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Research Lab Manager - Cleanroom
Position Description Key personnel that will assist in conducting meaningful research to assist faculty in teaching and research programs. About the University Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories. 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 220 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. 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.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated knowledge of cleanroom operations, safety practices, and equipment management.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Required Qualifications A bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, materials science, or chemistry, or a master's degree.
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. Preferred Qualifications
- 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.
Safety Information Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees. Does this position work in a research laboratory? Yes Special Instructions to Applicants Working Conditions
- Work is primarily performed in a cleanroom and laboratory environment.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory.
Required Attachments Cover Letter, Professional/Personal References, Resume / CV Optional Attachments Other Documents Supporting Qualifications Job Sub Family Laboratory Support Annualized Pay Range $78,900 - $102,600 - $126,200 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. Schedule Details May require occasional evening or weekend work to support critical operations or maintenance. 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. |
Texas Tech University
Jan 29, 2026