Cleanroom Technician

The Team

The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago (https://www.czbiohub.org/chi) is an independent nonprofit research institute that brings together three powerhouse universities - Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - into a single collaborative technology and discovery engine. CZ Biohub itself supports some of the brightest, boldest engineers, data scientists, and biomedical researchers to make breakthroughs in medicine and develop new technologies, frequently in collaboration with our partner universities. We are guided by our values of scholarly excellence; disruptive innovation; hands-on engineering/hacking/building; partnership and collaboration; open communication and respect; inclusiveness; and opportunity for all.

Our Vision

• We pursue large scientific challenges that cannot be pursued in conventional environments
• We enable individual investigators to pursue their riskiest and most innovative ideas
• The technologies developed at CZ Biohub Chicago facilitate research by scientists and clinicians at our home institutions and beyond

Diversity of thought, ideas, and perspectives are at the heart of CZ Biohub Network and enable disruptive innovation and scholarly excellence. We are committed to cultivating an organization where all colleagues feel inspired and know their work makes an important contribution.

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 associated equipment, while also 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.

What You'll Bring

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 a new hire in this role is $93,000 - $127,600. New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. Actual placement in range is based on job-related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process. 

Benefits for the Whole You 

We’re thankful to have an incredible team behind our work. To honor their commitment, we offer a wide range of benefits to support the people who make all we do possible. 

• Provides a generous employer match on employee 401(k) contributions to support planning for the future.
• Paid time off to volunteer at an organization of your choice. 
• Funding for select family-forming benefits. 
• Relocation support for employees who need assistance moving

If you’re interested in a role but your previous experience doesn’t perfectly align with each qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply as you may be the perfect fit for this or another role.

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