Research Support Specialist

Academic Laboratory Support Specialist - Nanoscale Science and Engineering Department: Nanoscale Science and Engineering - 02529 Locations: Albany, NY Posted: Sep 14, 2026 Closes: Open Until Filled Type: Full-time Ref.No.: WF260032 PositionID: 204773 About University at Albany: The University at Albany is a Carnegie-classified Research 1 institution driven by academic excellence, pioneering research and scientific discovery, and service to community. UAlbany's world-class faculty experts and approximately 17,500 students are creating new knowledge in fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor engineering, atmospheric and environmental sciences, cybersecurity, public health, public administration and social welfare while deepening our understanding of our world through scholarship and creative activity in the social sciences and humanities. As one of the most diverse public research institutions in the nation, the University is a national leader in public engagement, educational equity and social mobility. For over 180 years, UAlbany has molded bright, curious and engaged students and launched them toward success. Located in Albany, New York, New York State's capital, the University is convenient to Boston, New York City, and the Adirondacks. Job Description: The Department of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (DNSE) seeks an Academic Laboratory Support Technician to maintain the instructional infrastructure that supports the departments mission to provide students with hands-on learning experiences using advanced semiconductor fabrication and nanotechnology equipment. The incumbent will provide technical support for the operation, maintenance, repair, installation, and safe use of sophisticated semiconductor and microelectronics processing equipment, measurement systems, and supporting infrastructure located in the DNSE "Innovation Lab" nanofabrication cleanroom facility, and multiple educational laboratories across DNSE. By ensuring equipment operational capabilities, supporting laboratory instruction, training students, and maintaining a safe environment, this position is essential to the College. Primary Responsibilities: Laboratory Equipment Maintenance, Repair, and Technical Support Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair highly sophisticated laboratory equipment and tooling to support semiconductor and microelectronics education. Customize, modify, and upgrade legacy equipment within the DNSE department to improve equipment utilization, safety, and performance. Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on laboratory and cleanroom equipment. Monitor the day-to-day operational status of tools and equipment located in the Innovation Lab cleanrooms and laboratories within the DNSE sections of the NY CREATES Albany Nanotech Complex. Schedule and coordinate required maintenance and repair activities to maximize equipment availability. New Equipment Installation and Commissioning Coordinate with site engineering and safety teams in the execution of equipment installations. Provide process readiness and process acceptance documentation to equipment vendors. Assess new equipment acquisitions for compatibility with existing infrastructure. Install utility connections to new equipment, including electrical, compressed gases, and fluid lines, including fluid- and vacuum-tight assembly such as compression fittings, metal gasketing, and tube welding. Laboratory Operations and Safety Develop and implement administrative and engineering controls for the proper handling and disposal of hazardous waste and unused chemicals in accordance with University and site policies. Support the safe operation of cleanroom and laboratory facilities by monitoring equipment functionality and identifying operational or safety concerns. Ensure laboratory operations comply with applicable environmental, health, and safety requirements. Training and Academic Support Train faculty, staff, undergraduate students, and graduate students on the safe operation and proper use of cleanroom and nanofabrication equipment. Provide technical guidance and support to students engaged in laboratory coursework, research activities, and engineering projects. Assist with laboratory-based instructional activities and fabrication efforts. Inventory, Asset, and Resource Management Maintain equipment inventories, operational status records, and preventive maintenance schedules. Coordinate the ordering of supplies and maintain purchasing records in collaboration with the Academic Engineering Support Group (AESG) Manager. Lead asset management activities, including equipment decontamination, decommissioning, and disposal of obsolete laboratory assets. Departmental Equipment and Project Support Assist other members of the Academic Engineering Support Group with departmental requests for equipment relocation and project coordination at the direction of the AESG Manager. Provide additional technical support for educational and teaching activities related to DNSE laboratories. Other Reasonable Duties as Assigned Functional and Supervisory Relationships: Reports to the AESG Manager Supervises the following positions: May supervise employees as assigned. Job Requirements: Broad knowledge of scientific equipment pertaining to physics, chemistry, materials, and engineering. Track record of working with a team. Mechanical skills related to cleanroom / semiconductor wafer process technology. Ability to work in cleanroom environment and around functioning electrical equipment including: high voltage systems, vacuum systems, and gas / fluid control and distribution systems, compressed gasses, chemicals, wet and dry laboratory equipment, and variable lighting conditions (yellow light cleanroom environment, dark spaces). Ability to safely work in laboratory environments and comply with all University, site, and environmental health and safety requirements. Ability to effectively interact and collaborate with students, faculty, instructors, researchers, and external users in support of instructional, research, and laboratory operations. Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community. Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role. Requirements: Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization. 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in cleanroom and semiconductor fabrication and/or research experience. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization. 5 to 10 years of experience in a cleanroom/semiconductor fabrication environment, or comparable laboratory environment with in-depth knowledge of managing research laboratory conditions. Experience in an academic laboratory environment. Experience troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, vacuum, and compressed gas systems University laboratory and office environment Ability to lift 40lbs and work standing for multiple consecutive hours. Additional Information: Professional Rank and Salary Grade: Instructional Support Specialist,SL4,$75,000-80,000. Special Note: #J-18808-Ljbffr University At Albany