NCFL Laboratory Manager

Location: Blacksburg
Posted on: June 23, 2025

Job Description:

NCFL Instrumentation Laboratory Manager will have primary responsibility for overseeing and/or assisting select instrument laboratories at the NCFL in coordination with the NCFL director and other Instrumentation Laboratory Managers. Instrument laboratories for which this Instrument Research Associate is being sought include 1) Scanning Transmission and Transmission Electron Microscopy (S/TEM) and 2) focused ion beam (FIB)/scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The individual in this position must possess relevant skills in the operation and basic maintenance of S/TEM, FIB/SEM, and/or SEM instruments and related tools for sample preparation and analysis, user training, and education/outreach in coordination with a diverse team. Given the high-degree of coordination required in a fast-paced environment, the individual will be well-organized, will always ensure safe working practices, will communicate effectively with others, as well as provide counsel to users on best practices to achieve high quality results. Depending on the education and experience of the successful candidate, an offer of appointment may be made at either the rank of Research Associate, Senior Research Associate, or Research Scientist. Individuals with a PhD hired at the rank of Research Scientist are encouraged to conceptualize and advance a research agenda aligned with NCFL and Virginia Tech strategic priorities. Research Scientists may operate as a PI/Co-PI on external grant applications and produce scholarly works suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals or presentation at national/international meetings. Job Duties 1) User Support: Operate NCFL instruments and related tools in one or more of the following laboratories: 1) S/TEM Lab and/or 2) FIB/SEM Lab. 1) For the S/TEM Lab, the individual will operate S/TEM instruments and related tools for both internal and external user projects using appropriate imaging and/or spectrometry techniques (bright field/dark field imaging, electron diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and high resolution S/TEM imaging). Operation will include supporting/instructing lab exercise sessions for undergraduate, graduate, or equivalent courses. Operate dual-beam FIB for TEM sample prep as backup for FIB/SEM instrument manager. 2) For the FIB/SEM Lab, the individual will operate SEM, FIB, and related tools for both internal and external user projects using appropriate imaging and/or spectrometry techniques (Secondary Electron (SE) and Back-Scattered Electron (BSE) imaging, electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and high-resolution imaging). Operation will include performing lift-out specimen preparation for TEM analysis and will further include supporting/instructing lab exercise sessions for undergraduate, graduate, or equivalent courses. The individual may also operate other SEM and TEM instrumentation as backup for other NCFL Instrument Research Scientists. 2) User Training: Provide basic instrument operation training to users in one or more of the following laboratories: 1) S/TEM Lab and/or 2) FIB/SEM Lab. 1) For the S/TEM Lab, provide basic S/TEM instrument operation training to users including basic alignment, basic imaging (bright field/dark field imaging), electron diffraction, high resolution imaging, and S/TEM-EDX chemical analysis; support S/TEM data analysis for users, which includes, but is not limited to, training users on basic data analysis software and providing guidance in the preparation of technical reports. 2) For the FIB/SEM Lab, provide basic SEM and FIB instrument operation training to users including basic alignment, basic SE/BSE imaging, EBSD analysis, high-resolution imaging, and EDX analysis; support for SEM, FIB, and EBSD users, which includes, but is not limited to, training users on basic data analysis software and providing guidance in the preparation of technical reports. 3) NCFL Operations Support: Perform day-to-day maintenance and calibration of instruments and related tools located in one or more of the following laboratories: 1) S/TEM Lab and/or 2) FIB/SEM Lab. 1) For the S/TEM Lab, perform day-to-day maintenance and calibration of S/TEM sample preparation equipment and rooms; be responsible for daily S/TEM alignment, calibration, and troubleshooting. 2) For the FIB/SEM Lab, perform day-to-day maintenance and calibration of SEM/FIB/EBSD sample preparation equipment and rooms; be responsible for daily FIB/SEM alignments, calibration, and troubleshooting. All NCFL Instrument Research Scientists will collaborate as a positive team member with other NCFL staff to implement day-to-day maintenance of the facility’s instruments, peripheral tools, and data back-ups, as well as run NCFL-related instrument sessions, outreach, and educational activities, including conducting tours of the facility for visitors; serve as a liaison with service engineers; assist NCFL director in developing and implementing sustainable instrument maintenance and upgrade strategy; be responsive to urgent/emergency calls from users and ICTAS staff. Given the nature of this position, it requires occasional work after 5PM on weekdays and on weekends; occasional travel may be required. 