Laboratory Manager, Space Physics

Overview

Manage the Space Physics Laboratory at Princeton University, which is used to develop Space Flight Instruments for NASA Missions while simultaneously educating the next generation of space physicists and engineers who will be able to lead these fields. Develop and maintain a state-of-the-art ion/neutral Calibration Facility and be responsible for this and all other systems and aspects of the Space Physics Laboratory. Space Physics at Princeton is led by a Professor of Astrophysical Sciences and Associated Faculty in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, who is the Principal Investigator (PI) of numerous NASA Heliophysics missions and Space Flight Instruments, including a $750M mission that launches this year. The Laboratory Manager will report directly to the PI in parallel with the Executive Director of Space Physics. The Laboratory Manager will ensure all lab procedures and protocols are met according to Laboratory operating procedures, including Safety policies established by Princeton University's Office of Environmental Health and Safety, as well as all relevant NASA guidelines. The Laboratory Manager will help provide hands-on instruction to students who are enrolled in a lab class and/or conducting independent research with the group.

Responsibilities

Responsible for Overseeing Safety in all Operations of the Space Physics Laboratory:

- Foster a safe environment in the Lab for personnel and equipment, per Princeton University's Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) policies and relevant NASA guidelines- Supervise and train students and staff in laboratory safety, track completion of EHS training, and ensure continuous enhancement of safety culture- Maintain lab safety regarding large vacuum vessels and high voltage- Maintain cryogenic systems- Safe handling of high pressure gas system and cylinders- Proper use, storage and disposal of all chemicals and solvents- Oversee the safe use of power and hand tools in the Lab- Safe operation of the equipment lift- Safe operation of the bakeout ovens and fume hood- Conduct lab walk-throughs to identify and correct safety issues and notify PI, as appropriate- Ensure safety data sheets, personal protective equipment, and other safety items are present

Direct Initiatives and Strategies to Maintain and Improve State-of-the-Art Space Physics Laboratory:

- Proactively maintain and improve the Lab and lab equipment, including:> Ion/neutral calibration system for NASA space instrument development> All aspects of ultra-high vacuum systems including turbo-pumps, cryo-pumps, cryo-compressors, vacuum valves, and other equipment> Calibration Ion Beam and associated gas handling and high voltage systems> Ultra high vacuum, high precision motion system> Vacuum bake out system> Clean-room facility- Enhance productivity and initiate improvements in the performance of all systems through research and experimentation- Oversee procurements by Space Physics administrators to ensure consumables used in the Lab are continuously available

Lead the Technical Lab Instruction to Support the Education Mission of the Space Physics Laboratory:

- Design lab to meet scientifically rigorous educational objectives, as identified by the PI- Provide technical demonstrations to undergraduate students who are enrolled in the Lab Class or completing Junior Projects or Senior Theses as they develop complex hardware designed with specialized materials that require careful handling - Teach NASA space flight instrument development skills to students, including real flight instrument experience, processes, and knowledge- Train students in the laboratory skills they need to conduct their research:> cleaning assemblies for ultra-high vacuum> safe handling of detectors> electronics assembly> cable assembly> mechanical assembly> troubleshooting skills and techniques> proper use of all equipment in the lab- Ensure that necessary equipment for research is maintained and available for use

Provide technical expertise to support Engineers and Scientists in the Development of Flight Instruments for NASA Missions:

- Oversee proper handling of NASA Flight Hardware:> maintain traceable records> contamination control and ESD control> ensure access is limited to authorized personnel> use proper caution in handling the delicate equipment- Assist in the calibration of flight instruments:> reconfiguration of the chamber as required for the instrument calibration> installation and testing of additional support equipment> operation of the Ion Beam and Motion System> assist in the operation of the instrument during calibration runs- Support the assembly of detectors and sensors- Develop and maintain all Ground Support Equipment that is required for Flight Instruments- Develop prototype equipment to research and test innovative detector technologies

Provide Lab Supervision of Students, Visitors, and other Personnel:

- Serve as primary Point of Contact with EHS, Facilities, and other campus offices and serve as the Laboratory Supervisor of all work in the Lab- Oversee all students doing research in the Lab- Oversee all visitors entering the Lab- Train and oversee students that may be hired to work in the Lab- Train and oversee the work of any Princeton Staff performing research in the Lab

Qualifications

- BA or BS degree OR equivalent relevant experience- Previously been in charge of developing and maintaining a laboratory facility of a similar size and complexity- Prior experience in ultra-miniature and precision assembly, alignment, inspection, verification, testing, and documentation of space flight instrumentation- Prior experience building and maintaining ultra-high vacuum systems- Prior experience with cleanliness and contamination control required for sensitive detector systems- Has obtained certification to NASA standards for: (1) Soldering, (2) Wiring and Harnessing, and (3) staking and coating- Prior experience in the research and development of prototype detector systems- Prior experience working with and instructing undergraduate students

Preferred Qualifications:

- Technical education in some form of precision assembly work desirable- Familiarity with Princeton University support organizations (e.g., Facilities) and systems such as ServiceNow

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours 40.00 Eligible for Overtime No Benefits Eligible Yes Probationary Period 180 days Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail) No Physical Capacity Exam Required No Valid Drivers License Required No #LI-ZY1 Salary Range $120,000 to $129,000