• Provide reporting as required by supervisor. 
• Maintain Records of CRF training, maintenance.  
• Enforce lab safety procedures and follow prescribed safety regulations, precautions, university rules, policies, and procedures. 
• Make frequent inspections and tests to determine safe and efficient operation of equipment and apparatuses 

2.  Supervising internal users, external users and Training/instruction:  

•  Supervise internal and external users in the use of highly complex technical equipment and apparatuses. Demonstrate proper use of equipment. Interbed laboratory instruments and/or equipment manuals.  
• May assume full responsibility for instruction, supervision and performance of all users in laboratory sections of courses in the department. This responsibility may involve working closely with faculty, teaching assistants and/or grading assistants and/or lab assistants assigned to the course. 

3. Opportunity Identification, Research Community Outreach, Customer Service:  

• Champion equipment use and outreach by being an active participant of the CRF team’s effort to increase research community engagement through presentations, facilities tours and demos, University Open Houses and meetings with community researchers. 

Promote the University’s commitment to customer service by: