Manager, qLab Operations, Quantum City

Position Overview

Quantum City under the VP Research invites applications for a Manager, qLab. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 4.5 years (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The University of Calgary (UCalgary) is creating a vibrant quantum economic and scientific hub based in Calgary - Quantum City - leveraging the leading quantum science and technology programs of Campus Alberta institutions and a burgeoning UCalgary innovation ecosystem. Quantum City outputs will include specialized infrastructure, qLab, to support university research and company agendas. This is a key leadership position within the qLab.

This position reports to the qLab Director, Quantum City, and with the approval of the Managing Director, Quantum City, the successful candidate will be responsible for overall operation of the qLab including leading the team of professionals. Working closely with the qLab Scientific Lead and qLab Director, the successful candidate will provide strategic direction of the qLab, safe and efficient operation, and general operational leadership. As qLab manager, this position is to mange day-to-day operations of the qLab and addressing any issues as they arise.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Provide direct supervision of qLab technical staff, helping assist with daily operations to ensure lab is running effectively
• Assist in qLab staff recruitment, including creating job profiles and conducting interviews
• Review procedures (drafted by the qLab technical team) to ensure they are safe and compatible with facility equipment
• Ensure projects undertaken are managed effectively, on time, on budget and aligned with the projects' overall objectives
• Maintenance equipment with assistance with operations team (preventive measures, repairing equipment, documentation of processes/work)
• Develop, design, and implement policy which governs project or team objectives
• Analyze and improve organizational processes within the facility, and work to improve quality, productivity, and efficiency. This will include establishing and maintaining relevant metrics on facility operation and usage and engaging in business development activities to aid sustainable funding of the facility
• Direct staff assisting campus wide research groups and industry partners/clients in fabricating devices for their research
• Direct strategy for how to maintain qLab equipment (service contracts vs. paying for repairs vs. DIY)
• Advise on and support equipment purchases and assess, recommend, and oversee timely completion of any necessary infrastructure modifications.
• Monitors qLab revenue and adjusts activities accordingly (e.g. academic: industry access to the qLab) and grows facility usage
• Writes (or submit draft proposals to the Managing Director or qLab Director, Quantum City) and submits funding proposals and reports
• Monitor equipment usage and manage inefficiencies within the qLab
• Co-lead implementation of qLab strategies to increase the usage and visibility of the facility, such as publicity material, attending events and meetings to promote the facility
• Form meaningful business relations with industry partners and researchers that establishes strong connections
• Utilize and leverage all equipment and staff capabilities to ensure qLab is maximizing resources
• Present specialized, technical information to internal and/or external stakeholders.
• Provide clients with information and advice about programs and services
• Enhance and expand research opportunities through the development of specialized procedures/workshops/training courses or acquisition of new equipment

Qualifications / Requirements:

• PhD or MSc with relevant industry experience, in engineering, physics, chemistry, material science or equivalent
• 5+ years hands on experience in the operation and maintenance of research laboratories, cleanrooms with nano/quantum fabrication and characterization equipment.
• An understanding of the operation and maintenance of cleanrooms and the equipment housed within is required.
• Experience in operating and maintaining microfabrication equipment in a class 1000 (or better) clean room environment is preferred
• The incumbent must possess technical and personal problem solving and conflict resolution skills along with demonstrating strong multi-tasking, communication, facilitation, negotiation, leadership and customer service skills.
• Position may be asked to provide highly skilled services of considerable complexity with little or no direction.
• Position is a resource to others, both internal and external and is expected to be a role model and mentor.
• Attention to detail is crucial in both following and developing procedures, as well as in keeping accurate and detailed records, establishing, and maintaining metrics.
• Good background and understanding of University culture and context regarding teaching, research and safety are required.
• Proper time management is essential, as there will be multiple, concurrent deadlines and tasks.
• Experience in training others is preferred
• Experience in grant proposal writing is preferred

Application Deadline:  November 3, 2022

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is classified in the Technical Professional Career Band, Level 3 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.