UBC Vancouver Campus - Vancouver, BC, Canada, Canada
Onsite
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Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
March 31, 2028
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Job Description Summary
The Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute at UBC (Blusson QMI) is a world-leading venture advancing research into solid-state systems and phenomena that explicitly involve quantum mechanics. Core areas of expertise include the development of materials and methods of fashioning them into functional devices that display remarkable new paradigms of operation.
Blusson QMI has invested heavily in a state-of-the-art JEOL JBX-8100FS 100 kV vector-scan electron-beam lithography tool to enable device fabrication at the nanoscale where quantum properties manifest. The Electron-Beam Lithography & Process Engineer is the dedicated senior expert and single point of accountability for this tool across all operational, technical, and client-facing dimensions. The role owns the full exploitation of the JBX-8100FS as a revenue-generating asset that supports Blusson QMI’s primary mission of academic research by delivering consistent, reliable, high-resolution patterning services to both internal academic researchers and external industrial partners under NDA-protected, fee-for-service-driven contracts.
While the primary responsibility is ensuring optimal functioning of the JEOL JBX-8100FS (including user/client training, scheduling, and service delivery), the Engineer will be encouraged to actively contribute technical expertise to ongoing academic research projects when strategic opportunities arise, thereby supporting the Institute’s core mission of advancing quantum-matter science.
The Engineer plans, designs, and delivers complete micro- and nano-fabrication engineering solutions for multiple concurrent projects, working independently with a proactive and creative spirit while collaborating closely with colleagues. A core part of the mandate is to advance Blusson QMI’s industry-service business model by translating partner-company requirements into manufacturable, yield-critical device processes and interacting directly with stakeholders at the highest technical and executive levels (C-level, VP, and principal engineers).
The post holder has a duty to ensure that all tasks conducted within Blusson QMI labs are performed in a safe manner that conforms to current legislation and workplace protocols.
The role will also support Blusson QMI’s strategic shift toward a sustainable industry-service model. The Engineer will actively support the growth of commercial partnerships by translating company device requirements into high-value nanofabrication deliverables, contributing directly to the Facility’s reputation as a preferred partner for quantum, photonics, semiconductor, and advanced-materials companies.
Organizational Status
The Electron-Beam Lithography & Process Engineer reports to the Blusson QMI Facilities Director. The post holder will work independently and proactively, making frequent use of Blusson QMI cleanroom facilities and collaborating closely with other facility staff to deliver industry-standard results.
Work Performed
The Electron-Beam Lithography & Process Engineer will support multiple concurrent commercial and academic research projects end-to-end, owning the micro- and nano-fabrication aspects from initial device specification through to functional, yield-critical deliverables. This senior role requires ownership of Blusson QMI’s JEOL JBX-8100FS (100 kV vector-scan system) as a revenue-generating, client-facing asset that serves both internal academic researchers and external industrial partners. The Engineer will translate partner company requirements into manufacturable processes, produce detailed specifications and documentation for device and process development, qualify new processes to strict industry standards, and perform root-cause failure analysis with corrective and preventive actions that ensure repeatable, high-reliability outcomes for external clients.
The following items reflect the core responsibilities of the role. The list is not exhaustive and will evolve as Blusson QMI’s industry-service business model matures. The Electron-Beam Lithography and Process Engineer:
What Success Looks Like:
Success in this role will be measured by high JEOL JBX-8100FS utilization for both academic and commercial projects. On the academic front, success will be measured by effective training and mentoring of HQP (graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research associates) in advanced electron-beam lithography and process-integration techniques, as well as close collaboration with research groups within Blusson QMI to streamline and optimize nanofabrication processes that directly support high-impact academic research, grant deliverables, and knowledge dissemination. On the industry side, success will be measured through strong client satisfaction with repeat business, successful qualification and delivery of new industry-grade processes, and measurable contributions to Blusson QMI’s nanofabrication service revenue and reputation as a trusted industry partner.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors in judgement, mishandling of tools and neglect in following standard procedures could lead to the reduction of service available to the Institute affiliated UBC research groups and external users, cause damage to expensive equipment and endanger the health and safety of the post holder, other lab users and those in the vicinity. The position is central to the operation and delivery of services in Blusson QMI’s electron-beam lithography facility. Poor performance or errors in judgement may impact timely provision of services required by research, in particular students, who are working to strict timelines, and other internal and external users, including from industry and government. Issues with data quality could impact those stakeholders as well as the reputation of the facility and the University. Errors in performing the responsibilities of this position could also lead to unsafe laboratory conditions, which may jeopardize the safety of facility users and the role holder. Poor decisions could cause financial loss to the Institute via failure to collect money owing for use of facilities and exposure to liability or damage to equipment or facilities.
Supervision Received
Works independently. Reports to the Facilities Director, who determines the broad direction and operational requirements of the role, and who may also offer training and guidance.
Supervision Given
Provides advice to faculty, staff, postdocs, graduate students and other facility users on the proper and safe use of the electron-beam lithography tool and the associated processes, and oversees their activities within the electron-beam lithography lab.
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in Engineering or Applied Science. Minimum of five years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Degree in Engineering, Applied Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline. A graduate degree is strongly preferred. The successful candidate will be a recognized expert in high-resolution electron-beam lithography with a proven track record of delivering functional, yield-critical devices in academic/industrial or commercial R&D environments. Essential qualifications:
Highly Desirable Qualifications:
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