Electron-Beam Lithography & Process Engineer

Electron-Beam Lithography & Process Engineer

Job Overview

At the University of British Columbia, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

The UBC Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI) is a world-leading venture advancing research into solid state systems and phenomena that explicitly involve quantum mechanics. Among its core areas of expertise are the development of materials hosting novel quantum electronic states, and measurement of nanoscale electronic structures built from these materials, whose device characteristics display remarkable new paradigms of operation.

Blusson QMI has invested heavily on acquiring a state-of-the-art electron-beam lithography tool that enables device fabrication at the nanoscale, where quantum properties of materials manifest themselves. The Electron-Beam Lithography & Process Engineer is the dedicated engineer responsible for the tool, regarding all aspects of its operation, including user training and liaising with users, with the aim of delivering consistent and reliable service, and is responsible for fully exploiting the capabilities of this lithography tool. To this end, the post holder plans, designs and delivers complete micro/nano-fabrication engineering solutions for a number of different stakeholders working on various projects.

The individual is expected to work independently, with a proactive and creative spirit and in close collaboration with colleagues, in order to be able to deliver what is required of the role.

The post holder also 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 work place protocols.

Although the first priority of this position is ensuring the optimal functioning of the EBL system as a user facility, including working with the users themselves, the post holder will be encouraged to contribute to ongoing research projects when opportunities arise.

Organizational Status

The Electron-Beam Lithography & Process Engineer reports to Blusson QMI's Facilities Director. The post holder will work independently and pro-actively, and will be often required to use the Blusson QMI cleanroom and to collaborate closely with the Research Associate, Microfabrication.

Work Performed

The Electron-Beam Lithography & Process Engineer will be involved in leading a number of projects simultaneously with respect to their micro- and nano-engineering aspects. The Engineer will define requirements for materials and processes used in the fabrication of micro/nano-structured devices; produce specifications and other documents to manage the development of devices and processes; and develop and qualify new processes to meet requirements. The Engineer will also conduct analyses to determine reasons for failures of materials, devices or processes, implementing corrective and preventive actions.

The following items reflect the most important tasks associated with the post. The list is not complete and may change as the role evolves with time. The Electron-Beam Lithography and Process Engineer:

1. Plans, designs, develops and delivers innovative process specifications for the realization of micro- and nano-structured devices, using techniques that include, but are not limited to, electron-beam lithography, photolithography, wet and dry etching, physical and chemical vapour deposition, electro-forming, soft lithography, and metrology.
2. Working on a number of different projects, develops innovative technologies for micro/nano-structured devices and transfers such technologies to a diverse user community that includes internal and external stakeholders and industrial partners.
3. Advises on the design and feasibility of micro/nano-engineering aspects of various research projects for a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
4. Designs and develops novel capabilities of existing and new nano/micro-fabrication equipment, designs and develops experiments, and finds solutions to complex engineering problems.
5. Monitors the performance of processes that make use of the electron-beam lithography tool and engineers all necessary interventions, ensuring that these processes remain operational and perform to specifications.
6. Is the main person responsible for Blusson QMI's electron-beam lithography tool, regarding all aspects of its operation, including user training and liaising with users, with the aim of delivering consistency and reliability.
7. Spends 10-30% of work time in keeping current with the Facility's micro and nanofabrication tools and processes, by spending time in the cleanroom, and by liaising with colleagues as appropriate.
8. Offers time, skills and expertise to other Blusson QMI labs and projects, as instructed by Blusson QMI's Facilities Director, and performs other tasks relevant to the job, as required.

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 Blusson QMI's 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. Supervises, guides and instructs the cleanroom technician, as required.

Minimum Qualifications

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in Engineering or Applied Science. An undergraduate degree in Physics, Chemistry or another relevant discipline would also be suitable. Master's or PhD degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or other relevant discipline is preferred. A minimum of 5 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Essential qualifications:
- Computer skills, including mask layout and CAD-related software
- Experience in a research and/or research & development setting, involving micro and nanofabrication process development
- Previous working knowledge and experience in operating an electron-beam lithography system, as evidenced by a portfolio of fabricated devices
- Proven working knowledge and hands-on experience in a range of other micro/nano-fabrication techniques, including but not limited to: photolithography, resist processing, wet and dry etching, physical and chemical vapour deposition, electroforming, bonding, and micromachining
- Proven working knowledge of analysis techniques, including but not limited to: scanning electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, and contact profilometry
- Proven awareness of safe work practices
- Demonstrated ability to creatively solve engineering problems
- Lab instrumentation/equipment fault finding and fault diagnosis skills
- Demonstrated team work qualities

Desirable qualifications:
- Experience with 100 kV electron-beam lithography systems
- Knowledge of and experience in Linux-based operating systems and computer programming
- Published research involving micro and nanofabrication
- Knowledge of and experience in vacuum systems
- Knowledge of high-end lithography software
- Knowledge of software-hardware interface technologies

Please apply online at this link.