Overview
Position
Nanofabrication SRI Manager
Job Code
Reports to
Director, R&I Ecosystems Infrastructure
Direct Reports
Division/Section
ERI Foundation
Department
ERI Foundation
Sector
Education, Research and Innovation
Job Family
Background & Role
NEOM is focused on becoming a pre-eminent global location for new technologies and associated future-facing industries, encompassing many sectors spanning from education, through health and well-being, the digital world, energy, food, and water, to creative industries, tourism, and sport. It will be driven by knowledge creation, fueled by Research and Innovation (R&I) programs that are international in scope, and characterized by their excellence and topicality.
The Education, Research, and Innovation Foundation (ERIF), one of the four pillars of the ERI sector, is charged with helping NEOM to build a vibrant R&I ecosystem. ERIF will convene and connect innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, service providers, academics, and students, to promote and enhance NEOM’s R&I credentials.
As an organization that translates ideas to impacts, ERIF will:
- Establish and operate the flagship ERIF Applied Research Institutes (ARIs).
- Establish and operate cutting-edge shared R&I infrastructures.
- Prioritize and deliver strategic R&I programs and initiatives.
- Support NEOM to build a robust and resilient R&I culture.
Three ARIs have already been initiated, focused on (i) Ocean Science and Solutions (OSSARI), (ii) Hydrogen and e-fuels (HEFARI), and (iii) the Future of Urban Liveability (FULARI). A fourth ARI is currently being developed and a fifth will follow next year. These ARIs build on NEOM strategic priorities and leverage key assets, in partnership with NEOM sectors including Environment, Nature and Conservation, Energy and Water, The Line, Tech and Digital (Tonomous), Sport, Health and Wellbeing, and Innovation. Our R&I infrastructures program is focused on establishing state-of-the-art shared facilities including (i) clean room and nanofabrication, (ii) analytical, (iii) imaging and characterization, (iv) high performance computing, and (v) mechanical, electrical, and printing workshops, and makerspaces. These facilities are planned for deployment within our ERI Oxagon campus and will be available for use by universities, ARIs, corporates, agencies, start-ups, and community users. Funding programs for R&I projects, initiatives, and fellowships, including our Academy of International Fellows program, are also being rolled out, with collaborative global projects underway across marine science and the energy transition.
The Senior Manager Lead for clean room and nanofabrication shared infrastructures will report to the NEOM ERI Foundation Director of R&I Ecosystems Infrastructure, with the task of delivering world-class clean room and nanofabrication infrastructure in the (soon to be constructed) ERI Campus at Oxagon.
They will provide key leadership to ensure that projects, tasks, and initiatives progress smoothly, as well as coordinating activities, resources, and information with the ERI Sector central Assets and procurement teams. In short, they are charged with delivering, commissioning and then managing state-of-the-art clean room and nanofabrication infrastructure for shared use by NEOM U and other higher education institutions, the ERIF Applied Research Institutes, corporate R&I partners, startups, and the NEOM sector and region R&I teams.
Accountabilities
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES
& Activities
Design, construction, and commissioning of clean room and nanofabrication infrastructure:
- Act as the ERIF client for the design, construction, and commissioning of the clean room and nanofabrication infrastructure on the ERI Campus at Oxagon, delivering a state-of-the-art, user-friendly, and efficient facility.
- Evaluate methods and techniques used by other clean room facilities globally, to ensure cutting-edge performance and standards.
- Foster a culture of safety and environmental responsibility, enforcing best practices and protocols in relation to health, safety, and environmental protection.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams in ERIF and ERI central operations, specifically Assets, Procurement, Health, Safety and Environment, and as well as the architects, main contractor, subcontractors, and stakeholders to achieve project goals and objectives.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards, including export control and permissible use stipulations.
- Develop and manage project budgets, schedules, and timelines, tracking progress and adjusting as needed.
- Oversee the procurement, installation, and commissioning of necessary nano- and micro-fabrication equipment, and the associated process monitoring and evaluation tools.
- Manage and mitigate project risks, resolving issues and conflicts to maintain project momentum.
- Provide regular project status updates and reports to senior management, addressing any concerns or deviations from the project plan.
- Mentor and support project team members, promoting professional growth and development.
- Demonstrate proficiency in scheduling and sequencing tasks to meet tight deadlines.
- Maintain strong and positive relationships with colleagues across ERIF, ERI central operations, NEOM U, NEOM sectors, contractors and subcontractors, ensuring clear communication and alignment of project objectives.
Clean-room operations:
- Ensure the effective and efficient operation of equipment and supporting the development of equipment use cases to address novel and challenging R&I activities identified by the user community.
- Develop and writing standard operating procedures, technical troubleshooting, maintenance, and updating, and user-support.
- Ensure and participate in the development of training systems and programs for cleanroom fabrication of nano- and micro-scale structures and devices, for undergraduate and postgraduate students, university and institute researchers, and industrial and other users.
- Ensure the maintenance, upkeep, and updating of equipment and the wider facility, including preventative maintenance and in-house repairs where appropriate, alongside conducting regular performance checks, inspections of plant and ancillary equipment, and liaising with contractors/ facilities directorate for repairs and servicing.
- Encourage information dissemination and knowledge transfer to support and benefit from related activities being undertaken by other NEOM sectors and/or external users.
Background, Skills & Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Successful track record of clean room design, construction and commissioning, achieving high compliance with clean room procedures and standards, underpinned with a strong knowledge of ISO14644.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to collaborate across teams.
- Professional IT skills including MS Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint and Excel.
- Ability to thrive and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic, and sometimes high-pressure environment.
- Proactive problem-solving and attention to detail.
- Self-motivated with a willingness to take initiative and solve complex problems.
- Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Proven experience in project management, or a similar role.
- Proficiency in project management tools and software.
- Ability to work across diverse teams and build sustainable partnerships.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelors degree in physical sciences or engineering
- PhD degree in physical sciences or engineering, with practical cleanroom processing experience, and/or
- 10+ years experience in the use, specification, procurement, and commissioning of clean room equipment, coupled with a deep understanding of the underlying principles and practical applications of nano- and microfabrication.
- Preferred:
- Certification in project management
COMMUNICATION - MAIN STAKEHOLDERS
Internal
External
- ERI Foundation Executive Director
- ERI Foundation Directors and Senior Managers.
- ERIF Shared research infrastructures operations team.
- ERI central Assets team.
- ERI central Procurement team.
- ERI and NEOM central HSE teams.
- NEOM U and Talent Academy R&I teams.
- NEOM sectors and regions R&I teams.
- Partner, collaborator, and other external agency staff involved in ERI Foundation programs, projects, initiatives, and other activities.
- ERIF Shared research infrastructures users.
