Job Details

Electron Microscopy & Surface Analysis Lab Manager

Position Number: 7089578
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Electron Microscopy & Surface Analysis Lab Manager

Job Summary

The University of Utah is seeking an experienced manager for the Electron Microscopy & Surface Analysis Lab (EMSAL) to provide scientific and operational leadership for its state-of-the-art electron microscopy and materials characterization lab. The EMSAL is part of the Utah Nanofab and has over $11.6M in advanced imaging and characterization equipment:
https://emsal.nanofab.utah.edu/equipment-list/

The manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the EMSAL, including equipment and infrastructure maintenance, user training, safety compliance, budgeting, and strategic planning, and also serves as the key customer liaison for internal and external clients. The manager also serves as technical lead on the lab's analytical TEM, and supports the other instruments in the lab, providing analysis, training, and data reduction/processing.

This position plays a pivotal role in enabling leading-edge research and development across many disciplines: materials science, chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, geology, and more. The successful candidate will demonstrate technical depth, leadership experience, and a passion for fostering a collaborative research environment.

Research Science Management
Direct/Manage/Supervise the organization's life science research activities. Develop and administer research plans, policies, and procedures. Evaluate results to ensure alignment with established objectives and timelines. Ensure research strategies and procedures are compliant with regulations, grant requirements, and organizational guidelines. Analyze and resolve departmental issues and needs. Prepare reports and keep upper-level management informed of progress and problems.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget. The Utah Nanofab is considering applications for the job level Manager (Job Code: M56413, Grade: M18. Expected Pay Range: $85,000 to $110,000) and Senior Manager (Job Code: M56414, Grade: M21, Expected Pay Range: $95,000 to $115,000).

Responsibilities
Primary ResponsibilitiesLeadership and Strategy

Provide engineering, scientific, and operational leadership for the Utah Nanofab EMSAL.
Serve as the EMSAL's key customer interface for internal and external users and manage client projects.
Oversee/provide quotes and service terms for clients.
Maintain and advance the Nanofab's reputation as a world-class user facility supporting academic, industrial, and government research.
Collaborate with faculty and leadership to develop and execute strategic plans for equipment acquisition, facility upgrades, and research initiatives.
Prepare and submit internal proposals (e.g. RIF, BEEF) annually to add/replace/upgrade equipment.
Work with faculty across disciplines on external proposals to bring in large capital equipment to the Nanofab EMSAL.
Promote and represent the Nanofab to the broader scientific community, including coordinating tours, outreach, and development efforts.
Prepare for and lead external reviews and assessments of the Nanofab program.

Facility and Equipment Management

Supervise equipment maintenance, installation, and technique development across all capabilities in the EMSAL.
Establish repair and preventative maintenance priorities and ensure minimal downtime.
Coordinate with campus facilities, safety, and instrument vendors for service, repairs, and upgrades.

User Support, Training, and Safety

Direct user training programs on instruments, ensuring safe and effective operation of tools and adherence to protocols.
Teach, develop and maintain instrument training courses in the lab.
Develop/update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training modules.
Serve as the EMSAL safety officer, setting and maintaining all safety policies in the lab and updating the lab's Laboratory Safety Plan annually.
Conduct seminars and meetings to update faculty on EMSAL capabilities and consult with faculty about how the lab can best serve their needs.
Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and inclusion among users and staff.

Staff Management and Mentorship

Supervise and mentor EMSAL staff scientists, and student lab aides.
Assign roles and responsibilities, conduct annual performance reviews, and coordinate team development.
Promote collaboration and communication among all Nanofab units (EMSAL, cleanroom, administration).
Support recruitment, retention, and advancement of staff from diverse backgrounds.

Budgeting and Administration

Develop and manage EMSAL budgets, user billing rates, and cost recovery models.
Provide financial analysis and operational metrics to the Director of the Utah Nanofabrication Facility as well as the Price College of Engineering and the Vice President for Research as requested.
Oversee procurement, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations.

Research and Technical Expertise

Provide imaging and characterization services and guidance for internal and external projects.
Prepare and deliver technical reports on analysis as needed for external clients
Support advanced research activities including TEM/STEM (including in-situ and in-operando techniques, XRD, XPS, AFM, dbFIB, SEM (EDS & EBSD), XRF, SAXS/WAXS, optical imaging techniques, sample preparation and more.

Working Conditions

Work performed primarily in an instrumentation lab and in the office.
Frequent standing, walking.
Occasional handling of chemicals, hazardous gases, and use of safety equipment.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Manager, Research Science: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.
Senior Manager, Research Science: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related engineering field.
At least 3 years of experience in managing a materials science/electron microscopy lab.
At least 3 years of experience in operating a high voltage, analytical TEM/STEM with a focus on non-biological materials.
Demonstrated experience in supervising staff, managing budgets, and maintaining complex laboratory facilities.
Strong technical knowledge/experience with other materials characterization/surface analysis/imaging techniques, such as
SEM/EDS, AFM, XRD, XPS, dbFIB, optical techniques, etc.
Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with researchers, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds.

Highly Preferred Qualifications

PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related engineering field
5+ years of experience managing a shared user facility for materials characterization and/or hi-resolution imaging in a university setting or equivalent lab in industry.
Demonstrated capability in teaching relevant coursework.
Experience with cost recovery models, billing systems, and rate development in a university core facility.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN44752B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-5:00PM
Department: 00052 - UTAH NANOFAB
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 85,000-115,000
Close Date: 5/31/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/200337