Science Instrument Specialist, Physics

Under the direction of the Director of Science Services, the position is responsible for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting a low-temperature scanning NV magnetometry system, along with scanning probe equipment, high vacuum systems, electronics, and other scientific instruments including but not limited to X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM). The technician will support faculty, students, and staff in cutting-edge quantum sensing, magnetism, and materials science research and learning.  

About the Institution: Since its founding in 1885, Bryn Mawr College has been the preeminent college for women interested in the pursuit of wisdom necessary to challenge the world's expectations. With its pioneering American Collegiate Gothic architecture and picturesque landscape, our campus is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the country. Located less than 15 miles from Philadelphia, and within 2-3 hours of New York City, Baltimore, and Washington, DC, Bryn Mawr’s location offers easy access to public transportation and endless recreation, dining, retail, and cultural activities. 

Schedule & Benefits: Bryn Mawr is committed to building and sustaining a campus community where faculty and staff can thrive. The College offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits. This full-time, non-exempt position has an anticipated schedule of 35 hours per week, year-round (1,820 hours annualized).   

Position Responsibilities:  

Operation and Maintenance of the Low-Temperature Scanning NV Magnetometry System: 

• Set up, calibrate, and operate low-temperature scanning NV magnetometers for various research experiments. 

• Troubleshoot and maintain low temperature scanning NV magnetometry systems, including high-vacuum, cryogenic cooling, scanning probe, and laser alignment. 

• Regularly perform maintenance on system components, such as cryostats, optical components (lasers, lenses, filters), and scanning probes. 

• Optimize system configurations for specific experimental conditions, ensuring high sensitivity and resolution. 

High Vacuum Equipment: 

• Operate and maintain high vacuum systems used for experiments, including pumps, gauges, and vacuum-sealing techniques. ** Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) experience is a plus. 

• Ensure system cleanliness and minimize contamination to maintain optimal vacuum conditions. 

Cryogenic System Management: 

• Operate and maintain cryogenic cooling systems required for low-temperature NV magnetometry experiments. 

• Ensure the cryostats are functioning properly and maintain stable low-temperature environments. 

• Handle cryogenic materials safely, monitor supplies, and manage the refilling process. 

Scanning Probe Equipment: 

• Operate and maintain scanning probe equipment such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) or scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) for nanometer-scale imaging and characterization. 

• Perform routine calibrations and troubleshoot issues related to probe performance and sample scanning. 

Confocal Microscope Support, Operation, and Maintenance: 

• Operate and maintain a confocal microscope for a variety of research projects, ensuring optimal performance and high-quality image acquisition. 

• Perform regular calibrations and maintenance of the confocal systems, including laser alignments, optics cleaning, and software updates. 

• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to the microscope and associated hardware and software. 

Support for X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Vibrating-Sample Magnetometer (VSM): 

• Operate and maintain X-ray diffraction systems to assist in structural analysis of materials, ensuring proper calibration and system functionality. 

• Manage the vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM), including setup, operation, and data acquisition for magnetic characterization of materials. 

• Provide support for researchers using these instruments, helping to set up experiments, and analyze collected data. 

Electronics and Instrumentation: 

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair electronic components and instrumentation as needed 

Experiment Support and Data Collection: 

• Assist faculty, students, and researchers in designing and executing experiments using low-temperature NV magnetometry, XRD, and VSM for quantum sensing and material characterization. 

• Ensure the proper acquisition and analysis of experimental data, maintaining high-quality standards in measurement accuracy and reproducibility. 

• Collaborate on the interpretation of results and provide input on optimizing experimental protocols. 

Safety and Compliance: 

• Ensure safe operation of all lab equipment, especially regarding the handling of cryogenic materials, high vacuum systems, and high-powered lasers. 

• Maintain a safe and organized laboratory environment, ensuring proper handling of cryogens, high-powered lasers, and X-ray equipment. 

Training and Technical Support: 

• Provide training to students, postdocs, and researchers on the use of low-temperature NV magnetometry, confocal microscope, XRD, and VSM systems.  

• Serve as a technical resource for troubleshooting and maintaining lab instrumentation. 

Documentation and Reporting: 

• Keep detailed records of equipment maintenance, calibration, and experimental procedures. 

• Assist in the preparation of technical reports and publications by contributing data analysis and summaries. 

Other Responsibilities: 

• Coordinate service for more complex repairs or specialized services performed by contract specialists.  Ship portable equipment for off-site calibration and repair as needed.  Coordinate warranty repairs with manufacturer’s technical service providers. 

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed. 

Qualifications:   

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical field, is .  

• Strong technical problem-solving skills and the ability to work with complex lab systems.  

• Demonstrated experience with scanning probe systems such as undergraduate research experience with AFM.  

• Experience with cryogenic systems, including safe handling of cryogenic cells. 

• Experience with high vacuum systems; ultra-high vacuum experience is a plus. 

• Familiarity with confocal microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and vibrating-sample magnetometers (VSM).  

• Hands-on experience with electronics, including troubleshooting and repair of instrumentation. 

• Excellent interpersonal and oral communications skills. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, concurrent projects and tasks and competing time demands. 

• Physical mobility and strength sufficient to access instruments and perform repairs, climb steps. 

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time. 

• Vision sufficient to read computer screen and printed materials, perform instrument repairs and services. 

• Ability to lift up to 50 lb. 

• A driver’s license is required.  

• Ability to operate forklift is preferred. 

• Experience with quantum sensing techniques, particularly nitrogen-vacancy (NV) magnetometry is preferred.  

• Demonstrated experience training students on the use of scientific instruments is preferred. 

• Experience in an academic or research lab environment is preferred. 

• Successful completion of satisfactory background checks is required.  

To apply, upload your complete application package as a single PDF document. A complete application package includes: 1) cover letter; 2) resume; and 3) names/contact information for three professional references. Application review will continue until the position is filled. To initiate your application, use the APPLY button.