Lab Operations Manager

WORK SCHEDULE:
Work Schedule: On-site work arrangement; employee is expected to work on-site full-time.

BUDGETED SALARY:
$150,197 - $196,000

SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:
nano@stanford is Stanford University's largest shared experimental research facility, providing access to world-leading expertise and capabilities in nanoscale science and engineering. We serve over 1,400 researchers from Stanford and leading academic, industrial, and government institutions across the US and globally—spanning fields from medicine and biology to fundamental physics and astronomy. Our nearly 40,000 sq ft of cleanrooms and satellite laboratories house 300+ state-of-the-art instruments for fabricating and characterizing materials and devices. But beyond the equipment, nano@stanford is a vibrant, collaborative research community where innovation thrives.

POSITION SUMMARY:
We're seeking a Laboratory Operations Manager to lead technical coordination and oversight of nano@stanford's Nano Patterning and Flexible Cleanroom Fabrication facilities. In this role, you'll support our world-class researchers in transforming innovative ideas into real structures and devices, while championing educational initiatives that make advanced fabrication accessible to innovators everywhere. You will bring hands-on experience with physical vapor deposition systems, electron-beam lithography, plasma etch tools, or similar equipment, and a proven track record in micro- or nano-device fabrication. You will have deep familiarity with research fabrication environments, including tool maintenance and repairs, consumables management, vendor relations, documentation, and—most importantly—fostering a strong safety culture. You have excellent communication skills, with demonstrated success coordinating technical working groups, cross-functional projects, and diverse teams. You excel at translating complex technical concepts and building consensus across stakeholders. You are a collaborative team player who thrives on developing creative, practical solutions—whether addressing daily lab challenges or making the case for strategic equipment investments. And most of all, you're passionate about enabling the next generation of scientists and engineers and genuinely believe in the power of accessible, world-class research facilities.

Core Duties:

• Provide strategic planning for own work group; participate withsenior managers in higher level strategic planning. Communicateoperational objectives and assignments and delegate to staff.

• Manage the daily operations of a assigned area(s) which includerecruiting, hiring, training, developing, evaluating and settingpriorities of staff; coordinate business, technical, and educationalactivities for direct reports.

• Oversee interdepartmental activities, projects and efforts byapplying advanced technical and professional knowledge. Serve as theinitial managerial escalation point for problems from clients and otherstaff.

• Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources. Overseepreparation of periodic financial and technical reports and operatingplans.

• Interface with clients to determine project requirements.Establish service level agreements with clients.

• Monitor scientific, engineering and/or technology trends andevaluate emerging technologies to recommend for adoption andimplementation.

• Communicate and implement policies, procedures, best practices,recommendations and guidelines in compliance with established Universityadministrative policies and procedures.

Minimum Education andExperience

Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience, orcombination of education and relevant experience. Advanced degree may berequired.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience leading or overseeing the work of technicalstaff.

• Understanding of relevant scientific, engineering, or technicaldisciplines.

• Ability to problem solve.

• Ability to synthesize and articulate technical and scientificmethodologies, specifications, and information.

• Experience leading scientific, engineering, or technical researchprojects or programs.

• Knowledge of emerging technologies, trends, methodologies, andresource management principles.

• Ability to work and communicate effectively with others.

• Strong customer relationship and consensus buildingskills.

• Ability to influence and establish effective workingrelationships in a diverse environment.

• Ability to resolve issues quickly and make decisions that meetuniversity objectives in a collaborative culture.