4) Laboratory Support: Provide efficient and professional laboratory assistance in a fast-paced environment; effectively manage and prioritize competing demands; keep shared laboratory facilities operating at a high degree of organization, cleanliness, and safety. 5) Communication: Communicate and work effectively with users and other NCFL stakeholders with a variety of technical and cultural backgrounds; establish and enforce instrument usage procedures; maintain strong technical record keeping skills related, for example, to instrument operation, experimental procedures, and user interactions. 6) Research: Individuals possessing a PhD and hired at the rank of Research Scientist may conduct research with or without supervision using standard and non-standard procedures appropriate to the field of nanoscale characterization and fabrication. The individual will recognize problems and inconsistencies in data, propose solutions, and offer scholarly interpretations of experimental outcomes. The individual will lead in the preparation of reports and peer-reviewed publications describing research results and their implications. NCFL Instrumentation Research Managers who conduct research will be expected to seek external grant support and serve as either PI or Co-PI in pursuit of their scholarly research interests either independently or in collaboration with a team. Required Qualifications 1) An advanced degree with significant related professional experience (required for the rank of Research Associate). A PhD in a related discipline (required for the rank of Senior Research Associate or Research Scientist). 2a) For S/TEM Lab: 1. Experience with basic electron microscopy on crystalline and poorly-crystalline samples including obtaining Selected Area and Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction data as well as indexing such data. 2. Experience with general sample preparation techniques (e.g., drop casting, FIB sectioning, ultramicrotomy, mechanical grinding, ion milling, electro-polishing) 3. Experience operating both field-emission and LaB6 source Scanning Transmission and Transmission Electron Microscopes equipped with and silicon drift energy dispersive X-ray spectrometers (note: electron microscopes are covered by annual service contracts) 4. Working knowledge of applications software for transmission electron microscopy (e.g., Digital Micrograph, JEOL EDX software) 2b) For FIB/SEM Lab: 1. Experience operating Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) and Dual Beam Focused Ion Beam (DB-FIB) Electron Microscopes. 2. Experience with general sample preparation techniques (e.g., mechanical polishing, electropolishing, diffuse ion milling). 3. Working knowledge of applications software for Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) (e.g., Oxford Instruments Aztec, EDAX TSL OIM Software) 3) Demonstrated experience establishing and enforcing prescribed instrument procedures 4) Demonstrated communication and record-keeping skills 5) Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from a variety of technical and cultural backgrounds 6) Occasional work during weekdays after 5PM or on weekends, and occasional travel Preferred Qualifications 1) A PhD in a related discipline or advanced degree with significant related professional experience (required for the rank of Senior Research Associate). A PhD in a related discipline (required for the rank of Research Scientist). 2) Experience teaching material related to electron microscopy (e.g., theory, practical usage) 3a) For S/TEM Lab: Experience with JEOL JEM 2100 and/or a spherical aberration corrected electron microscope 3b) For FIB/SEM Lab: Experience with FIB and SEM operation, including a working knowledge of applications software for each 4) Experience demonstrating S/TEM and/or FIB/SEM capabilities for outreach to a variety of audiences (e.g., K–12 students and teachers, undergraduate and graduate students, researchers including in academia, government, and industry) 5) Experience with other nanoscale characterization and fabrication tools such as TEM, SIMS, EBeam Lithography, and/or various other tools as part of a versatile user facility Overtime Status Exempt: Not eligible for overtime Appointment Type Restricted Salary Information Commensurate with experience, starting at $70,000 Hours per week 40 Additional Information The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check. About Virginia Tech Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. 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Keywords: , Burlington , NCFL Laboratory Manager, Science, Research & Development , Blacksburg, North Carolina