Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network
Cleanroom Technician (Biohub Chicago)
Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Overview
The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago is an independent nonprofit research institute that brings together Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign into a collaborative technology and discovery engine. CZ Biohub Chicago supports engineers, data scientists, and biomedical researchers to make breakthroughs in medicine and develop new technologies. We value scholarly excellence, disruptive innovation, hands-on engineering, partnership, open communication and respect, inclusiveness, and opportunity for all. Our vision is to pursue large scientific challenges, enable investigators to pursue risky and innovative ideas, and develop technologies that facilitate research at our home institutions and beyond. Diversity of thought and perspectives are at the heart of our network and drive disruptive innovation and scholarly excellence. The Opportunity
CZ Biohub Chicago is seeking a highly skilled and motivated
Cleanroom Technician
to oversee and maintain a
Class 1000 (ISO 6)
microfabrication facility. The successful candidate will ensure the operational integrity of the cleanroom and related equipment, while supporting users through fabrication process development, troubleshooting, and maintenance. This role is ideal for a hands-on, detail-oriented individual with proven experience in cleanroom operations, micro/nanofabrication processes, and equipment upkeep. What You’ll Do
Cleanroom Operations & Maintenance
Manage day-to-day operations of the ISO 6/Class 1000 cleanroom facility. Monitor environmental controls and enforce cleanroom protocols (gowning, contamination control, airflow restrictions, etc.). Ensure equipment is operating within specifications and schedule routine preventative maintenance. Maintain inventory of cleanroom supplies and coordinate service contracts for critical systems. Equipment Operation & Support
Independently operate and maintain core microfabrication tools, including: Maskless Aligner (e.g., Heidelberg µPG or similar) E-beam Evaporator for thin film deposition HMDS Oven for surface preparation Wet and Dry Process Hoods Optical Profilers for metrology High-Resolution 3D Printers (e.g., two-photon lithography systems) Train new users on safe and proper equipment use and fabrication protocols. Troubleshoot process issues, perform routine calibrations, and coordinate service as needed. Process Development & Documentation
Assist with or lead process development for microfabrication and prototyping needs. Collaborate with research staff and engineers to design and refine lithography, etching, deposition, and 3D printing protocols. Maintain detailed records of process flows, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and safety documentation. You Have
Essential
B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field. Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in a Class 1000 or better microfabrication cleanroom environment. Proficiency in using and maintaining key microfabrication tools listed above. Strong understanding of lithography, thin-film deposition, and surface preparation techniques. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Physical Requirements
Must be comfortable working in a cleanroom setting with appropriate PPE for extended periods. Occasional lifting of equipment or supplies up to 25 lbs may be required. Nice to Have
Experience with CAD tools for photomask design and device layout. Familiarity with microfluidics, MEMS, or biointerface fabrication. Experience training or supervising cleanroom users. Knowledge of equipment service routines or experience working with third-party vendors for repair and calibration. Compensation
The Chicago, IL base pay range for this role is Technician I = $56,000 - $77,000 and Technician II = $68,000 - $94,000. New hires are typically placed in the lower portion of the range, with progression based on skills and interview evaluation. What We Provide
Resources to disrupt and innovate at the frontiers of biology and disease research A collegial and collaborative environment with diverse expertise Access to collaborators, resources, and facilities at the partner universities and affiliated organizations Competitive compensation and benefits commensurate with experience If your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply as you may be a great fit for this or another role. Benefits
We offer a robust benefits program including healthcare coverage, life and disability insurance, commuter subsidies, fertility care, childcare stipend, 401(k) match, flexible time off, and parental leave. We support career development and scholarly excellence through opportunities to learn from leading scientists. The CZ Biohub Network is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity of thought, ideas, and perspectives. We provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
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The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago is an independent nonprofit research institute that brings together Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign into a collaborative technology and discovery engine. CZ Biohub Chicago supports engineers, data scientists, and biomedical researchers to make breakthroughs in medicine and develop new technologies. We value scholarly excellence, disruptive innovation, hands-on engineering, partnership, open communication and respect, inclusiveness, and opportunity for all. Our vision is to pursue large scientific challenges, enable investigators to pursue risky and innovative ideas, and develop technologies that facilitate research at our home institutions and beyond. Diversity of thought and perspectives are at the heart of our network and drive disruptive innovation and scholarly excellence. The Opportunity
CZ Biohub Chicago is seeking a highly skilled and motivated
Cleanroom Technician
to oversee and maintain a
Class 1000 (ISO 6)
microfabrication facility. The successful candidate will ensure the operational integrity of the cleanroom and related equipment, while supporting users through fabrication process development, troubleshooting, and maintenance. This role is ideal for a hands-on, detail-oriented individual with proven experience in cleanroom operations, micro/nanofabrication processes, and equipment upkeep. What You’ll Do
Cleanroom Operations & Maintenance
Manage day-to-day operations of the ISO 6/Class 1000 cleanroom facility. Monitor environmental controls and enforce cleanroom protocols (gowning, contamination control, airflow restrictions, etc.). Ensure equipment is operating within specifications and schedule routine preventative maintenance. Maintain inventory of cleanroom supplies and coordinate service contracts for critical systems. Equipment Operation & Support
Independently operate and maintain core microfabrication tools, including: Maskless Aligner (e.g., Heidelberg µPG or similar) E-beam Evaporator for thin film deposition HMDS Oven for surface preparation Wet and Dry Process Hoods Optical Profilers for metrology High-Resolution 3D Printers (e.g., two-photon lithography systems) Train new users on safe and proper equipment use and fabrication protocols. Troubleshoot process issues, perform routine calibrations, and coordinate service as needed. Process Development & Documentation
Assist with or lead process development for microfabrication and prototyping needs. Collaborate with research staff and engineers to design and refine lithography, etching, deposition, and 3D printing protocols. Maintain detailed records of process flows, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and safety documentation. You Have
Essential
B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field. Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in a Class 1000 or better microfabrication cleanroom environment. Proficiency in using and maintaining key microfabrication tools listed above. Strong understanding of lithography, thin-film deposition, and surface preparation techniques. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Physical Requirements
Must be comfortable working in a cleanroom setting with appropriate PPE for extended periods. Occasional lifting of equipment or supplies up to 25 lbs may be required. Nice to Have
Experience with CAD tools for photomask design and device layout. Familiarity with microfluidics, MEMS, or biointerface fabrication. Experience training or supervising cleanroom users. Knowledge of equipment service routines or experience working with third-party vendors for repair and calibration. Compensation
The Chicago, IL base pay range for this role is Technician I = $56,000 - $77,000 and Technician II = $68,000 - $94,000. New hires are typically placed in the lower portion of the range, with progression based on skills and interview evaluation. What We Provide
Resources to disrupt and innovate at the frontiers of biology and disease research A collegial and collaborative environment with diverse expertise Access to collaborators, resources, and facilities at the partner universities and affiliated organizations Competitive compensation and benefits commensurate with experience If your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply as you may be a great fit for this or another role. Benefits
We offer a robust benefits program including healthcare coverage, life and disability insurance, commuter subsidies, fertility care, childcare stipend, 401(k) match, flexible time off, and parental leave. We support career development and scholarly excellence through opportunities to learn from leading scientists. The CZ Biohub Network is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity of thought, ideas, and perspectives. We provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
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