Job Description

Laboratory Manager, Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies (CAPS)-2012608

Description:

The Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies (CAPS) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) seeks to find a Laboratory Manager who wants to work in a dynamic, stimulating environment in an educational setting. Your primary responsibilities are to facilitate high-quality laboratory and field experiments conducted in CAPS, to help train its users in the proper and safe operation of the experimental facilities, and to promote the efficient use of the shared resources and infrastructure available in the CAPS Laboratory.

CAPS has approximately 5000 ft2 of laboratory space and two mobile laboratories shared by 6 faculty members. The labs are used by ~25 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. We strive to be world leaders in the science, engineering, and policy encompassing the multifaceted roles and effects of fine particulate matter in the atmosphere. Our overarching research goal is to substantially advance the state of understanding regarding the sources, evolution, and effects of particulate matter through integrated experimental and modeling approaches. We work to provide policy-relevant research to actively participate in the development of environmental policy related to air quality and particulate matter. The CAPS laboratory is therefore home to a broad array of experimental and field laboratory research pursuits, ranging from physical chemistry experiments that probe new nanoparticle formation to the characterization and speciation of combustion emissions, and their effects on cloud microphysics. The shared CAPS laboratory houses an extensive array of modern commercial instrumentation for gas and aerosol physical and chemical analysis, as well as unique systems constructed in-house including aerosol optical tweezers and chemical ionization mass spectrometers.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a science or engineering discipline (e.g., Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, or Electrical Engineering; Chemistry; Atmospheric or Environmental Science; or a related discipline) preferred
• Three (3) to Five (5) years working in a laboratory environment

Desirable Skills

• While there is not a single optimal skill set for this position, the successful candidate should be able to demonstrate familiarity or mastery with many of the following skills and knowledge bases:
• Attention to detail and safety.
• Organizational skills: Contributing to the planning, design, and execution of coordinated campaigns across multiple instruments and users. Overseeing instrument and shared facilities scheduling.
• Laboratory equipment: Experience with the use, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory-grade equipment obtained from a variety of sources, ranging from commercially available to custom home-built systems. Specific experience with instruments for measuring concentrations and composition of atmospheric trace gases and particulate matter is an advantage, but is not required.
• Vacuum systems: Experience in the operation and maintenance of differentially-pumped high vacuum systems (commonly used in mass spectrometers and surface science experiments), vacuum fittings (Swagelok, KF flanges, etc.), inlets, leak testing, etc.
• Electronics: Troubleshooting basic analog and digital circuitry.
• Data acquisition: Familiarity with LabView, LabJack, Igor, or equivalent systems.
• Machining: Fabrication of simple components or modifications of existing components, use of CAD software (CMU has extensive recently renovated and expanded machining and rapid prototyping facilities).
• Analytical chemistry: Gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, etc.
• Bookkeeping: Tracking instrument maintenance, promoting keeping of instrument logs, recording laboratory expenditures and repairs.
• Curiosity: The ideal candidate will be not be happy to merely ‘keep the lights on’, and instead will be engaged enough to know when experiments are working and when they are not.
• Continuous improvement: The lab manager is empowered to improve upon any of the existing systems and laboratory practices, with feedback from its users.
• We will begin review of applications immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. Applications containing both a resume and letter of interest will be given top consideration.

More Information

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
• A listing of employee benefits is available at: www.cmu.edu/jobs/benefits-at-a-glance/.
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

Job Function: Research
Primary Location: United States-Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh 
Time Type: Full Time
Organization: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Minimum Education Level: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent 
Preferred Education Level: Master's Degree or equivalent
Budgeted Base Pay: Negotiable