Details
Open Date 04/15/2026
Requisition Number PRN44752B
Job Title Research Science Management
Working Title Electron Microscopy & Surface Analysis Lab Manager
Career Progression Track M00
Track Level M4 - Senior Manager, M3 - Manager
FLSA Code Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Standard Hours per Week 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary
Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-5:00PM
VP Area Academic Affairs
Department 00052 - UTAH NANOFAB
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range 85,000-115,000
Close Date 05/31/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
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 Responsibilities
Leadership 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.
Type Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the:University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted athttps://oeo.utah.edu
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As perUniversity of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
